Built upon thousands of experiences (and ruining her search history with research), Sarah Gong’s TEDx speech aims to inspire a deeper kind of kindness—one that goes beyond simple pleasantries. After enduring the experience of trying to reconnect with new people in old skins, she began discussing her feelings with friends. She noticed that, despite their differing experiences, there was a common undercurrent of intensely aggressive competition. Curious, she decided to dig deeper into the whole puzzle, clear intentions, and hidden regrets. In her talk, she will provide a unique perspective on kindness, hopefully inspiring those around her age, and explain why the kindness we show, which extends beyond just saying “please” and “thank you,” ultimately aligns with our incentives to be the best version of ourselves. Few people know whether Sarah Gong— a 13-year-old student at Westmount Charter School— first learned how to paint with her pudgy toddler fingers or with her words: it's often a topic of discussion amongst her friends. When she’s not curled up, delving into another good series, she can be found in the mountains and river valleys of the Rockies, practicing the art of photography. While she loves transforming her thoughts into words on a page and delivering speeches for the world, she also hopes to inspire others to do the same. 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
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- 7:47The Truth About Deep Fakes, and What We Should Do About Them | Ben Colman | TEDxMidAtlanticBen Colman dives deep into the world of DeepFakes and generative AI, exposing both the extraordinary advancements and the unsettling consequences that have emerged. Colman articulates how decreasing hardware and software costs has made powerful generative AI tools accessible to virtually anyone. While these advancements enable creative and positive uses, they also open the doors to nefarious activities, including identity fraud and non-consensual pornography. Colman provides a sobering analysis of the exponential increase in DeepFakes, illustrating its impact through alarming statistics and real-world examples. He discusses the challenges governments and institutions face in detecting and regulating this rapidly evolving technology. Drawing on his expertise and research at Reality Defender, Colman explains the complexities of identifying AI-generated media and the limitations of current detection methods. He highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and regulatory frameworks to protect individuals and societies from the dark side of AI. Colman offers a glimpse into potential safeguards and legislative efforts, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support in tackling this global issue. This talk is a wake-up call and a beacon of hope, showing a path toward responsible and safe AI use as we navigate the intersection of technology, ethics, and human values. Ben Colman is the founder of Reality Defender, the leading provider of deepfake detection. Over the past 15 years, Ben has scaled multiple companies at the intersection of privacy, AI, and cyber security. Prior to this, Ben led cyber commercialization at Goldman Sachs, and was a graduate intern at Google. Ben holds a master's degree from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College.Reality Defender is a deepfake detection platform for enterprises, governments, and platforms to detect AI-generated content and manipulations across audio, video, image, and text files. 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
- 14:29How Inclusive Storytelling Can Help Us Reimagine Democracy | Felipe Estefan | TEDxMidAtlanticIn this powerful talk, Felipe Estefan shares his transformative journey from dreaming of pop stardom in Bogota, Colombia, to championing democracy and inclusion. Through personal anecdotes and compelling examples, he highlights the critical role of storytelling in shaping societies, advocating for narratives that reflect the true diversity of human experiences. Estefan challenges us to reimagine our future by investing in stories that promote joy, belonging, and possibility for everyone. Felipe leads Luminate’s efforts in Latin America, managing grants and investments focused on advancing Civic Empowerment, Independent Media, Data & Digital Rights, and Financial Transparency in the region. He also oversees Luminate’s Narrative Change work.Previously, as an Open Government Strategist at the World Bank, Felipe travelled to more than 40 countries around the world, advocating for and advancing efforts to make governments more open and to foster collaboration between state and non-state organisations.Prior to this, Felipe was a founding member of the Open Contracting Partnership, a Planning Producer at CNN’s Washington bureau and was part of the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations in Switzerland. 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
- 11:39Finding 'True North' — Embracing Life's Highs and Lows Through Jazz | Sunny Sumter | TEDxMidAtlanticJoin Sunny Sumter as she takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through the lens of her personal experiences and the transformative power of jazz, she explores the concept of finding your 'True North.' Discover how music guided her through life's greatest challenges and taught her to live each day as if it were her last. This talk is a heartfelt ode to the highs and lows of life, the beauty of harmony in chaos, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and authenticity. Sunny Sumter is President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF). DCJF's signature programs include the annual DC JazzFest, the year-round DCJF Education Program, and the Charles Fishman Embassy Series. DCJF is the recipient of the DC Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. Prior to her tenure at the DC Jazz Festival, Sumter held management/director positions with the Aspen Institute, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.Sumter earned her bachelor’s degree in music business from Howard University where she minored in jazz voice. She is a recipient of a Howard University Benny Golson Award, the Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award, a DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship, and a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award. As a professional vocalist, Sumter has performed at festivals, and clubs internationally. 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
- 9:56A drag queen, her grandmother, and the art of becoming | Opera Tang | TEDxSingaporeWhat does drag have to do with a 93 year old grandmother and an old sewing machine? For Opera Tang, everything. In this moving talk, Opera shares how the unlikeliest ally - her Catholic, Cantonese speaking, 93 year old Grandma- became her fiercest supporter and creative partner.Woven through fabric, language and love, this is a story of intergenerational bond, self discovery and chosen authenticity. It is not always a solo journey and sometimes the deepest support comes from home. Opera Tang is a rising star in Singapore’s drag scene, captivating audiences with performances that blend creativity, self-expression, and tradition. Her 93-year-old grandmother, a cherished presence in her journey, symbolises the deep intergenerational bond that Opera celebrates through her art. Through her work, Opera inspires audiences to embrace their true selves while honouring the connections that shape and enrich our lives. 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
- 16:30I Met the Dalai Lama and All I Got Was This Lousy Scarf! | Shep Moyle | TEDxDukeAt the height of his career, Shep Moyle had everything: wealth, status, and a thriving business. Then it all collapsed. In the wreckage, he expected despair. What he found instead was clarity. In this candid talk, he shares how losing his business stripped away the illusions of success and forced him to confront what truly matters in life. Through a meeting with the Dalai Lama—where a raggedy white scarf became an unexpected symbol—he began to understand a different kind of wealth. One not built on profit margins, but on connection and purpose. This is a story about failure, yes, but more so, about finding joy. Shep Moyle is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and innovator who believes in the power of connection and transformation. As a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, he inspires students to explore entrepreneurship, strategy, and the intersection of innovation, happiness and joy.Shep’s entrepreneurial journey began at Shindigz, where he served as CEO and owner for over 30 years, leading the company to global success with over $2 billion in revenue. His earlier work as a brand manager at Frito Lay revolutionized the snack aisle with products like Tostitos Restaurant Style Chips.A lifelong leader, Shep has chaired global organizations like the Young Presidents’ Organization, served on Duke’s Board of Trustees and as President of the Duke Alumni Association, and pursued groundbreaking initiatives at Harvard University. He finds joy in teaching, coaching CEOs worldwide, and empowering others to make a lasting impact. 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
