Have you ever heard of menstruation leave? In this talk, behavioural science researcher Bwalya Chirwa unpacks the discourse on menstrual leave, a policy implemented by only a handful of countries. Bwalya shares insights from her research into the varying ways that companies and women in the workplace handle menstruation. Bwalya Chirwa leads participatory research and designs social behaviour change programmes around the world, tackling challenges from gender equity, immunisation uptake to organisational culture. Her work focuses on translating complex insights into practical tools and inclusive systems that work for the people they’re designed to serve. Bwalya brings clarity, care, and a drive to deliver change that lasts. 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

Pendo Manjele shares her lived experience as a woman in tech, confronting the gap between promises of inclusion and everyday realities.She explores how AI, trained on biased data, built by non-diverse teams, and deployed without accountability, is already shaping critical life decisions in hiring, credit, and healthcare. If left unchecked, it risks reinforcing the very inequalities we aim to dismantle. This TEDx Talk is a call to action: for women to lead, for men to become allies, and for leaders to design inclusive systems. The future won’t be fair by default. It must be fair by design. Pendo Manjele is a co-founder of Ubuntu AI, a grassroots initiative that aims to advance machine learning in Zambia and make AI more accessible to broader communities. She is driven to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Pendo believes in the power of community and is committed to creating spaces where innovation, equity, and opportunity thrive. 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

Why do we lie about money—even in love? Norah Chanda Kalaluka uncovers the hidden crisis of financial infidelity in relationships. Drawing from real-life stories and her work as a former banker and financial coach, Norah explores how silence, shame, and fear around money are breaking trust and costing lives. Whether you’re single, married, or on the way to commitment, this TEDx talk is your invitation to start the money conversation that could protect and even transform your relationship. Norah Chanda Kalaluka is a seasoned financial educator, life coach, and Couples Financial Bliss Coach with decades of experience in the banking industry and in marriage. Drawing from her personal and professional journey, she empowers couples to build strong financial foundations rooted in trust, transparency, and behavioural transformation. A certified life coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, Norah integrates mindset work with practical money management tools to help couples navigate financial infidelity, money personalities, and legacy planning. She is the creator of the Couples Financial Toolkit and a passionate advocate for generational wealth building in families. 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

By using a Quit to Win strategy you can define your own success. You just have to assess your path, decide what’s right for you, and pivot toward the best things possible. podcast host & coach and public speaker from New York City, based in North Central New Jersey. With a diverse background as a news-radio personality, public relations specialist, and experienced home buyer and seller, Kathryn brings a unique perspective to her coaching and speaking engagements. Her TEDx talk, "The Art of Strategic Quitting: Redefining Quitting as a Framework for Success," draws from both her personal and professional experiences to challenge conventional wisdom around quitting. Kat advocates for quitting as a strategic decision—a powerful tool for growth, success, and fulfillment. With her wealth of expertise and engaging communication style, Kat is passionate about inspiring audiences to view quitting not as failure, but as a purposeful step toward achieving greater success. 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

If governments create incentives for skilled emigrants to return while individuals see personal and economic benefits in doing so, maybe, just maybe, brain drain can evolve into a sustainable cycle of brain circulation that strengthens both home and host countries. Myles Mzyece is a senior at Deerfield Academy and an international student with a unique global perspective. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Myles’ educational journey has taken him across three countries and through nine schools, each with varying levels of funding and resources. His experiences as a migrant and his firsthand insight into the complexities of brain drain have shaped his understanding of how the issue is oversimplified by the media. When he’s not reflecting on global challenges, Myles can be found in the library or his dorm room, where he’s typically immersed in coding the computer game that, as usual, was due last week. 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

If we can equip ourselves with the tools to connect, we can build communities where inclusion isn’t just a word we use—it’s a way we live. And together, we can make sure no one feels left out just because they experience the world a little differently. Rowan Dias is a student, athlete, musician, and advocate dedicated to making sports more inclusive. A member of Deerfield Academy’s Class of 2027, he grew up in Scarsdale, NY, with his parents, Vanessa and Christopher, and his siblings, Christian and Elle. Rowan has always balanced academics, athletics, and music, developing a strong work ethic and a commitment to service along the way.He has played guitar since he was five, appreciating music as a way to connect with others. In addition to his musical interests, he is a multi-sport athlete, competing in lacrosse, box lacrosse, and soccer.As co-founder of Able Athletics, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Rowan has worked to create inclusive sports opportunities for children with disabilities. The organization not only provides adapted athletic programs but also educates volunteers on how to engage with individuals of all abilities, fostering a more inclusive sports community. 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