Secondary school athletic trainers are uniquely positioned health care providers. However, disparities in access to athletic training services are prevalent, particularly in low socioeconomic status communities. In this talk, Dr. Mayrena Isamar Hernandez shares the important role of athletic trainers for youth sport safety, and offers recommendations for ways to increase athletic training access in schools. Mayrena Isamar Hernandez, Ph.D., is director of the Healthy Activity toward Promoting Injury Reduction Lab and Assistant Professor in athletic training in the Kinesiology Department at Sam Houston State University. Her research focuses on mixed-methods studies that examine how low socioeconomic status youth athlete families are impacted by the negative consequences of sport specialization. Additionally, she is interested in how athletic trainers’ clinical decisions may be impacted by their patient’s socioeconomic status. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Texas–Arlington, master’s in public health from Kansas State University, and doctorate in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Hernandez has worked in various clinical settings, including Division 1 athletics, university health centers, and outreach. She is the recipient of the 2024 National Athletic Trainers’ Research and Education Foundation Doctoral Research Award. 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

Refaela Babish will share the heartfelt journey of bringing Mediterranean monk seals back to Israel and how this effort sparked a passion for conservation in young minds.Discover how an optimistic and personal approach to education can inspire a deeper connection to nature, empowering the next generation to protect our planet with love and dedication. Join Refaela Babish in envisioning a future where wildlife and humanity thrive together Refaela Babish has been dedicated to environmental education for decades. She serves as the Head of the Department of Environmental Studies and Agriculture at Beit Berl College and directs the GLOBE Program. She is also in charge of climate change education in the Pedagogical Secretariat at the Ministry of Education. Additionally, she is a co-founder of Delphis, an organization devoted to protecting marine mammals in Israel. 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

Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major embodies the timeless power of music to inspire and uplift. The Prelude's flowing arpeggios and the Courante's lively rhythms reveal the cello's expressive range, illustrating how music can evoke both introspection and joy. Hannah is a Junior ('26) at The Geneva School and has been playing the cello for 10 years. She currently studies at the prestigious School for Strings program, where she is in her second year. Previously, she honed her skills at Bloomingdale School of Music and Silver Music. As the principal cellist in her orchestra, Hannah brings exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. 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

Storytelling and live theatre remain deeply relevant as they create a sense of community and belonging while fostering empathy through shared experiences. Theatre encourages open communication, builds confidence through vulnerability, and offers a creative outlet that supports mental well-being. Its transformative power lies in its ability to connect, heal, and inspire both individuals and communities. Mallory Inkles is the Advancement Associate at The Geneva School of Manhattan, bringing with her a wealth of experience in youth development and the performing arts. Mallory’s background includes working with young people at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Colorado, where she further cultivated a love for theater and its power to foster empathy and connection. At The Geneva School of Manhattan, she has directed a successful production of The Sound of Music and a 2025 production, Fiddler on the Roof, both of which have enriched and will enrich the school community. 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

Chesterton’s Island Wall illustrates how wise boundaries foster creativity and collaboration in the arts. By providing structure and safety, rules and limitations create a beautifully paradoxical freedom, enabling playful exploration and imaginative expression without fear of the precipice of missteps. These boundaries act as a safeguard, allowing artists to push creative limits with confidence and purpose. Dan Watkins is an entertainment lawyer with a unique perspective on creativity. Dan represents artists and producers, primarily in the live theater industry, and his career before law was equally fascinating. He worked in theatrical general management, helping to develop and manage Broadway, Off-Broadway, and international productions. 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

Drawing is a superpower that connects us to the world around us, helping us notice and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments, from skylines to subway rides. It reminds us that creativity is accessible to everyone, requiring only time, practice, and passion. By pursuing what we love with dedication, we can fully immerse ourselves in the joy and richness of our creative journeys. Patrick Vale is an extraordinarily talented artist and illustrator. Originally from Bristol, UK, Patrick moved to New York City in 2015, and his work has made a lasting impression here. From murals to sketchbooks, Patrick Vale’s artistic mastery spans a wide range of mediums on both grand and personal scales. Patrick has worked with a variety of clients, including tech companies, car brands, singers, and athletes. Beyond his professional success, he’s also deeply passionate about teaching, having hosted youth workshops in the UK to inspire the next generation of artists. 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