"Get ready to go on a journey with GINA L CARROLL uncovering why you must write your life stories and how to get them down—started and finished! She shares deep insights, inspiring stories and the facts you didn’t know about the call for your life stories from the storytelling universe! She offers a fresh perspective on why everyone’s story has an audience and is an important thread in the fabric of history.Discover how writers at any level can get unstuck and unlock the urgency to begin; the motivation to toil to get the words down; and the focus to finish! GINA L CARROLL, an author, editor and writing coach will motivate and inspire you to start your writing journey… RIGHT NOW!" "Gina began writing, blogging and speaking after leaving a large corporate law practice to raise her five children. Her first book, 24 Things You Can Do with Social Media to Help Get into College, helped students show their best selves and tell their own stories online.Dedicated to the belief that everyone has a story worth the writing and the telling, she wrote A Story That Matters: A Gratifying Way to Write About Your Life, to help aspiring writers get their life stories written, polished and shared. She founded Story House, LLC (formerly InspiredWordsmith), a writing, editing, and authorship services company based on the belief that the storytelling universe needs more authentic and diverse voices. She is most proud of the debut Story House publishing effort, Stories Are Medicine: Writing to Heal, An Anthology, a beautiful offering from a committed and brave group of Black women writers from Houston and beyond.Gina, a Los Angeles native, is a graduate of Stanford University and UCLA Law School, currently living in Houston, Texas. The Grandest Garden is her debut novel." 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

Maha Gamel, a highly skilled visual artist, discusses how she used her early enthusiasm for drawing into a strong weapon for self-expression and societal influence. She helped youngsters discover their voices thanks to the Dawy project, whose then she met Rasma, an autistic girl who smiled for the first time after seeing her photo, and Mohamed, a boy with remarkable ocean-blue eyes who was bullied because of his hearing problem. His image altered how people perceived him, making him feel valuable.Maha and her partner Ali subsequently created Aswan Street, a painting showcasing 300 ordinary individuals to highlight their underappreciated contributions. They then tested themselves by painting The Symbol of the Nile on a gigantic water tank, defying harsh circumstances to send a message of perseverance and optimism. maha proves that art is more than just an aesthetic; it is an opportunity for transformation, connection, and empowerment. The State Encouragement Award was given to Maha Gamal, a visual artist. She began as a youngster who used sketching as a form of self-expression and transformed her love into a vehicle for social change. Maha utilizes art to break down boundaries and communicate compelling tales, from painting portraits that empower people to paint to express their feelings as she made .Her experience is proof of the transformational potential of imagination, tenacity, and purposeful life. 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

How do you identify a toxic workplace? Fredrik Fornes hilariously navigates the absurdities of the corporate life, and reveals the flaws and unspoken rules of the job market  – without ever actually saying anything outright… Making waves in Norway with a best-selling career book, Fredrik Fornes uses personal stories and career insights, paired with sharp humor to questions the norms of recruitment and career-building.Known as one of Norway’s most influential digital profiles, Fredrik is a marketer, speaker, and author whose witty yet thought-provoking content sparks debate and encourages us to rethink both our careers and the corporate life.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

Harsheen Kaur has spent much of her life in war-torn regions, homeschooled under difficult circumstances. Now in her final year at university, she works to support families in similar situations, driven by her own experiences. Her commitment to offering comfort and emotional support has been impactful, fostering resilience in those she helps. Harsheen’s mission is to shine a light on the struggles and strength of war survivors and the path to rebuilding life Harsheen Kaur has spent much of her life in war-torn regions, homeschooled under difficult circumstances. Now in her final year at university, she works to support families in similar situations, driven by her own experiences. Her commitment to offering comfort and emotional support has been impactful, fostering resilience in those she helps. Harsheen’s mission is to shine a light on the struggles and strength of war survivors and the path to rebuilding life 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 moving and deeply reflective talk, we are invited to explore the idea that while we may live only one chronological life, within it we experience many distinct and transformative lives. Through powerful real-life stories of individuals who faced profound tragedy, we witness how moments of despair can give rise to hope, resilience, and enduring joy. This talk challenges us to embrace the many discreet lives that every person experiences. John’s talk helps us recognize the many branches of our personal tree of life, and discover the transcendent power of compassion, connection, and purpose that carries us from one life to the next. John Tarantino, a lifelong Rhode Island resident and renowned attorney, has built a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. As President Emeritus and Senior Counsel at Adler, Pollock & Sheehan P.C., John has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of America’s top lawyers by Best Lawyers of America.Known for his courtroom prowess, he has successfully handled high-profile cases involving toxic torts, constitutional law, bribery, ethics violations, and voting law, representing prominent clients like the Atlantic Richfield Company and Rhode Island’s government leaders.Equally committed to pro bono work, John has received numerous awards for his advocacy on behalf of lesser-known clients. His dedication to underserved communities stems from a formative college experience when a conversation with an Indigenous classmate deepened his understanding of cultural sensitivity and justice. This lifelong passion for equality and fairness earned him the RI Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Award in 2019, cementing his legacy as a legal trailblazer and compassionate advocate. 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 your brain could rebuild itself after trauma? From famous figures like Emilia Clarke and Phineas Gage to everyday survivors of strokes and brain injuries, science reveals an astonishing truth—our brains can rewire, adapt, and heal. This is the power of neuroplasticity. Once thought impossible, the brain’s ability to form new connections offers hope and recovery even after severe damage. Through real-life stories and groundbreaking research, this talk uncovers how unlocking the brain’s hidden strength can transform lives. The brain can heal itself—and so can you. Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Hidden Power to Heal What if your brain could rebuild itself after trauma? From famous figures like Emilia Clarke and Phineas Gage to everyday survivors of strokes and brain injuries, science reveals an astonishing truth—our brains can rewire, adapt, and heal. This is the power of neuroplasticity. Once thought impossible, the brain’s ability to form new connections offers hope and recovery even after severe damage. Through real-life stories and groundbreaking research, this talk uncovers how unlocking the brain’s hidden strength can transform lives. The brain can heal itself—and so can you. 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