"Your DNA Can Tell You Your Risk for Cancer – Can You Afford to Listen?" is a deeply personal and thought-provoking TEDx talk that explores the life-changing power—and emotional weight—of genetic testing. The speaker shares her own story, beginning with the devastating loss of her father to cancer, a moment that sparked her journey into understanding inherited risk. As she confronts the possibility that she, too, may carry a genetic predisposition to cancer. This talk blends science with vulnerability, highlighting the tension between knowledge and fear, access and action. It’s a call to consider not just what our DNA can tell us—but whether we’re truly ready to listen, and to afford it, and what we’ll do with the truth once we hear it. 2nd-Year Medical Student | Health Advocate | Hereditary Cancer Gene Mutation Carrier Madison Miller is a second-year medical student at Central Michigan University College of Medicine with a personal connection to her work — she carries an ATM gene mutation and is a passionate member of the hereditary cancer community. Her experiences give her a unique perspective on cancer, blending clinical work, research, academics, and real life. When she’s not studying or in the hospital, Madison is an active health care advocate at the state and national level. An important focus of her advocacy is for better awareness, research, and access to care to make a difference for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer. But life isn’t all oncology! Madison dances with Infusion Dance Team at CMU, loves camping trips with friends, soaking up time in nature with her husband, and making new memories with her family — moments that remind her what she's fighting for. 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 powerful and introspective TEDx talk, the speaker explores the often-overlooked chaos of our inner worlds—where anxiety, overthinking, and emotional turbulence quietly rule. "Trapped in an Untamed Mind" takes the audience on a journey through the speaker’s personal struggles with mental unrest, shedding light on how unchecked thoughts can become cages that shape our reality. With vulnerability and insight, the talk delves into the importance of mental discipline, self-awareness, and the path to reclaiming peace through mindfulness and emotional regulation. A compelling invitation to confront the storm within—and begin taming the mind. Kelly Lett is a psychology major with plans to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology. After failing to accomplish her original career goals Kelly changed directions, going back to school at 43 interested in psychedelic interactions with cognitive functioning. Happily, not married and childfree, she enjoys early mornings gardening and long contemplative walks with her dogs. 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

"Ogichidaa: Way of the Warrior" is a powerful TEDx talk theme that delves into the Indigenous concept of the Ogichidaa—a warrior not just in battle, but in spirit, community, and purpose. Rooted in Anishinaabe culture, the Ogichidaa embodies courage, sacrifice, and leadership, guided by values such as honor, respect, and protection of others. Through personal narrative, ancestral wisdom, and reflection, this talk invites audiences to rethink strength—not as domination, but as the ability to stand for truth, protect the vulnerable, and walk with integrity. It is a celebration of Indigenous knowledge and the timeless path of the true warrior. Michael McCreery Naakwa Nini (Noonday Man) draws upon the wisdom teachings of his Odawa and Ojibwe ancestors to guide others through challenge and change. As a Prevention Specialist with Saginaw Chippewa Tribe he supports Native youth with programs rooted in cultural identity, resilience, and community wellbeing. Previously, McCreery served as a Conservation Officer for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, protecting treaty rights and teaching sustainable practices grounded in the sacred cycle of the four seasons of life. His decade in tribal Law Enforcement with Grand Traverse Band centered on community policing and protecting traditional hunting, fishing and gathering ways based on the treaty of rights of 1836. McCreery’s has been shaped by profound loss- a “perfect storm” that called him to draw deeply on ancestral wisdom for strength. Through these teachings, he learned to navigate the unknown, walking forward with humility, courage and hope. A passionate student of Anishnaabe language, history and culture, McCreery is committed to honoring the living spirit of his people and carrying their enduring guidance into future. 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

"Shweta Deshmukh is an award-winning architect, entrepreneur, and spiritual seeker who turned life’s deepest struggles into powerful stepping stones. Raised in Nagpur under modest means, Shweta faced extreme financial challenges and was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 12—a condition wrapped in stigma, silence, and emotional isolation. Despite the odds, she channeled her pain into purpose, pursuing her dream of becoming an architect.Her transformation began with a simple 21-day meditation practice that sparked self-acceptance and healing. Through spirituality, she reclaimed her identity, health, and inner strength. Today, she is the co-founder of Dezinebox, a sustainable design-tech startup delivering VR-enabled interior services across the globe. She’s worked on everything from temples to tech hubs, and her work integrates circular economy principles and emotional connection.In this TEDx talk, Shweta shares three key life lessons: accept your problems, embrace a spiritual practice, and, especially for women—stop trying to be Superwoman. Just be a woman. Authentic, intuitive, strong, and enough.Her story isn’t just about success—it’s about surrender, courage, and rising from within." Ar. Shweta Deshmukh, Principal Architect at SDA and Founder of Dezinebox, is a visionary leader with 20+ years of experience in architecture and design. SDA has delivered landmark residential and commercial projects across India. Through her tech-driven startup Dezinebox—part of CII’s Affiliation Program—she is democratizing design with online services, virtual visualization, and a strong partner ecosystem. An alumna of IIM Ahmedabad and incubatee of IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, she was featured in CII’s prestigious ‘Leading the Change – 50 Inspirational Women in Innovation’ Compendium. Recognized globally, Shweta has received honors like ‘Exceptional Woman of Excellence’ and ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ and featured in publications like Forbes India, Fortune India, India Today, Economic Times of India and many more. Her work blends creativity, sustainability, and digital innovation to shape the future of architecture. Times of India and many 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

"We often chase greatness in the loudest places, expecting it to shine with grand gestures and dramatic flair. But true extraordinariness isn’t always found on a stage or in the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet determination of a mother balancing work and home, the resilience of a driver braving the roads every single day, or the silent strength of someone choosing kindness despite their own struggles.The ordinary is where real stories live—unpolished, raw, and beautiful. It’s easy to miss because we’re taught to seek the exceptional in rare achievements. But if we pause, look closer, and truly listen, we’ll find greatness tucked in everyday lives, where consistency, courage, and compassion thrive quietly.It’s in the hands that build, the minds that persevere, and the hearts that give without needing applause. These are the people who carry the weight of the world with a smile, who inspire not with words but by simply showing up every day.To find the extraordinary, we don’t need to search farther—we need to see deeper. Because the magic has always been right there, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be noticed, honoured, and celebrated." Reema Kothari Jogani is the Director at Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd. (RTPL), a second-generation entrepreneur shaping the future of cold chain and ambient transportation across Western, Southern, and Central India. With a PGDBA in Marketing and corporate experience at KPMG, E&Y, and Bloomberg UTV, Reema transitioned into the family business founded by her father, Mr. Ashok Kothari. Over 13 years, she has led RTPL’s growth into a fleet of 100+ trucks. Actively involved in business development and operations, Reema is known for her client-centric approach, leadership in gender diversity, and commitment to industry advancement. An alumna of IIM Ahmedabad’s MPOWER program, she frequently speaks at logistics forums and has received several awards, including “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.”She is passionate about empowering women in logistics and believes in learning, resilience, and driving value-based partnerships. 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 the key to saving lives was hidden in the soil beneath our feet?When a close friend and his wife were diagnosed with cancer, Vivek Nirmal began a personal quest to understand rising health issues — and found himself deep in India’s farmlands. There, he uncovered a hard truth: soil degradation, unsustainable farming, and a broken supply chain were harming not just farmers, but also the food we eat.This moment sparked the birth of Kisan Konnect - an app that connects farmers directly to consumers, delivering fresher, safer produce while empowering those who grow it. In this talk, Vivek shares how regenerative agriculture and rural infrastructure are helping heal people restore the earth, and secure farmers’ future.If you have ever wondered what it takes to fix what’s broken in agriculture, this talk will change the way you look at your plate, and your purpose." For over 25 years, Vivek Nirmal has dedicated his life to one mission: rebuilding India’s agricultural future by restoring soil health, empowering farmers, and delivering safer, more nutritious food to millions of consumers. Born and raised in Srirampur, near Shirdi, Vivek grew up in a farming family, where he witnessed both the potential and the vulnerability of India’s smallholder farmers. Vivek sheds light on the critical ‘soil crisis’ impacting farmers and the health of our food systems. He discusses the alarming effects of soil obesity caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, resulting in degraded land, reduced nutritional value, and a growing health crisis. Vivek introduces the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture, showcasing local success stories and how KisanKonnect empowers over 6,000 farmers through sustainable practices. 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