What happens when cities are shaped not just by planners but by the people who live in them? This talk explores how urban spaces evolve beyond their original designs through everyday acts of creativity and community. Mount Royal Park’s transformation to the Superblocks of Barcelona highlights the power of adaptive design—an approach that balances structure with spontaneity, inviting cities to grow in resilient, inclusive, and unexpectedly beautiful ways. Michael is an educational keynote speaker who inspires audiences with his insights on mindset, productivity and leadership. Drawing on his experience leading teams and managing complex projects, he focuses on creating frameworks for process optimization. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Michael has over 15 years of experience in infrastructure advisory and project management, contributing to transformative projects that have shaped cityscapes across Canada. As Vice President, Quebec at Colliers Project Leaders, he continues to explore his passion for building modern cities and is an advocate of forward-thinking approaches to urban development. Michael is currently dedicated to exploring innovative strategies to build and sustain high-performance teams, focusing on collaboration, adaptability, and shared purpose. His commitment to personal growth mirrors his professional ethos, making him a compelling voice for innovation, resilience, and the future of city planning. 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

Eric Thorkilsen discusses children's unique ability to speak the truth in ways that adults often don't, revealing factual honesty and deeper emotional truths. Children's unfiltered observations remind us of our core selves, often buried under responsibilities and self-doubt. By listening to children, we can reconnect with our inner truths and learn to be better versions of ourselves. They teach us about honesty, joy, and living in the present moment, showing us what truly matters. Erin Thorkilsen is a passionate educator, innovator, and advocate for children. She is the founder of Heart in Education—a program for teachers that brings a fresh, heart-centered approach to professional development. An adjunct professor of education at the University of Rhode Island, Erin is a recognized leader in the fields of well-being and mindfulness, a podcast guest, conference presenter, parent educator, and consultant.With over 20 years as an award-winning elementary classroom teacher, Erin deeply understands the challenges and joys of teaching. She has taught preK, kindergarten, fourth grade, mentored and supervised undergraduate and graduate student teachers, and served in an administrative role as the Director of Associate Teachers. Balancing her professional work with the adventure of raising twin young daughters, Erin lives in Wakefield, RI with her husband, the two girls, and dog, Ruby. 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 know that art needs space, but we don't often reflect on what that actually means. Charlotte, North Carolina is known as a finance city, but is seeking to invest in creating more space for the arts. Jenna Drew researched the barriers that hinder artists as well as solutions for creating space for arts– to the benefits of the artists and the entire community. Jenna Drew is a senior at UNC Charlotte studying Sociology and Gerontology. Originally from Cary, NC, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling to new destinations, and trying different restaurants. Jenna hopes after her time at UNC Charlotte to pursue a career in mental health counseling.Jenna believes that bringing art into public spaces will help increase economic and mental well being for communities. After completing research on the topic of art in public spaces in Charlotte, Jenna realized the immense potential there is for these projects throughout the city and beyond. 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

The role of dance and performing arts in mental well-being Priyal Didwania is a Grade 12 IBDP student at JNIS, invites us into a world where rhythm meets reflection. A passionate mental health advocate, Priyal believes that true healing begins from within. She remains curious about why we feel what we feel— and how we can feel better. Priyal is also an Indian classical dancer. Having trained in Kathak since the age of eight, she performs professionally and is set to receive her Bachelor’s degree in art this year. At just 16, she founded Uthaan Foundation, a volunteer-led initiative that empowers underprivileged children through dance. Her journey reminds us that movement is NOT just something we do— it’s how we connect, come alive and heal. 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

The power of biomimicry in business and design Priya Venkatesh is the founder and director of The Naturalist School, a pioneering initiative in India that has upskilled over 2000 local youth across 15 States to become Nature Guides, mainly through government-recognised certified courses to earn a livelihood. It is also aimed at Conservation through formal Education and responsible Ecotourism. Priya is a leadership consultant with Ozone and has designed experiential Programmes for corporate leaders. She has been a volunteer with WWF(India) for 25 years. She is also a Master Trainer and Assessor with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. She is one of the few women from Bangalore who has crossed the Arctic and Antarctic Circles on a mission to address Climate Change and Sustainability. 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

Using creativity to address issues and find solutions Gayathri Chandrasekharan is the Editor-in-Chief of Tinkle Comics, a beloved children's publication that has shaped young imaginations for generations. With a rich career as an author, editor, and comics creator, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging stories that blend humor, adventure, and learning. Passionate about children's publishing, Gayathri has worked extensively to nurture new talent and bring fresh narratives to life. Under her leadership, Tinkle continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy of storytelling that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for reading among young audiences. 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