Growing up in North Dakota, nearly every mentor I had encouraged me to leave ND. Many of my friends did. But I chose to stay, not because it was easier, but because I believe in the potential of this place and its people. ND has so much worth celebrating, yet we often overlook the importance of investing in our own communities. What is the true cost of not investing? I will share how projects like Grand Forks Children's Museum represent not just an idea, but a big vision—one that starts with our youngest generations. It is a blink of an eye and a kid turns 18, what they are exposed to during those formative years shapes their futures. Sally Miskavige is Vice President of Opp Construction, a Grand Forks and Fargo-based contractor specializing in concrete and asphalt paving, landscaping, and erosion control. The company was founded by her father, Greg Opp, in 1978.Sally is a co-founder of TAG – The Art of Giving and a founding board member of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. She has served on the Grand Forks Public Arts Commission since 2016 and previously held board positions with the North Dakota Museum of Art, NOSHA, and the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, where she was President in 2020 and 2021.Sally and her husband Jeremy enjoy spending time enjoying the outdoors, the arts & sports activities with their two children and their extended 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

Self-described "recovering perfectionist" Robert Heath Sr. once stepped off stage rather than risk singing the wrong harmony—but after 30 years studying human performance as a Marine officer, lawyer, and business consultant, he's discovered that our obsession with "safe spaces" has left us more anxious, isolated, and lonely than ever. Drawing on Maslow, Milton Erickson, and the epidemic of loneliness declared by the U.S. Surgeon General, he demonstrates how shifting from a helpless identity to one of bravery—starting with something as simple as a head nod—creates "brave spaces" where courage and compassion turn conflict into connection. Robert Heath, Sr. is a nationally recognized Empowering Leadership strategist, executive coach, and keynote speaker.A former U.S. Marine Corps Officer who commanded one of the largest companies in the Corps, Robert now helps high-capacity leaders align with their purpose, master self-leadership, and lead with impact. With a background in law, education, and entrepreneurship, he’s coached thousands—from startups to Fortune 500s. His mission: help leaders get the best out of themselves and those they lead. 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