Innovating Future | Dr. Blaney, Dr. Isquith & Shayan Shaibani | TEDx BASIS Independent McLean Youth
This talk event was a school-wide TEDx event aiming to educate students with different perspectives of different issues revolving around education and personal experiences such as perspectives, acceptance, and differences. Stockton University, B.A. in Political Science | University of Connecticut, M.A. in International Studies: Western Europe | London School of Economics and Political Science, M.A. in International History | London School of Economics and Political Science, PhD in International HistoryAfter starting his professional career in academia, Dr. Blaney found that teaching was his true passion; mentoring young minds as they engage with the past, present, and potential futures. Dr. Blaney has taught on three continents (Europe, Asia, and North America) and brings those experiences to his classroom, as he believes strongly in the need to prepare students for our diverse world.When not at school, Dr. Blaney spends his time with his wife and his daughter (who is entering Kindergarten at BIM this year). Besides history, Dr. Blaney enjoys music playing the guitar, photography, and traveling.Colegio Odontologico Colombiano, Bogota, Colombia, Doctorate of Dental MedicineBefore joining BASIS Independent McLean, Dr. Isquith was the director of the science department and Spanish teacher at Edlin School, in Reston, VA, where she worked for 14 years. During her time at Edlin, Dr. Isquith started the school’s first Spanish language program. Her students consistently won top positions at state and national levels. She also developed and introduced an annual trip to Spanish-speaking countries where students and their families could experience language immersion and enjoy the rich culture and history of each country they visited.Over the last 10 years, she has taken her students to Costa Rica, Spain, Peru, Argentina, and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Dr. Isquith has a passion for teaching and brings her love for nature and her native language by connecting Spanish and nature. Dr. Isquith enjoys photographing birds in their natural habits and loves dancing salsa and merengue.Shayan is in his Junior year of high school and will speak about the definition of mass. 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
More from TED
- 6:41Qualität vor Klicks: Standards im psychologischen Counseling | Mara-Louise Vogt | TEDxPFH GoettingenWoran erkennst du online verlässliche psychologische Hilfe? Psychologin Mara Vogt zeigt in ihrem TEDx Talk „Qualität vor Klicks“, wie Standards für digitales psychologisches Counseling Klient:innen wirklich Sicherheit geben. Sie erklärt messbare Kriterien wie Evidenz, Ethik und und Transparenz – den Grundstein für eine digitale Psychologie, die wirklich hilft. Mara-Louise Vogt, psychologist and founder of Psiqed, has developed an innovative platform that enables people worldwide to access psychological support easily and conveniently from the comfort of their own homes. By leveraging modern technologies and online therapy, the platform offers a safe and effective solution to the current challenges in mental health care.With her vision to elevate the digital transformation of mental health services to a new level, Mara-Louise Vogt aims to harness the international potential of German innovations in this field. She seeks to inspire others to join this movement, actively shape the future of mental health, and embrace digital transformation as an opportunity—a chance to drive positive change on a global scale. 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
- 15:52The Cost of Living on Your Terms | Her Excellency Hajiya Hafsat Kollere-Buni | TEDxBazeUniversityIn this stirring TEDx talk, Her Excellency Hafsat Kolere Buni, First Lady of Yobe State, Nigeria shares the deeply personal journey behind her decision to reclaim her freedom, and why education is the key to giving girls that same right. It’s a call to empower the girl child with the tools, voice, and freedom to choose her own path. With raw honesty and quiet strength, she unpacks the emotional and societal toll of choosing autonomy in a world that often punishes women for saying no. It is a story of courage, choice, and the transformative power of education. Her Excellency Hajiya Hafsat Kollere-Buni is a compassionate humanitarian, gender advocate, and the First Lady of Yobe State, Nigeria. With a solid academic foundation in Political Science, she brings a rare combination of intellect and empathy to her mission of creating inclusive opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations across Northern Nigeria, especially North-East. She is the visionary Founder of the Ma’aruf Foundation, a platform through which she leads impactful programs in education, women and youth empowerment, health, digital empowerment, and community development. Her recent initiatives include digital literacy and artificial intelligence training for women in Damaturu, the EDULIFT Project that supports secondary school students preparing for WAEC and NECO exams, street children rehabilitation campaigns, and targeted empowerment programs for victims of flood disasters. 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
- 2:56Dagg Al-Qa’a | 4 Aden | TEDxSealineRdThe heritage of the city of Aden and its folk songs are celebrated through modern melodies and beautiful tunes.“Dagg Al-Qa’a” is an old traditional song from Aden, long associated with weddings and joyful occasions. It is presented by the 4Aden band in a modern style with a fun and lively rearrangement that encourages dancing and celebration. 4Aden is a unique musical band led by maestro Firas Abubakr Salem Ibrahim. The band blends tradition with modernity, combining Eastern melodies with Western rhythms and influences from Yemeni and Arab heritage, infused with pop and rock elements. Known for their energetic live performances and use of advanced sound and lighting techniques, 4Aden aims to be a fresh and creative voice that reimagines Aden’s cultural legacy in a contemporary style. 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
- 5:18Growing Up in the Age of Comparison | Marcus Zhou | TEDxArbutus Ridge YouthHave you ever felt like you were doing fine, even great, until you opened your phone? One second, you’re proud of the progress you’ve made, and the next, you’re seeing kids your age play like pros, win awards you’ve only dreamed of, or get into schools you never thought were possible. Hello! I'm Marcus and I am going into 11th grade attending St George's School. I have many different hobbies, such as volleyball, filmmaking, badminton, travel, hiking, and music. Some of my favourite artists currently are Drake, J.Cole, and Daniel Caesar. I am a big risk taker, and enjoy trying new and different activities. This is my first TedX speech and I am both excited and a little anxious at the same time. I try to bring a strong sense of curiosity to everything I do, and also hope to just have fun. 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
- 5:47Qalbah Sal Qalbi | Rania Badr | Bassam Zaher | Abdulwahab Mohammed | Arafat Al-Abous | TEDxSealineRdWhen the four musical instruments — piano, flute, violin, and guitar — come together, they create a beautiful folk masterpiece from the golden era of the city of Aden.The traditional song "Qalbah Sa’al Qalbi" is performed with a modern arrangement that blends various instruments, evoking a unique feeling and a melody full of nostalgia. The Quartet Band This group of four talented musicians delivered a live performance that embodied harmony and creativity. Blending Eastern and Western instruments, they presented musical pieces that enriched the event with a refined artistic touch, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and musical diversity. 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
- 12:22Comedy raised me, Burlesque freed me | Heather Witherden | TEDxWinnipegCan putting on a character help you reveal your truest self? Heather Witherden—mother of three, comedian, and burlesque emcee—shares her powerful journey from suburban mom to stage persona Your Mom Kathy. Through comedy and glitter, Heather sheds the expectations placed on women, mothers, and aging bodies, reclaiming confidence, voice, and joy in unexpected places.From a keyboard in her basement to the spotlight of a burlesque stage, Heather uses storytelling, satire, and sensuality to challenge societal norms, celebrate identity, and create radical self-acceptance. This talk is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt unseen—and a call to let yourself be fully seen, sparkle and all. Heather Witherden, a mother and burlesque performer, has discovered the power of self-expression through this bold art form. Her talk will explores how burlesque inspires personal revelations and empowerment. 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
