There's incredible interest in understanding how artificial intelligence, AI, can be used in business, science, technology, and more. But how can AI be used to be a better human? To be more engaged with our loved ones, with our passions, for our goals? Sarah Gallucci explores how she learned to use AI in her role as a professor and in her personal life. Sarah Gallucci is an English professor at Central Piedmont Community College. In addition to her service to the college, she also serves the community of Charlotte through various art projects. Before this role, she was a journalist writing for popular national and international publications, including The Atlantic, CNN, Harper’s Bazaar, The Washington Post. She has previously given a TEDx Talk in New Delhi, India encouraging women to use their unapologetic voices.She is the creator of Sovereign Daughter, an empowering journaling community for women and people who identify as women, to write their truths, be transformed, and heal. She hosts monthly workshops and offers 1:1 journal therapy sessions to women around the world. She lives on the Westside of Charlotte with her two children. 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 being funny wasn’t a talent but a skill anyone could learn? In this heartfelt talk, Charlie makes the case that humour is not just for comedians—it’s a toolkit anyone can develop. Drawing from years of running free comedy workshops, Charlie shares how games like “Yes And” and “Love, Hate, Indifferent” teach empathy, collaboration, and creativity. With laughter as a guide, Charlie invites us all to find connection, joy, and meaning through comedy. Charlie is a U3 student at McGill University, and studies Software Engineering and World Cinemas. He is also the president of McGill Improv, Editor-In-Chief of The Plumber's Faucet, and VP External of the McGill Students' Comedy Club. Whenever he calls home to give his parents an update, they always have to ask if he even goes to class, which he does. Mostly. Over the last few years, he has been lucky enough to get to perform around campus with a variety of different groups, occasionally even getting a laugh from the audience. He came to McGill almost four years ago from his hometown of Toronto, and whenever he goes back he makes sure to cuddle up to his adorable dog, Sloan. 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 happens when a lifelong dream collides with harsh truths? In this powerful talk, Yasmine shares her journey from aspiring doctor to healthcare equity advocate. Through stories of systemic racism in medicine, she reveals the hidden harms within the healthcare system. Drawing on her research and community work, Yasmine calls for a more compassionate, anti-racist future in medicine—where each ripple of action helps shape a system that truly serves everyone. Yasmine Elmi is an MD-PhD student at McGill University dedicated to pursuing a dual career as a clinician and researcher. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities, particularly in maternal and child health and racial health disparities. Her research has been featured in leading academic journals such as The Lancet and highlighted by major media outlets including CBC, CTV, and Radio-Canada. Passionate about creating lasting ripples in healthcare and education, Yasmine is an advocate for mentorship and diversity in STEMM. She actively contributes to the National Youth Mentorship Advisory Council of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Federation of Black Canadians, and Let’s Talk Science’s Black Volunteer Collective. Her efforts to foster equity and inclusion have earned her prestigious accolades like the McCall MacBain Scholarship, the 21 Under 21 Awards, and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch. 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 happens when a mother’s dream becomes the compass for her child’s future? In this inspiring TED Talk, Mr. Henry Darby shares a deeply personal journey rooted in love, legacy, and purpose. From the nurturing values instilled at home to transformative experiences at Morris College, Mr. Darby reflects on how education and community shaped a life committed to service. This talk is a tribute to the power of dreams passed down through generations—and how they blossom into a lifelong desire to uplift others. Mr. Henry Darby, principal at North Charleston High School, is the epitome of selfless dedication to his community. In 2020, after realizing many of the students in his school were struggling financially, with some sleeping under bridges or in their cars, he decided to do something about it. Mr. Darby applied to get a part-time job at Walmart, working from 10 pm to 7 am three days a week, just so he could donate his pay to his students. His actions have led to the community donating almost $100,000 to the school, and Walmart has donated an additional $50,000. Mr. Darby says "I was taught if your hands find something to do, do it. So I came to myself and said, 'Perhaps I need another job in terms of part-time.’” Mr. Darby holds a Bachelor’s and two Master’s Degrees and has served in education for over 40 years, but it is his humility and genuine love for the children he serves that make him an excellent leader. In addition to his other accolades, he is the author of numerous books. 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

Leadership lessons can be learned in the most unexpected places, like a gridlocked traffic jam following a college graduation– as Arin Patterson knows firsthand. Arin discusses three theories that are fundamental to understanding effective leadership: transformational leadership, behavioral leadership, and destructive leadership. By understanding these theories, we can understand that organizational success is TBD. Arin Patterson is an innovative community developer and culture architect with over a decade of experience in leadership roles at high-impact nonprofits, working with youth, young adults, families, and communities. As a visionary leader and effective communicator, she is passionate about helping others maximize their strengths and achieve their highest potential. She brings an enthusiastic energy to her work, offering authentic encouragement and an optimistic outlook on life.Arin focuses on servant leadership, practical training, and consistent inspiration, always aiming to develop better individuals, leaders, and teams. Building bridges between people and organizations is vital to her, and she enjoys helping others find meaning in their work by connecting it to a larger purpose. 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

Can the Earth’s past help us make sense of today’s climate crisis? This talk examines how geological records such as ancient ripples and mass extinctions can inform our understanding of modern climate change. While natural laws remain constant, the current rate and scale of human-driven warming are unprecedented. By contrasting scientific insights with climate denial narratives, the talk highlights the importance of context, evidence, and urgency in using the past to shape a livable and sustainable future. Charlotte is a PhD candidate at McGill University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, and stayed for a master’s degree specializing in the oceanic sulfur cycle. Now, she researches sedimentary rock predating the dawn of animal life, aiming to improve our understanding of how microbially-constructed reefs altered ancient climate. She is passionate about teaching others about geology, because an understanding of Earth history and deep time directly lends itself to an appreciation for the natural world. As a result, she does science outreach on social media under the username @charbonate, through which she creates informative videos about the Earth's past, and advocates for the importance of geoscience education. 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