In this thought-provoking talk, Medha Shankar explores “The Unlearning Curve”, the transformative journey of letting go of old beliefs to spark growth and innovation. From moving across continents to building initiatives like Maharat and Auratree, Medha shares how unlearning helped her turn uncertainty into resilience and ideas into impact. Her story reminds us that true growth begins when we dare to question the maps we’ve outgrown. Medha Shanker, a high school senior at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow, is passionate about cognitive computing. She has published international research on how technology and circadian cycles influence human cognition, mood, and health, including the role of microRNAs in cancer. Beyond research, she createdAuraTree, a gamified mental wellbeing app mergingAI with cognitive behavioral therapy, and cofounded The Maharat Initiative to bring skill-based education to underserved communities. With her blend of science and social innovation, Medha aspires to design ethical, human-centered technologies that advance mental health and global equity. 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

When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, new mother Elana Harvard fled her home with her 12-week-old baby in her arms. In the aftermath, she discovered that rebuilding wasn’t just about walls—it was about connection. Through founding the Altadena Eaton Fire Moms group, Elana found healing in shared stories of survival and motherhood, reminding us that even when everything burns, community is what carries us home. Born in Reading, England, Alana moved to the US as a teenager with her family. After film school, she pursued her dreams of working in the industry. Over the past fifteen years she has fostered a successful career as a costume designer for film and television. Alana lives in Los Angeles, and shares her days with her husband—whom she met on set—and their radiant baby girl, who was just twelve weeks at the time of the Eaton Fire. Alana is passionate about staying in Altadena and helping to rebuild her community alongside the other moms in the group she founded “Altadena Eaton fire moms”. 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

Flávia Lippi transforma uma história simples em uma poderosa reflexão sobre autenticidade e propósito. Misturando neurociência, afeto e coragem, ela mostra que viver com verdade é um ato revolucionário. Flávia compartilha sua jornada de reconexão com a essência. Sua “solucionática” inspira a viver com coerência entre saber e sentir. Uma palestra TEDx que toca mente e coração. Flavia Lippi é uma verdadeira pioneira em comunicação e transformação humana! Por mais de 20 anos, ela foi âncora do Repórter Eco, o primeiro programa da América Latina dedicado ao meio ambiente e à preservação do planeta, que ela co-criou em 1992. O talento dela brilha forte – ela conquistou os prestigiados Emmy Awards em 2003 e 2004, o equivalente ao Oscar da televisão! Autora de nove livros, incluindo o best-seller Coaching in a Box, Flavia é reconhecida por sua abordagem inovadora. Em 2001, seu blog entrou na lista dos Top 10 da UOL em inovação para transformação humana, consolidando-a como uma das primeiras profissionais transmídia do Brasil. E mais: foi indicada duas vezes como uma das 100 mulheres mais influentes do Brasil! 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

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability without a cure. Published by the American Brain Foundation as the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties, it affects individuals regardless of gender or socio-economic background in populations across all languages. Taylor Shay encourages those with dyslexia to see their view of the world as a gift. Through early diagnosis, debunking a myth that dyslexics are dumb, structured literacy programs, and advocating for accommodations, she argues for a return to the early education system of teaching phonics to decode the English language rather than an evolving comprehensive model that has created hardships for students with varied educational needs. By taking the DIS out of disability and focusing on ABILITY, as a community, we can uplift dyslexic achievers who see the world in a unique way. Taylor Shay, of Hagerstown, is the 2025 Miss Historic Maryland titleholder. From pageants to advocacy, Taylor's journey shows how her own struggles with dyslexia sparked a passion to help others, proving that with support and understanding, dyslexic students can shine in their own way. She is also a senior at Liberty University pursing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education where she hopes to continue her efforts of supporting students with dyslexia in the classroom. Taylor is the Founder of D.N.A. (Dyslexics Next Achievement) which works to empower the Next Generation of Advocates and Future Leaders of America with dyslexia. 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

Can you celebrate life even when it is imperfect? Do it anyway. Find ways to thrive when you find yourself in a state of survival and take time for those moments of embracing life especially when life is hard. Celebrating who you are, even when it may be imperfect and feel impossible, is self care that enables sur-thrival (survive + thrive). Rachel has been a Hagerstown resident for 25 years. Born in Australia, and raised in the Philippines, she loves the various cultures represented in Hagerstown. Rachel is foremost a mom, raising 3 daughters while running an in-home daycare. Her eldest daughter has severe special needs and Rachel has been advocating for her since her diagnosis. Rachel earned her Bachelor’s degree while raising her family and now works as a Human Resources Manager in Frederick. Her life experiences have taught her to cherish each moment and make it special. She enjoys painting and has been able to use that hobby for both self-care and self-expression. She has been a member of the Valley Art Association in Washington County and held a position on the board for several years. Rachel has led groups for special needs Moms, spiritual study and disability groups. She started a disability ministry in the Philippines that brought support to over 40 families. 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 the very things we’ve been taught to hide—our quirks, culture, and complexity—are the key to redefining leadership? Human performance doesn’t thrive through perfection, but through presence. When women lead from their full, unfiltered selves, we don’t just succeed; we transform what power looks like. Stop shrinking to fit outdated expectations and lead by example. Your visibility isn’t vanity—it’s the strategy that inspires others to do the same and reshapes what power looks like. Jamie McClean, C-MMT, CPIC, CPT, is a human performance strategist who equips professionals with the tools to cultivate calm, clarity, and confidence—whether they’re recovering from burnout, proactively building resilience, or preparing for their next leadership breakthrough. Certified in mindfulness meditation, strategic leadership branding, and wellness coaching, Jamie blends neuroscience-informed practices, mind–body alignment, and the principles of emotional intelligence to strengthen self-awareness, self-mastery, and executive presence. As the founder of Ambitious Image & Wellness, her work supports sustainable, high-functioning teams. Author and podcast host, Jamie helps high performers get into flow to live and lead at their full human potential. 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