In this insightful and imaginative talk, Aaradhya Dwivedi explores “The Alchemy of Transformation”- how ordinary moments, overlooked thoughts, and quiet pauses can spark extraordinary transformations. From surfboard doodles to morning assemblies and teamwork lessons, she beautifully reminds us that sometimes, the smallest experiences can lead to the most meaningful change. The real alchemy, she suggests, lies in noticing the moments we usually overlook. Aaradhya Dwivedi , a Grade 9 student at Seth Anadram Jaipuria School, is a curious and imaginative thinker who finds wonder in the simplest of moments. An optimist with a reflective spirit, she seamlessly blends humor with depth in her expressions. With a natural ability to connect ideas in unexpected ways, she embodies creativity, authenticity, and a quiet determination to make meaning out of the everyday. 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 deeply moving talk, Anya Singh, Deputy Head Girl of SAJS Lucknow, reflects on “The Alchemy of Women”, a tribute to the extraordinary women who shaped her life. Through heartfelt storytelling, she shares how her mother, aunt, grandmother, and sister transformed challenges into strength, absence into abundance, and love into resilience. Anya reminds us that true alchemy isn’t magic - it’s the quiet power of women who turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Anya Singh, the Deputy Head Girl of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow, strives to create spaces that encourage others to discover their voices and grow into confident individuals. Currently a Grade 11 Humanities student, she carries a deep passion for public speaking and how it sparks meaningful conversations. Endlessly curious and eager to learn, she finds joy in exploring everything from the intricacies of grammar to the timeless stories of Greek mythology. For her, words are more than just language; they are a way to connect, inspire, and empower those around her. 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 should a child have to leave their neighborhood to get a quality education?In this powerful and data-driven talk, Yazmine Verdieu, educator and founder of Verdieu Learning Center, exposes the persistent inequities in America’s education system—and how they continue to impact communities like Inglewood. Drawing from her own childhood experience of commuting to schools outside her neighborhood, Yazmine breaks down how funding models, policy gaps, and systemic inequities have turned access to education into a matter of zip code.But she also reveals something more powerful: the energy of advocacy. Through real stories of parents, teachers, and communities who organized, spoke up, and won change from local victories to statewide reform Yazmine shows that advocacy isn’t reserved for politicians. It’s built by everyday people choosing to turn frustration into fuel.Watch this talk to discover how your voice and your energy can help rewrite the future of education for every child. Yazmine Verdieu is an educational advocate, entrepreneur, and researcher dedicated to creating equitable learning opportunities for underserved communities. Born and raised in Venice and West Los Angeles, Yazmine moved to Inglewood at ten years old. It was through running her tutoring business since 2020, Verdieu Learning Center, that she witnessed firsthand the educational disparities that disproportionately affect students in schools across Los Angeles. This experience fueled her passion for advocacy and her continuous commitment to representing educational quality through her services. Through her research, Yazmine explores how systemic inequities in education impact students' access to resources, opportunities, and long-term success. She believes that education is more than just a system—it is a gateway to empowerment, and every student, regardless of their background, deserves a fair and just opportunity to thrive. Beyond her work in education, Yazmine is committed to fostering change through policy reform and community engagement. Her dedication to advocacy has placed her in rooms where change is made, from collaborating with local educators to addressing decision-makers on the importance of equitable curriculum design. She has recently earned her master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University and plans to continue her studies, with a strong focus on educational law and its role in shaping more just and equitable policies. As a TEDxInglewood 2025 speaker, Yazmine aims to ignite conversations about the power of intentional energy in education—how advocacy, passion, and persistence can transform learning environments for students in communities like Inglewood. She believes that by challenging outdated policies and investing in educational equity, we can create a future where every child has the tools and support they need to succeed. She also emphasizes the power of awareness—recognizing the stark differences between schools in high-income versus low-income neighborhoods, from funding and resources to teacher salaries, can serve as a catalyst for motivation and systemic change. By shedding light on these disparities, communities can push for policy reform, demand accountability, and advocate for an education system that uplifts all students, regardless of their zip code. Yazmine’s journey is a testament to the impact of education, resilience, and the power of using one’s voice to drive meaningful change. 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 biggest enemy we face isn’t each other but division itself?In this heartfelt and hopeful talk, Newton Cheng a mental health advocate, father, and global leader shares a simple yet transformative truth: connection begins when we dare to be human with one another. Drawing from his own experience navigating depression and anxiety, Newton reveals how vulnerability became his most powerful tool for healing, understanding, and bridging divides.Through one unexpected encounter in a small-town diner and years of work helping people open up about their mental health, Newton shows that empathy isn’t weakness it’s a solution. By choosing connection over conflict and truth over performance, we can turn division into dialogue and fear into understanding.Watch this talk to learn how the courage to share your story could be the first step toward healing our world. Newton Cheng is a husband and father, champion powerlifter, and is Director of Health + Performance at Google. Defying conventional business leadership practices, Newton has risked his professional reputation by sharing openly about his struggles with mental health and burnout in order to demonstrate that vulnerability and exceptional achievement go hand in hand.Drawing on his unique background at Google as well as his journey to becoming a world champion athlete, he models and teaches a unique performance-oriented approach to vulnerable leadership that he’s developed throughout his career. His goal is to dismantle the stigma around mental health in the workplace and beyond so that we can achieve our most ambitious goals without sacrificing our ability to take care of ourselves and each other.He’s spent his 16-year career at Google developing, launching and scaling global programs aimed at helping Googlers to thrive. Today he oversees a global portfolio of Google’s physical and digital health & wellbeing amenities. He spends much of his time exploring how Google can leverage spaces and services, community, culture and technology to support the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of Googlers, their families, and our neighbors.As a powerlifter, he has set multiple world, US, and California state records, and is a world, US national, and California state champion multiple times over.Newton was born and raised in Macomb, IL. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley. 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

R&B soulstress Morgan Taylor Jones returns to the TEDxInglewood stage with a radiant live performance of her original song, “Shine.” Backed by the talented Jeremiah Gardner on keyboards and Joshua Smith on drums, Morgan delivers a soulful, heartfelt reminder of the power of strength, resilience, and perseverance.Watch this performance to experience the warmth, honesty, and energy that define Morgan’s artistry—and be reminded to let your own light shine. R&B soulstress Morgan Taylor Jones is a multi-talented singer & songwriter who has graced stages all across the US. Her vocal skills have taken her far, with performances at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City, on platforms such as Sofar Sounds, alongside artists like Andra Day and DJ Quik, at the 2023 inaugural TEDxInglewood. conference. In 2023, Morgan created her very own live music showcase, An Evening with Morgan Taylor Jones. Still an active platform of which Morgan executive produces, the event takes place at The LINE Hotel in Los Angeles and has excitingly expanded to additional cities in 2025, including her hometown of Durham, North Carolina, with additional cities on the horizon. A thoughtfully curated experience, the event, now called The Morgan Taylor Jones Experience, is centered around two things dear to this soulful singer and songwriter - music and community. Filled with passion and intention, the night features live performances from local artists, and of course, Morgan herself. In 2024, Morgan graduated from the very first Vocal Production and Performance program at 1500 Sound Academy, a multidisciplinary educational institution founded by a collective of GRAMMY Award winning producers, songwriters, and musicians. Continuing her relationship with the collective, in 2025 Morgan performed in the annual “1500 or Nothin’ Day” in Inglewood, CA which honored 20 years of the band and also served as a benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire relief. To keep up with Morgan, be sure to follow her on Instagram, as @MsMorganTaylor. 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 aging wasn’t something to fear but something to celebrate?In this insightful and refreshingly honest talk, Melody Martinez, one of the youngest speakers on the TEDxInglewood stage, explores how society’s obsession with youth is shaping how even teenagers view themselves. From ancient beauty rituals to modern-day “anti-aging” trends fueled by 13-year-olds on social media, Melody uncovers how deep our fear of time really runs.With humor, curiosity, and wisdom beyond her years, she challenges us to rethink what it means to grow older. Aging, she reminds us, isn’t a flaw it’s a privilege. Each wrinkle, scar, and laugh line tells a story of life lived fully.Watch this talk to be reminded that the most beautiful thing we can become is ourselves, at every age. Melody Martinez is a determined and Driven student at STEAM Virtual Academy. She is passionate about Creativity and innovation, she also thrives in artistic and storytelling domains in which she tries to blend these two passions to inspire herself and others. As a tech ambassador for the South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center, Melody helps to build the community; she motivates and empower her peers to get active in the tech world and try new things. In her capacity, she has assisted community projects such as food drives and giveaways to the community's needs, showcasing the talent of her community and empowering others. Melody believes that collaboration is key; she strives for teamwork and wants to build an environment where all people can reach their potential. Besides her community work, she is an advocate for the inclusion of diverse voices in tech. She speaks at community events , encouraging her peers to engage in the technology and art fields. As a next-generation change-maker, she aims to practice her skills and passions for the benefit of her community by helping them reach their creative aspirations and goals. She sees a future where creativity and community engagement can be put together, she is determined to be a person for positive change within her community. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects, she looks forward to inspiring others to recognize their potential, and ultimately make a supportive environment that encourages personal growth. 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