The traditional nonprofit sector is evolving — and Proimpact Project founder Greg Harrell-Edge believes each of us has a role to play in its transformation into a new “proimpact sector.” Whether as volunteers, donors, board members, or leaders, we can help develop organizations capable of making a positive impact on the world at scale. Before founding the Proimpact Project — a charitable organization dedicated to modernizing the nonprofit sector — Greg Harrell-Edge served for nine years as Executive Director of CoachArt. During his tenure, he led an innovative transformation that quintupled the organization’s impact on children affected by chronic illness and earned recognition from multiple awards for nonprofit innovation. Greg’s approach to leadership and strategy was shaped by both Dan Pallotta’s 2013 TED Talk, “The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong,” and the highs and lows of his father’s long career as a nonprofit leader. 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 empowering talk, Maxine Clifford challenges the traditional understanding of burnout and introduces a bold new framework: energy isn’t something we possess — it’s something we create. Drawing from her experience as a young entrepreneur and owner in the boutique fitness industry, she shares how intentional energy generation through mindset, movement, and meaningful action can help us break free from burnout, rewire habits, and unlock our potential. This talk offers a new approach to resilience, personal growth, and leadership — a call to action for anyone ready to stop chasing balance and start building momentum in their life and community. Maxine Clifford is the owner of pūrvelo cycle’s flagship studio and headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, where she leads a growing team of 60+ employees across multiple locations. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Maxine has transformed her passion for community, movement, and mindset into a high-energy boutique fitness brand that redefines the way people experience wellness. As a young female entrepreneur, she is committed to cultivating spaces that inspire strength, resilience, and personal transformation. 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

Giving people the validation that they deserve, Dr. Erin Nance is revolutionizing our understanding of misdiagnosis by providing a framework to navigate our emotions, normalize our experiences, and find a path toward healing. Dr. Erin Nance is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, TikTok’s viral “medical storyteller” (@littlemissdiagnosed), and co-host of The Medical Detectives podcast. She is the founder of the FeelBetr app, the first women’s health-focused social media network, and the author of Little Miss Diagnosed. Based in NYC, she lives with her husband and daughter. 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

O que a coragem de uma travesti ao comprar pão usando sua primeira saia tem a ver com a crise climática na Amazônia? Para a artista e ativista Maria Flor, tudo. Nesta palestra visceral, ela nos apresenta o conceito de "moda de guerrilha": a roupa como armadura, comunicação e um ato político de afirmação da identidade. Partindo de sua própria transição e do estranhamento que seu corpo causa, Maria Flor traça um paralelo genial e doloroso: por que a sociedade que normaliza a destruição de um igarapé pelo garimpo considera "antinatural" uma travesti expressar quem ela é? Uma fala potente sobre corpo, território e como o ato de se vestir pode ser a mais radical forma de lutar por si e pelo planeta. Travesti, artista e ativista climática, Maria Flor é uma voz potente, cria das margens do Tapajós, em Santarém. Com sua marca Mulambra Grif, ela revoluciona a moda periférica, celebrando a ancestralidade amazônica e a cultura paraense. Através de performances de rua, apresentações e desfiles, Maria Flor desafia os padrões e usa a moda como ferramenta de resistência, conscientização e empoderamento. Suas peças únicas, produzidas à mão e inspiradas na fauna e flora da Amazônia, são um manifesto contra o desmatamento e a poluição. 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 classrooms could nurture not just knowledge, but wisdom? In this powerful talk, Dr. Kavita Sharma outlines five key transformations that education must undergo from content to competencies, personalization to real-world learning. It's a bold vision for a future where schools become ecosystems of innovation and purpose. Dr. Kavita Sharma is an experienced and passionate educator with over 30 years in teaching and school leadership. She started her career after completing a B.Sc. + B.Ed. at the Regional Institute of Education, Mysore, and holds Master’s degrees in Zoology and Education, as well as a Ph.D. in Education. She has earned multiple awards, including the "Progressive Principal of India 2017" and "Principal of the Year" by Times of India.Dr. Sharma believes in creating learning environments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. She introduced nonviolent communication to help students become compassionate leaders. Known for her dedication and innovative teaching methods, Dr. Sharma is committed to helping students grow and succeed. Inspired by the wisdom of Kabir, she lives by the motto: "Awake, arise, and stop not till thy goal is achieved." 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

This talk centers on the transformative power of courage and commitment in overcoming fear and achieving personal growth. Opening with a vulnerable confession about the fear of swimming, the speaker uses the inspiring story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who returned to the sport after losing her arm in a shark attack, to show that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it. Citing figures like Nelson Mandela and drawing on research about fear, regret, and resilience, the speaker encourages the audience to step outside their comfort zones, pursue their goals with clarity, practice self-compassion, seek supportive mentors, and learn from setbacks. The talk ends with a powerful challenge: take just one brave step toward your dreams or fears, because one step can change everything. Cyris Joseph Jones was born and raised in Prentiss, a small town in Central Mississippi. The ninth of eleven children, Cyris credits his parents, Madis and Willie Jones, for instilling in him the values of had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. He started with a major logistics company while attending college, advancing into management, and later spent 20 years in various upper management roles at a leading automotive manufacturing firm in Central Mississippi. After retiring from corporate America in 2023 to care for his mother, Cyris turned his focus to his true passion - motivating others, inspiring change, and helping people grow personally and professionally. Cyris has been happily married to his wife, Terri Jones, for 26 years. Together, they have two children, Christian and Torri, who continue to be a source of pride and inspiration in his life. 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