Join Awaid Irshad Bhatti, a dedicated public servant, as he shares his inspiring journey of driving positive change in Pakistan. From the coastal town of Gawadar to the flood-prone streets of Islamabad, Awaid recounts his experiences as a district officer, highlighting the barriers he faced and the innovative solutions he implemented. Awaid's creative approach to incentivizing children helped increase school enrollment in Gawadar, and how his vision for education led to the establishment of the first-ever library in Kuchlak. Discover how his leadership and quick thinking helped mitigate the impact of floods in Islamabad, showcasing the power of effective governance and community engagement. Presenting Awaid Irshad Bhatti, a distinguished speaker at TEDxAIMC: Breaking Barriers! As the Deputy Finance Secretary for the Punjab Government and former Assistant Commissioner of the Industrial Area in Islamabad, Awaid has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to public service. A CSS topper from 2017, his academic credentials include multiple degrees from UC Berkeley and Cambridge University, reflecting his dedication to knowledge and excellence. Awaid’s journey is a testament to resilience and ambition, and he brings a wealth of insights on breaking barriers in governance, finance, and social impact. Join us as he shares his story, inspiring us to overcome challenges and pursue excellence without limits. 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

This talk is about taking risks. Anthony Macerollo explains that, when risks are taken without thought of anyone but yourself, you set yourself up for disaster. Taking others into consideration when you take risks is a risk management strategy that mitigates the uncertainty and impact of your actions. Tony Macerollo an outdoor enthusiast, was born in Washington, D.C. in 1970, his formative years in Clifton, VA, near Great Falls, ignited a passion for adventure sports including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking. Despite a hiatus during his family-raising years, Tony rediscovered his love for outdoor activities in 2012, catalyzed by climbing at an indoor gym and summiting Mt. Baker in 2014. From ice climbing in Banff to mountain biking across various terrains, Tony's pursuits are diverse and dynamic, with a consistent dedication to mountain biking, averaging over 1,500 miles per year. He boasts climbing accomplishments in renowned locations like Red River Gorge and Seneca Rocks and revels in snowboarding wherever and whenever possible. Whitewater kayaking also holds a special place in Tony's heart, with Class III rapids conquered in rivers across the United States. Tony resides in Worthington, OH, with his wife Allison and their two daughters, Regan and Kennedy. 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

Join Sajawal Ahmad Ali, a seasoned e-commerce expert and successful entrepreneur, as he shares his inspiring journey of building a thriving online business in Pakistan. With unflinching honesty, Sajawal recounts the difficulties he faced, from navigating Pakistan's complex business landscape to overcoming personal setbacks. Sajawal reveals the solutions that helped him overcome these challenges, including innovative marketing strategies, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Hear how he leveraged his experiences to build a successful e-commerce business, creating opportunities for himself and others in Pakistan. Sajawal Ahmed Ali is an accomplished expert in digital marketing who has successfully built a thriving career from the ground up. Through his journey, he has mastered the art of online branding, content strategy, and digital growth, transforming his skills into a successful business. Now, Sajawal is committed to sharing his knowledge with others, teaching aspiring marketers the essential tools and techniques needed to excel in the digital landscape. At TEDxAIMC, he will share his inspiring journey of resilience and growth, emphasizing how digital marketing can empower individuals to break through barriers and achieve success from scratch. 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 powerful talk, Omar shares his personal journey and the story of Pink Ribbon Pakistan's mission to raise awareness, provide education, and support treatment efforts for breast cancer. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of Pink Ribbon Pakistan's campaign, highlighting the importance of early detection, access to healthcare, and community support. Umer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, has been a trailblazer in breaking barriers around breast cancer awareness in a society where conversations about women’s health are often stigmatized. Through his tireless efforts, he has transformed public perceptions, empowering women to take charge of their health and making breast cancer detection and treatment more accessible. At TEDxAIMC, Dr. Aftab will share his inspiring journey of overcoming societal taboos, mobilizing communities, and driving change in healthcare. His talk will highlight the importance of confronting barriers in health education and the power of collective action to save lives. 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

When Hurricane Beryl hit Houston’s Third Ward, Ed Pettitt witnessed firsthand how seniors and low-income families were left stranded without electricity, air conditioning, or even water—revealing how power outages don’t impact everyone equally. In this talk, he explores how energy poverty is a global crisis, with life-threatening consequences from underserved neighborhoods in the U.S. to remote communities abroad. Pettitt introduces community microgrids as a transformative solution that can decentralize power, lower energy costs, and give control back to local residents. Through a partnership between the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University and the Clean Energy Fund of Texas, he shares a bold, justice-centered vision for a future where no one is left in the dark. Ed Pettitt is a doctoral candidate in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. He serves as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice in Houston, where he focuses on equitable energy transitions and community resilience. Ed played a key role in securing a $156 million EPA Solar for All grant to expand community solar, energy efficiency, and microgrids. This initiative will benefit Historically Black Colleges & Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges & Universities, and adjacent low-income, energy-burdened communities across the United States—serving as a model that can be replicated globally. 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 inspiring talk, Mustafa Ahmad, a renowned e-commerce expert and successful entrepreneur, shares his insights on the transformative power of e-commerce in Pakistan. With his expertise in building thriving online businesses, Mustafa reveals the benefits of e-commerce, from bridging geographical gaps to creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Join Mustafa as he explores the vast potential of e-commerce in Pakistan, highlighting success stories, challenges, and opportunities. Discover how embracing e-commerce can drive economic growth, empower women, and revolutionize the way Pakistan does business. Mustafa Ahmad, a dynamic young entrepreneur, has made waves in the e-commerce industry by launching his own successful brand, MAD Dental Care, at an impressively early age. His innovative approach to combining technology with healthcare has set new standards in dental care accessibility and convenience. Mustafa’s journey is a testament to how passion, perseverance, and a forward-thinking mindset can break through traditional business barriers. At TEDxAIMC, he will share his experiences of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, overcoming challenges, and how embracing innovation can lead to redefining industries and creating opportunities for the future. 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