Sanford Biggers creates art that upends traditional narratives about topics ranging from hip hop to Buddhism to American history.

Jessica Ladd is using technology to combat sexual assault, empower survivors and advance justice.

After weathering two years in Biosphere 2, Jane Poynter is trying to create technologies that allow us to live in hostile environments -- like outer space.

Britt Wray's work is about life and what we make of it: past, present and future.

The chair of neurosurgery at the University of Toronto, Andres Lozano has pioneered the use of deep brain stimulation for treating Parkinson’s, depression, anorexia and Alzheimer’s disease.

A powerhouse of scientific leadership in Africa, Christian Happi sequences and studies the genomes of infectious diseases like Ebola, HIV and coronavirus.

Joe Sabia investigates new ways to tell stories -- meshing viral video and new display technologies with old-fashioned narrative.

Mark Pollock was the first blind person to race to the South Pole. Now he's exploring the intersection where humans and technology collide on a new expedition to cure paralysis in our lifetime.

Ric Elias is the CEO and cofounder of Red Ventures, a portfolio of fast-growing digital businesses.

Ian Firth designs bridges all around the world; some are very long and cross over wide rivers or sea channels, and some are really short and in the middle of towns and cities, but "all of them are unique and special in their own way."

Pushing his body through epic cold-water swims, Lewis Gordon Pugh wants to draw attention to our global climate. He's just back from swimming in a meltwater lake on the slopes of Mount Everest.

Damien Riehl is a lawyer, musician and technologist with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics and software development.

Jane Fonda has had four extraordinary careers (so far): Oscar-winning actor, author, fitness guru and impassioned activist.

TED Senior Fellow Paul Rucker explores issues related to mass incarceration, racially motivated violence and the continued impact of policies that sustain inequity.

Kelly Richmond Pope researches organizational misconduct, ethics and fraud.

Long revered in the UK for her wit and candor, Sandi Toksvig is now lending her familiar voice to a greater cause -- equality for women.

Pearl Arredondo helped establish a pilot middle school that teaches students to be good communicators in the 21st century.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled 1958 performance at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.

I am passionate about helping people and make the world a peaceful place.

Ecological networks scientist

Web entrepreneur

Performance + media artist

Doctor + author + global women's health specialist

Ethnomusicologist

Singer + Cultural Activist