In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

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Chris Sherman

Student

What happens when you're taught to be strong—not by others, but by your own expectations? In this honest and deeply personal talk, Chris shares how growing up alongside family illness shaped a mindset of perfection, independence, and silence. From hiding pain behind straight A’s to navigating college applications and varsity tennis, Chris opens up about the power of shifting perspective, embracing imperfection, and finally learning that asking for help is not weakness—it's growth.

Coop Caiozzo

Brand Builder

This is the story of how two college freshmen turned failure into their biggest advantage—by building a dorm-room brand from scratch. It’s a talk about risk, creativity, and why failing early and often might be the smartest thing you do.

Laurel Wiers

Therapist

Laurel Wiers is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been practicing for over 25 years. She has trained clinicians nationally to treat trauma with Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a contributor to the therapeutic model of Critical Memory Integration. As the founder of Optimal Outcome, a coaching and consulting company, she helps people overcome triggers and trauma to unlock peak performance in life and business. Laurel shares the unexpected connection between the body, brain and our past experiences- and how healing old wounds might just be the key to your future success.

Mich Ongwen

Student

In a world that constantly tries to define who we are and where we belong, what happens when we push back? This talk shares a personal journey of navigating displacement, rejection, and resistance—from being uprooted across continents to rewriting the rules of fashion and leadership. It’s a call to anyone who’s ever felt out of place, overlooked, or underestimated to see resistance not as a wall, but as a doorway to transformation. Discover the power of adaptability, creativity, and relentless courage to carve your own path—against the curren

Nathan Mersereau

President at Planning Alternatives

In this compelling Tedx talk, Nathan Mersereau, veteran financial advisor, thought leader and author, reveals a surprising truth: money alone doesn’t make us wealthy. After decades of advising high-net-worth individuals-some joyful, some deeply unhappy-Nathan uncovers a powerful insight: True wealth isn’t measured by your net worth, but by six life currencies that shape purpose, well-being and legacy. Whether you’re financially comfortable, building your future, or questioning what truly matters, this talk invites you to rethink your relationship with money and success. You’ll discover: Why so many wealthy people feel unfulfilled, The six currencies of True Wealth, How to align your money with your values, Tools to live more intentionally and authentically, and A mindset shift from scarcity to purpose-driven possibility.

Taka Barron

Veteran

Robert "Taka" Barron is a student at Bentley University, pursuing a B.S. in Management. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Hospital Corpsman—equivalent to a combat medic—he spent six years in high-pressure medical environments, serving in a variety of roles including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Naval Medical Center San Diego, as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, and later as a civilian during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his service, he silently battled depression and anxiety. Now, he is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging others to seek support, and fostering open conversations about mental well-being.

Trinity Moulton

Student

Have you ever felt like you’ve been operating on autopilot while trying to meet the numerous demands of your daily life? If so, these feelings are quite normal because many cultures emphasize action and achievement, classifying them as “DOING” cultures. In her TED Talk, Trinity Moulton highlights how too much “DOING” and not enough “BEING” can have negative implications on mental and physical health. After studying abroad in Southern France for 4 months then facing the shock of returning to American culture, Trinity shares a key insight she learned: “BEING” is just as important as "DOING!” She leaves listeners with the message that taking 10 more minutes of your day to "BE" by pursuing your passions, doing things where you lose track of time, and focusing on relationships can improve your overall wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Varun Kanumuri

Student

What if growing up didn’t mean giving up wonder? In this talk, we explore how curiosity, awe, and play—often dismissed as childish—can enrich adult life in powerful ways. From personal stories to cultural insights, this talk challenges misconceptions about adulthood and invites you to rediscover the magic in everyday moments.

Zainabou Thiam

Entrepreneur

Zainabou Thiam explores what it truly means to pursue success in a world that tells us to wait. Through the lens of her journey as a young entrepreneur, Zainabou shares how she launched her company, Sunu Body, at just 16 years old — not because she was fully ready but because she was willing to start. Her talk challenges the myth of perfect timing and reveals how waiting often disguises fear. She introduces three mindset shifts that helped her turn an idea into an award-winning business: starting with what you have, embracing failure, and getting out of your way. At its core, Zainabou’s talk is about courage — the kind that doesn’t wait for permission but chooses to begin anyway.