My talk addresses the global talent shortage we face today. Worldwide, 75% of employers struggle to hire—three out of every four. In Brazil, the scarcity is even higher at 81%. But this raises an important question: what gender and skin color are these “talents” employers are truly looking for? Sonia is an Associate Professor at the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA) and the first Black woman in Brazil to earn a PhD in Physics (University of Manchester, 1989). In 1993, she became ITA’s first Black woman professor, at a time when women were not yet admitted as students. With over 30 years of academic contributions, she has been recognized with the Santos Dumont Medal of Honor (2023), named one of Latin America’s 100 most innovative people by Bloomberg Línea (2023), and listed among Forbes Brazil’s Most Powerful Women (2025). In the same year, she was honored as one of the 35 leaders of IT Forum Mulheres and received the Inspiring Women Award from the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum and Gas. 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 there's a different way to think about the future? In this talk, trend researcher Gabi Terra introduces the concept of the "nowist", someone who doesn’t reject the future but chooses to shape it by staying grounded in the present. It’s a call to slow down, look around and act from where we are. With over 20 years of experience in Branding, Advertising, Insights, and Innovation, Gabi Terra is a senior strategist and founder of Go Magenta. She has led strategy and research teams for multinational and Fortune 500 brands such as Amazon, Warner Brothers, Volkswagen, Accorhotels, Oreo, Itaú, Braskem, Johnson & Johnson, Volvo, Discovery Networks, Oi, O Boticário, and Vivo.At Go Magenta, she integrates insights and strategy, focusing on diagnosis, critical thinking, scenario planning, and problem-solving to create actionable and impactful strategies. Gabi considers herself not only a strategist but also a cultural researcher eager to help brands design strategies grounded in genuine insights. 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 recent years, the wellness industry has become one of the most profitable sectors of the global economy. But is this market creating problems just to sell overly simple solutions to highly complex issues? When in doubt: be skeptical! Content creator and influencer since 2020, Mari Krüger, a Biology graduate, built her community through videos that blend science, humor, creativity, and lifestyle.Mari began creating videos during the forced pause of the 2020 pandemic, combining her knowledge in biology with her experience as an actress—a path she has pursued since the age of 18. Her videos are grounded in scientific knowledge, aiming to inform and debunk unfounded theories.With over 3 million followers across her social media platforms, she promotes responsible influence, real life, and science in a light, engaging, and humorous way. 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

Dr. Saji Varghese, Associate Professor of English and Coordinator of the Social Entrepreneurship Wing at Christ University, Bangalore, developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves—India’s fastest patent grant in 2018. In his TEDx talk, he shares how a kitchen experiment grew into a global social enterprise that tackles environmental challenges while creating livelihoods for rural women. His innovation has earned international recognition, including the UNDP Global Honeybee Award, MassChallenge Switzerland Award, and a felicitation by the United Nations on World Environment Day. In 2019, he was also part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to the Philippines.Dr Saji Varghese is Associate Professor, Department of English and Coordinator, Social Entrepreneurship Wing of Christ Incubation Centre at Christ University, Bangalore. He developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves, an innovation that got the fastest patent granted in India in 2018. His commitment to sustainability combined with his innovative use of materials and processes has not just reduced plastic waste but also empowered urban poor and rural women who are employed at his venture. He is the Founder of Sunbird Straws which he started with two of his students and his start up now employs 118 women in coastal India. Dr. Saji Varghese was invited to be part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to Philippines in October 2019 and has won several national and international accolades such as the Global Honeybee Network Creativity and Inclusivity Innovation Appreciation Award organized through UNDP, the Mass Challenge Switzerland Award. He was Felicitated by United Nations in New Delhi on World Environment Day for his contribution to Social Impact and Sustainability. 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

Dans son intervention De Nouakchott au monde, Cheikhou raconte un parcours inspirant qui relie ses racines locales à une ouverture internationale. Il nous montre comment une vision née dans les ruelles de Baydigame peut avoir un impact au-delà des frontières. Un témoignage motivant sur l’audace, l’ambition et la fierté d’appartenir à une culture.Expert en gouvernance publique et leadership stratégique, 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

From a small village in Sitapur to the global stage, Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra’s journey is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and vision. In this talk, he shares how Ayurveda—often overlooked in modern medicine—can transform healthcare when approached with scientific rigor and innovation. Drawing from his two decades of research and global collaborations, Dr. Mishra explores how integrative medicine can tackle pressing health challenges, including drug-resistant infections, and create a sustainable, patient-centric future for healthcare. His story is not just about medicine—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and embracing the power of combining tradition with technology. Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician and Chief Consultant at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. A Gold Medalist in BAMS and a PhD scholar specializing in herbal solutions for drug-resistant infections, he has been a pioneer in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mishra has shared his research on prestigious platforms across Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering a global dialogue that bridges ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific innovation. He has led over 30 interdisciplinary research projects, published extensively in reputed journals, and is currently spearheading the establishment of a National AYUSH Research Centre at KGMU.Recipient of honors like the Health Icon Award and the Dhanwantari Award, Dr. Mishra continues to redefine the future of integrative medicine in India and beyond. 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