In “5 Ways to Manage the Unexpected Pivot,” Julie Palazzolo illustrates how unexpected turns can serve as catalysts for growth rather than setbacks, emphasizing resilience and adaptability as the keys to thriving in change. Curating TEDx Del Sur Women, Sanya Kapoor, a senior at Del Norte High School, brings forward diverse voices like Julie’s to ensure that the event reflects a breadth of experiences and perspectives. Through her leadership, Sanya creates a platform where stories of reinvention and perseverance—such as Julie’s—can inspire communities to embrace transformation with courage and openness. Julie Palazzolo is a dynamic entrepreneur who brings visions to life—whether through real estate ventures or unforgettable event experiences. With a keen eye for possibility and a passion for people, she’s spent the last four years leading the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, as well as serving twice as the director of Innovation Day at Petco Park. Known for her ability to see the big picture while crafting meaningful, detail-driven experiences, Julie’s work is fueled by genuine connection, creative insight, and an unwavering commitment to adding value wherever she goes. For her, success isn’t measured in transactions—it’s measured in impact, authenticity, and the relationships built along the 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

In this speech, Chigozirim explores the tension of being fifteen—caught between expectations and identity and challenges the pressure to conform and highlights the power of authenticity. Realness, though uncomfortable, fuels innovation. She urges listeners to embrace their contradictions, question norms, and recognise that impact often begins in quiet moments. Innovation isn’t just tech; it’s truth, imagination, and difference. By being the crossroads between tradition and change, we create new paths. She concludes that one doesn’t need to be perfect to matter but and argues that one just need to be real because that’s where transformation begins. Chigozirim Ruth Isiuwa exemplifies academic excellence, desire for personal growth,responsibility, humility, and civic duty. A deeply thoughtful and intellectually driven student, she has earned a place on Meadow Hall College’s Merit List twice and appeared on the Honor Roll an impressive ten times. Among her academic accomplishments, receiving an A* in early IGCSE English stands out as a indication of her dedication, capability, and passion for learning.Beyond academics, She has actively pursued professional development through meaningful internships. She completed two placements at Chevron Nigeria Limited, gaining firsthand experience in corporate operations and professional environments. Her school-related internship at an architecture firm further ignited her interest in sustainable design and solidified her ambition to become a sustainable architect. Her commitment to service is equally remarkable. 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

A powerful story of RESILIENCE and REINVENTION, this tale reminds us never to give up on ourselves but to embrace every opportunity to grow. Failure is not the end—it is a vital part of the journey. From her humble beginnings in Assam, a simple girl rises to become an award-winning educator, transforming her setbacks into stepping stones and guiding countless students to realize their fullest potential. Yet another truly motivational story curated by Sanya Kapoor for TEDXDelSul Women.Rachna Nath is the Chair of the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) Educator Affinity Group, a Fulbright Scholar, TIME Innovative Educator, an entrepreneur, Innovator, NASA solar system Ambassador, National Geographic Educator, grant writer and a STEM enthusiast. She has won numerous awards/ accolades including being featured as TIME Top 10 Innovative Teacher, FORBES, Business Insider, CEO Weekly and more. 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

Growing up in a middle-class family with lofty aspirations, finding a love for acting and theater, and ultimately realizing the value of perseverance are all inspiring journeys that the speaker takes us on in this heartfelt TEDx talk. He candidly and humorously describes how he battled academics, gave in to parental pressure, skipped classes to pursue acting, and even traveled to Mumbai in pursuit of fame, only to come to the realization that dreams are not created overnight but rather gradually with bravery and perseverance. This talk serves as a stark reminder that all you need is the will to start; you don't need ideal circumstances or total support. This story demonstrates that the journey is more important than the destination for anyone hoping to pursue their dreams of becoming an actor, content creator, or just a regular person. Deepak Garg is a leading digital creator and influencer with a community of over 800,000 followers on Instagram. Known for his engaging and relatable content, Deepak has built a strong personal brand that resonates with audiences across India. His journey reflects the power of consistency, creativity, and authentic storytelling in the digital age. Through his platform, he not only entertains but also inspires millions, making him one of the prominent voices shaping today’s creator economy. 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

Meenakshi Pathak takes us on a journey through nature, childhood stories, and personal experiences to reveal the hidden patterns that shape life. From banana farms to Everest treks, she shows how noticing small signs, silences, and gestures can uncover deeper truths and transform relationships with children, others, and ourselves. Meenakshi Pathak is a children’s author, mentor, and parenting advocate from Anand, Gujarat. With a background in teaching Family and Child Welfare and Social Work Methods at Sardar Patel University, she has also led creative workshops that encourage self-expression and confidence in children. As a counselor, she has worked with families on positive parenting practices, focusing on resilience, empathy, and emotional well-being. Her books, Short Stories from Grandma’s Farm (Volumes 1 & 2) and Jivan Ki Sargam, draw on storytelling to share values-based learning and everyday wisdom. 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

Every teen has a personal brand — whether they realise it or not. In this engaging talk, the speaker shows how the stories people form about you in seconds shape your opportunities, online and offline. Learn how awareness, ownership, and action can turn your brand from accidental into intentional. At 18, Hiya Dhokai is proving that age is not a barrier to creating impact. She studies Economics while also leading initiatives that bring together students, professionals and changemakers in meaningful dialogue.She has organized large scale youth parliaments, guided teams of more than 70 peers and hosted the first women centric TEDx event in Gujarat. Fluent in several languages and passionate about amplifying young voices, Hiya believes that real change begins when someone dares to start.Her guiding mantra is “Impossible is for the unwilling.” 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