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

True understanding comes not from certainty, but from the courage to question, the humility to doubt, and the wisdom to seek what truly helps rather than just what seems right. Nalin in an 11th grade student at Lick-Wilmerding High School. 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

Replacing fear with knowledge leads to understanding, protection, and a positive change for nature and society. Shahvir is a 9th grade student at Lick-Wilmerding High School. 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

What if demand could be anticipated before it even emerges? This talk explores how AI is reshaping forecasting from reactive planning into proactive intelligence. It reveals how organizations can move from uncertainty to precision by turning data into foresight. Rajesh Gangula works at the intersection of enterprise systems and artificial intelligence, focusing on how traditional ERP and supply chain platforms can evolve into intelligent, data-driven ecosystems. With over 15 years of experience across global supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing environments, he has led large-scale modernization initiatives spanning multi-country operations.His work explores embedding predictive models and decision intelligence directly into enterprise workflows to improve transparency, governance, and operational resilience. An IEEE Senior Member, Rajesh contributes to thought leadership in enterprise AI and digital transformation. He is particularly interested in building explainable, scalable, and production-ready AI systems that move beyond experimentation and create measurable impact in complex organizational environments. 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 Stories That Save Us,” Wynter Rudolph explores the powerful role storytelling plays in shaping resilience, courage, and hope. What many see as simple entertainment can become a lifeline in moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. Reflecting on a life changing experience when her mother survived unexpected open heart surgery, Wynter reveals how stories guide us through fear, ground us when life feels fragile, and give us the strength to move forward. She reminds us that when we tell our stories boldly and truthfully, we do more than remember the past. We create pathways for healing, connection, and a future empowered by the voices and experiences we choose to share. Wynter Rudolph is an Assistant Professor of Broadcast and Multimedia at Alabama State University, an award-winning journalist and media producer, and a Ph.D. candidate in Digital and Strategic Communication. With professional experience spanning CNN, NPR-affiliated radio, WVUA 23, and major events such as The World Games 2022, her work explores digital storytelling, Black student narratives, and the evolving role of AI in modern communication. Wynter is the creator and host of Office Hours with Professor Rudolph, a mentorship-centered media platform designed to support first-generation students and emerging storytellers,and has partnered with Central Alabama CrimeStoppers to engage students in meaningful media projects. A proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Broadcast Education Association, she is deeply committed to transforming classrooms and communities through truth, visibility, mentorship, and the power of storytelling. 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, “Building Your Big Idea: Passion Is Just the Beginning,” Christina Garrett challenges the belief that passion alone is enough to create lasting impact. While passion can spark the desire to change the world, she explains that real progress happens when that passion is paired with productivity, intentional programming, and strategic positioning. Through this lens, she reveals how ideas evolve from inspiration into action, allowing individuals to move beyond excitement and into innovation. When these elements come together, passion becomes progress, empowering people to build movements that are both sustainable and authentically aligned with their purpose. Christina Garrett is a productivity coach and women’s wellness advocate who supports busy mothers in leadership roles as they pursue healthier work–life balance. A pastor’s wife and homeschooling mother of five, she equips women of faith with practical time-management tools and self-care strategies that reduce overwhelm, burnout, and frustration. Christina leads a thriving online community of thousands through the Momathon Community, which encourages women to release perfectionism, delegate effectively, and focus on what matters most. Through one-on-one consulting, international speaking engagements, and the annual Momathon Conference, she empowers women worldwide and has been featured in The Washington Post, Fox News, Forbes, Red Table Talk, and numerous media outlets. 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, “Stop Praising Grit: No One Makes It Alone,” Montiqua Mathers-Pettway challenges the widely accepted belief that grit is the ultimate indicator of success. She reveals that when we celebrate the resilience of young people who “make it out,” we overlook the systems and adults responsible for providing support. Rather than being a strength alone, grit is often a response to environments where critical needs were not met. Her talk challenges the idea that resilience alone drives success and calls leaders, educators, and communities to take greater responsibility. Are we applauding survival when what is truly required is a commitment to stand in the gap? Montiqua Mathers-Pettway is a leadership and workplace culture expert with more than two decades of Human Resources experience. She is known for delivering transformative keynotes that challenge how leaders show up for the people they serve. Having worked across multiple industries and states, including with Fortune 250 companies, she is a trusted advisor recognized for building strong cultures, empowering teams, and driving continuous growth. Raised in Ensley, Alabama, and educated in Birmingham City Schools, Montiqua’s journey reflects the power of community and those who stood in the gap for her. Her unwavering commitment to inspiring others and driving organizational excellence allows her to connect authentically with diverse audiences, leaving each one motivated toward meaningful and positive change. 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, “Beauty as a Bridge: Healing Trauma Through Community,” Jeddie D. Carnes Jr. challenges the perception that makeup and beauty are merely superficial. She reveals how tools often dismissed as cosmetic can become powerful pathways for empowerment, healing, and self discovery. Through intentional self expression and the strength of community, beauty becomes more than appearance. It becomes a bridge that helps people process trauma, reclaim their identities, and rebuild confidence. His message reminds us that when creativity and purpose come together, even the most unexpected tools can inspire healing and collective rise. Jeddie Carnes Jr. is a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for Domestic Violence Awareness whose life reflects resilience, faith, and restoration. Driven by a calling to empower women, she transformed her personal journey of survival into a mission of healing, turning a childhood love for beauty cultivated in her grandmother’s Ensley salon into a ministry that restores confidence and helps women rediscover their strength. Inspired by the belief that pain can be transformed into purpose, Jeddie founded GLAAM Cosmetics, a beauty brand created for women of restoration, and through mentorship, education, and community partnerships, she remains committed to breaking cycles, uplifting voices, and reminding women of their power and worth. 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