Thet San Andersen’s talk explores the bold path of stepping beyond traditional expectations to forge a path in creative industries. Drawing from her experience as a pageant queen and Miss Universe Myanmar 2024, she will share the challenges and triumphs of pursuing an unconventional career, providing helpful details about self-confidence, resilience, and finding one’s unique voice. She will provide actionable advice on how to take the first steps toward a creative profession, overcome doubt, and embrace opportunities in fields like fashion, entertainment, and personal branding. Through her inspiring story, she aims to empower aspiring creatives to break barriers, challenge norms, and turn their passion into a successful career. Ms. Thet San Andersen is a fashion and product designer, creative enthusiast, and the reigning Miss Universe Myanmar 2024. She proudly represented Myanmar at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico, using her platform to advocate for youth empowerment and self-sufficiency. Committed to breaking boundaries, she inspires young people to excel in their fields. Having grown up in both Sweden and Myanmar, her multicultural background allows her to bridge cultures and share diverse experiences, making a meaningful impact on both local and international communities. 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

Yaroslava considers how architecture is about more than redevelopment, it is also a tool for resilience and identity. Yaroslava enjoys discussing diverse ideas and perspectives, leading her school’s debating club to further develop her skills in articulating and defending complex topics effectively. Originally from Ukraine, she moved to Edinburgh just before the war, an experience that reshaped her understanding of resilience and change. Witnessing the destruction in her home country deepened her interest in how architecture can restore communities, identity, and hope. Her talk will examine how cities can emerge from devastation stronger than before, using innovation and design to foster healing and inspiration. She hopes the audience will leave with a new perspective on rebuilding—not just as a means of recovery, but as an opportunity to create a more connected and resilient 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

Technology changes the way we can interact with written word, Thalia considers the impact this has on reading. Thalia is a student at Boroughmuir High School and hopes to study English in the future. In her free time, she is an Explorer Scout and has a strong appreciation for the natural world. She enjoys reading and crocheting and works at a local independent bookshop. Additionally, Thalia volunteers as a young leader for younger scouting sections in her 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

Delve into considering whose voice and what change occurs. Originally from Canada, Edinburgh has been home for over 20 years. I am a senior consultant to the investment management industry with a focus on risk and governance, and a Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh where I deliver courses in philosophy and the development of the Western intellectual tradition. I hold a PhD in 18th & 19th century German philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. Recent interests have been Aquinas, early Marx, Edmund Burke, the history of risk, and the Spectacular Society. 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

About half of all people hospitalized for burn injuries are at risk for developing depression and/or PTSD. Dr. Gavrilova maintains that specialized mental health care screening and treatment are essential for all burn patients. By addressing the emotional scars of burn injuries along with the physical ones, she says, more patients can move beyond their trauma and live meaningful lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Burn Behavioral Health at the SC Burn Center, MUSC. I specialize in PTSD, depression, and anxiety treatment after traumatic injuries and burns. Committed to improving mental health care access, I lead initiatives to promote recovery and wellbeing among traumatic injury patients, burn survivors, firefighters, and disaster survivors. I also co-developed a mobile app that connects burn patients with providers and offers mental health resources. 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

As discussion increases about menopause, Sophie considers how we can change dialogue in society. Sophie Gordon is School Captain of Boroughmuir High School where she is currently studying Advanced Higher English, Modern Studies, Biology and the Science Baccalaureate. Sophie is a member of the school hockey and netball team, orchestra and Ceilidh band, playing the violin. Out with school Sophie is Captain of her netball club performance team and Scottish Cup team. Sophie is pursuing a career in law. 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