In this talk, the speaker recounts his journey to becoming a filmmaker. He highlights core values—empathy, passion, hope, fear , and curiosity—as essential qualities for the craft. He also speaks about cultivating a habit of reading widely across genres and discovering stories everywhere. Based in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Srikanth Velagaleti is a seasoned filmmaker and storyteller with 15 years of experience in the Indian film industry. His directorial debut, Utt Pataang, garnered critical acclaim and showcased his talent alongside notable actors. Passionate about philosophy, the environment, and animal welfare, he is set to release Dinchak Dinchak, a socially relevant film addressing the crucial topic of sex education for youth, reflecting his commitment to illuminating untold stories. With a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries, Srikanth continues to inspire through his diverse projects and lectures on filmmaking. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Viviamo in un’epoca in cui la fretta è spesso considerata il nemico: ci rende superficiali, distratti, sempre in ritardo rispetto a qualcosa.Ma se non fosse così semplice? In questo talk del regista e autore Walter Nanni, ispirato anche alla visione dello spazio-tempo di Albert Einstein e alla sua teoria della relatività, la fretta viene riletta da una prospettiva diversa: non solo come limite, ma come possibile forma di urgenza autentica. Regista e documentarista che nel 2011 è stato in concorso per il David di Donatello nella sezione nella sezione “miglior documentario” con Colpa Nostra. Da anni racconta le bellezze e le mille sfumature dell’Abruzzo attraverso immagini capaci di trasformare il territorio in emozione. Il suo lavoro lo ha portato in otto Paesi e tre continenti, con progetti che intrecciano estetica, impegno civile e un profondo senso di responsabilità sociale. Le sue opere, teatrali e cinematografiche, sono spesso adottate da scuole e università come strumenti di riflessione e crescita. La sua produzione spazia dal teatro comico e di narrazione ai reportage, dai videoclip ai documentari per la televisione e il cinema. Nei suoi lavori, spesso caratterizzati da un taglio giornalistico e girati tra Europa, Africa e Nord America, emergono con forza temi etici di grande attualità: la lotta alle mafie, l’emigrazione, la tutela dell’ambiente. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Meera Gadilkar invites us into a quiet yet powerful world, one written in ink and honesty. In her heartfelt talk, she shares how a simple diary became a safe space to understand her thoughts, emotions, and growing self. Through moments of joy and reflection, Meera shows how journaling captures what photographs cannot, the true meaning behind our experiences. Curious, enthusiastic & eager to grow; Meera Gadilkar has a keen interest in learning, creativity & personal development. Currently a Grade 3 student at EuroSchool Kharadi, Meera actively participates in academic and co-curricular activities, always striving to expand her knowledge and skills. With a positive attitude towards learning and a passion for exploring new ideas, she is building a strong foundation for her future while contributing meaningfully to her school community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Jenny performs an elegant dance, demonstrating the balance between traditional and modern dance elements. Jenny Wu is a performer of traditional Chinese dance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

This talk reflects on 16 years in journalism, with a particular focus on a decade of reporting on Myanmar. Drawing from firsthand experience, it explores the responsibility behind storytelling and highlights how the choices journalists make—what to show, what to say, and how to say it—shape the way the world understands complex realities. Panu Wongcha-um is a senior correspondent for Thomson Reuters covering Thailand and mainland Southeast Asia, with over a decade of experience reporting major regional events. He also serves as president of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The speaker leads with the notion that street dogs are part of our daily lives but often overlooked and that its time we consider them as part of our society and not as a problem. The speaker stresses that street dogs, even though voiceless, deserve to be heard. Jasmeet has won an international competition for Indian classical music - vocal held in Dubai in 2024. She adores animals and loves interacting with them. Naturally extroverted and expressive, she enjoys engaging with people and ideas, often finding inspiration through music. She believes empathy begins with understanding and communication. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

John’s speech highlights how his struggle with stuttering shaped his journey as a music educator and built his resilience. Despite rejection and doubt, he transformed his perceived weakness into a strength, ultimately achieving success at the highest level in his field. His message emphasises that success comes not despite challenges, but because of them. Hello! My name is John Pasquale, and I am honored to serve as the Donald R. Shepherd Professor of Conducting and Director of Marching and Athletic Bands at the University of Michigan. As an American and Italian conductor, author, lecturer and pedagogue, I am proud to perform and teach around the world—and to advocate as a member of the speech disfluency community. Together with my wife, Jessica, I love discovering new cuisines, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Staff and scholars thrive in environments that a created with them in mind. Spaces and places where they feel seen heard and relevant. Creating that school environment must be intentional and focused on the needs of everyone in the building. It takes getting all stakeholder involved and on board to the vision. Not accepting anything less from any of the stakeholders and holding each other accountable when we become lax in our efforts. Positive school cultures energize the scholars and pump life into the entire community and makes the work, as hard as it is, less overwhelming. But this does come about without setting standards, promoting high expectations, and accountability. Scholars understand that they are the key ingredient to their success. We build a culture around them that allows them to take risk, without judgement. That teaches them that with high expectations and hard work they may experience failure and they may miss the mark at times, but it’s ok. It is in those times that they reinvent themselves and fix the errors so they can experience success. In these environments they want to give their best because they understand if they fail there is someone there who will pick them up and dust them off. Shanda N. Walker serves as the Campus Director of Varnett Public Schools East and brings over 25 years of experience in public education. Her career includes roles as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal within the Houston Independent School District. A passionate culture builder, Ms. Walker believes that all scholars learn best in psychologically safe environments where they can take risks without fear of judgment. She is deeply committed to fostering positive school cultures that promote both academic excellence and social-emotional growth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In her TEDxEnsley Avenue ED talk, “The Blueprint Was Already There”, Nandi Edouard challenges how we often label communities as underserved without recognizing the wisdom already within them. She argues that the real barrier is not always a lack of resources, but a lack of listening to the families and communities who understand their children’s needs best. When systems overlook these voices, they miss the very insights that could transform education. Nandi invites audiences to rethink innovation, reminding us that meaningful change does not always come from the top down. Sometimes the blueprint for breakthrough is already present in the community, waiting for us to pause, listen, and build from what has always been there. Nandi Edouard is a dedicated educator and community leader with deep roots in Cobb County, Georgia, where she was born, raised, and has returned to make a lasting impact. A Spelman College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she began her career at YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, where her leadership helped increase ELA state test scores from 39% to 61% in just seven months while strengthening school culture. She later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University and served as Dean of Students and Director of School Culture in Brooklyn, overseeing discipline, social-emotional supports, and family engagement. A committed community organizer and master’s-level instructor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, Nandi has launched The Simple Vue Academy - a school grounded in cultural pride, positive identity, and character development for lifelong learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In her TEDxEnsley Avenue ED talk, “Before I Could Rebuild, I Had to Break,” Charlece “Charlie” Bishop explores the often overlooked space between breakdown and breakthrough. While we celebrate success stories, we rarely talk about the moments when the mind feels unraveled, and the future seems uncertain. She invites the audience to confront the difficult question of what happens when your mind gives out before your purpose fully emerges, leaving you unsure of what to do next. Through this lens, the breaking point becomes part of the rebuilding process, revealing that purpose, intentionality, and faith are the foundational principles for rebuilding the mind Charlece “Charlie” Bishop, MS, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, speaker, and founder of CR Counseling & Consulting Services, a private practice based in Birmingham, Alabama. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Alabama, is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow, and is a Certified Specialist in OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, and Tic Disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Charlie founded the Command the Stage Institute, a speaker development program that equips aspiring speakers to deliver impactful presentations. An accomplished author and international speaker, her work centers on Black mental health, social equity, body image, and eating disorders. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx