From a humble childhood to more than 14 years in the modeling industry, Hoang Thuy shared honestly about her journey of constant self-training to become the best version of herself. For her, success is not luck, it is the result of practice, patience, and purpose. She showed how modeling taught her that practice is not mere repetition, but preparation, improvement, and turning mistakes into growth. Her mantra “practice makes perfect” embodied the true meaning of going all the way: daring to dream, yet being resilient enough to walk every step and overcome every challenge until the dream comes true. Stepping out as the winner of Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2011, Hoàng Thùy is not only a professional model but also a symbol of breakthrough and transformation in Vietnam's fashion industry. With her professional demeanor and distinctive personality, she has graced the runways of Fashion Weeks in London, New York, Shanghai, and made striking appearances on the covers of prestigious magazines such as ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar.In 2015, Hoàng Thùy was honored by Forbes Vietnam in the Top 30 Under 30, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the fields of creativity and culture. Beyond fashion, she ventured into the beauty pageant arena as Vietnam’s representative at Miss Universe 2019, where she made it to the Top 20, showcasing the image of confident and resilient Vietnamese women to the international 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
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- 8:21The Comeback is Always Bigger than the Breakdown | Krispin Watson | TEDxAlabasterWhat if your greatest setback was actually the setup for the life you were created to live?In this powerful and deeply personal TEDxAlabaster talk, Krispin Watson challenges us to rethink how we view obstacles, heartbreaks, and disappointments.Krispin introduces her transformative approach: Face it. Feel it. Flip it.Face it (Stop running from the pain and acknowledge what really happened.) Feel it (Give yourself permission to process the emotions instead of burying them.) Flip it (Shift your perspective and use the lesson to fuel your next chapter.)Through faith, resilience, and raw honesty, Krispin shows that setbacks don't have to define you—they can refine you. Her story is proof that even the hardest seasons can lead to purpose, growth, and breakthroughs when you choose to flip the narrative.If you've ever felt stuck, defeated, or unsure of how to move forward, this talk will remind you that your setback is not the end—it's just the beginning.Watch now and be inspired to flip your pain into power.#TEDxAlabaster #TEDx #SetbacksToSetup #Motivation #KrispinWatson Krispin Watson is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others turn pain into purpose and platforms. As the founder of SLL Professional Services, she empowers clients through real estate, social media strategy, and business coaching. A former single mom who transformed her setbacks into a series of successful ventures, Krispin is passionate about showing others how to rise from challenging seasons with authenticity and boldness. She is the author of Shattered Vows: Turn Relationship Pain into God’s Purpose for Your Life and the host of the So Lux Life podcast, where she inspires listeners to pursue mental, spiritual, and entrepreneurial growth. Whether on stage or online, Krispin’s mission is clear: to equip people to embrace their story, own their voice, and build purpose-driven lives and businesses. 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
- 14:34The hidden power of universal design | Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes | TEDxAlabasterWhy are we still using 1990 rules to design a 2025 world?In this transformative TEDxAlabaster talk, communication scholar Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes reimagines accessibility, universal design, and inclusive communication as the engine of innovation. Grounded in research and in her lived experience as a brain-tumor survivor, Hayes pairs data with human stories to show how designing for disability from the start improves outcomes across higher education, media, and civic technology. Anchored by the curb cut effect, the talk explains why pre-Internet compliance frameworks miss today's realities—and, Dr. Hayes maps what a possibility-driven approach can deliver: multimodal materials, high-quality captions, blended "paper-plus-digital" learning, and accessible tools and spaces that scale from classrooms to campuses and cities. Come explore the ways that with one in four people facing barriers, inclusive design is not an add-on; it's core civic infrastructure that strengthens learning, participation, and creativity for everyone. This is a research-backed, inspirational case for building systems where stories and data work together—so communities can thrive. Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes is an educator, researcher, and universal design advocate. Currently an associate professor at the University of Alabama, she directs the Rhetoric, Discourse, and Public Culture Research Lab. Her award winning research focuses on public discourse, accessibility, and social change. She also currently directs the doctoral program in the College of Communication and Information Sciences and is a nationally award winning teacher and mentor of more than two decades as well as a highly sought after public speaker on issues of public communication. Dr. Hayes holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies and a graduate degree in Neuroscience. In 2019, her journey was interrupted by a life-threatening brain tumor. After a terminal prognosis, a 20-hour surgery, and a year-long recovery, Dr. Hayes adapted to losing the sight in her right eye and some of her hearing. This experience deepened her understanding of the brain, how we learn, and accessibility. 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
- 7:40Who are you influencing and why does it matter? | Tonya Williams | TEDxAlabasterWho's watching you right now and what are they learning from your life?Influence isn't reserved for celebrities or people with millions of followers. The truth is, everyone is an influencer. Every word you speak, every choice you make, and every action you take is shaping someone else's perspective whether it's your children, coworkers, friends, or even strangers.In this powerful TEDxAlabaster talk, Tonya Williams challenges us to rethink influence and recognize the responsibility that comes with it. She reveals how everyday decisions can leave a lasting impact, why intentional living matters more than ever, and how influence can either build up or break down the people around us.If you've ever wondered whether your life truly makes a difference, this talk will show you why the answer is a bold yes.Watch now to discover how to walk in authentic influence and why the way you lead your life matters more than you think.#ImpactAndInfluence #AuthenticLeadership #InfluenceWithIntegrity #ChangeTheWorld #PersonalGrowth #MindShift #EverydayInfluence #LeadWithPurpose Tonya has been a certified life coach for over 7 years. Tonya also received a certification in Pastoral Ministry from Highlands College in 2020. She believes in order to reach people you have to be REAL, Relatable and Non-Judgmental. She thinks it's important to meet people right where they are but her desire is not to leave them the same way she met you! Tonya has a heart for people to not only know WHO they are but WHOSE they are! Her teaching style is to provide tips and tools to create new routines and habits to help you achieve the life you've always desired and to walk in your God-given purpose! Tonya provides biblical principles to everyday issues we struggle with that the church won't address. Tonya says “We were created to grow through our experiences and come out better on the other side. God created us in His image so it's time we break free from the bondages that's been keeping us from living the life He desires for us” 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
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