This talk challenges the belief that success requires early specialization, instead highlighting the power of exploring widely across disciplines. It argues that generalists, those who connect seemingly unrelated skills and ideas, are uniquely equipped to drive innovation and adapt in an increasingly complex world. Grant Kilgard is a multidisciplinary designer and creative strategist currently studying Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. With a unique blend of experiences across mass-manufactured packaging at Procter & Gamble, agile product development at HUGE Design in San Francisco, and human-centered immersive experiences at Factory360 in New York City, Grant has built a career around the power of cross-disciplinary thinking. He’s a member of UC’s Next Innovation Scholars (NIS) program, a Creative Director for Section 001’s public furniture studio, and has led digital design efforts for a fashion startup in NYC. Passionate about bridging the gap between art and design, Grant champions the idea of the “generalist mindset,” believing that curiosity and adaptability are key to driving meaningful innovation. Whether he’s working on community projects, developing new product concepts, or exploring the intersections of design and technology, Grant’s focus is on creating impactful, human-centered solutions that resonate across diverse industries. 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 offers a heartfelt reflection on how something as simple as “showing up” can transform our lives and communities. The speaker shares a personal story of burnout, vulnerability, and connection, illustrating how a single walk in the park sparked a movement uniting thousands of women. Through relatable examples and compelling data, she challenges the cultural norms that isolate us and makes the case that presence, not perfection, is the most powerful tool we have to combat loneliness and build meaningful relationships. Tara Osborne is driven by a deep passion for wellness, movement, and bringing people together. Her journey is rooted in the belief that wellness is not just a personal endeavor but a powerful experience shared with others. With an extensive background in fitness and wellness, Tara focuses on creating spaces where women feel empowered to connect, grow, and thrive both physically and mentally. As a natural connector, Tara is continually inspired by the incredible women she meets in Cincinnati. Through Cincy Girls Who, she has built a vibrant community that encourages women to forge genuine friendships, explore new interests, and support one another’s journeys. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a wellness workshop, or a community event, Tara believes that every shared moment contributes to building a stronger, healthier 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

Nachiket Barve is a celebrated fashion designer known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. His designs redefine elegance, sustainability and innovation in the world of couture. Nachiket Barve is a celebrated fashion designer known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. His designs redefine elegance, sustainability and innovation in the world of couture. 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 TEDxLFHS talk, high school senior Simon Back takes us on a fascinating journey into how the language we speak shapes the way we think and experience the world around us. From colors and directions to how we understand time and numbers, Simon reveals surprising ways language influences our everyday lives. Royalty Free Intro Music: “See What I Mean” by Beat Market. Simon Back is a senior and is very excited to be speaking at TEDxLFHS this year! Simon participates in sports like track and diving, and is a teacher's assistant for English Workshop, a class for non-native English speakers. He is involved in lots of clubs like IM Ping Pong, Scholastic Bowl, and FCA, and in his free time enjoys learning languages and playing guitar. He is very passionate about languages, and because of this, he wants to share the impacts that it has on our cognitive mind and why they are important. 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 do eggs, ancient trade routes, the French Revolution, and Gandhi’s Salt March have in common? In this engaging TEDxLFHS talk, high school junior Jackson Sorensen explores how salt shaped empires, sparked revolutions, and left its mark on everything from your paycheck to your pantry. Royalty Free Intro Music: “See What I Mean” by Beat Market. Returning to speak for a second time, LFHS junior Jackson Sorensen would like everyone to take his speech with a grain of salt. Having covered heavier topics like Nihilism and life's meaning-or lack thereof, Jackson has decided to cover a lighter topic: the oddly significant role of salt throughout global history. 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 beloved school custodian turns out to be a Nazi war criminal? In this TEDxLFHS talk, Michael Soffer uses the story of Reinhold Kulle—a former SS officer who lived quietly in suburban Illinois—as a lens to examine the wider legacy of Nazis who resettled in America after World War II. Through their stories, Soffer explores the complexities of postwar justice, the erasure of atrocity through silence, and the power of documentation to preserve truth. Royalty Free Intro Music: “See What I Mean” by Beat Market. Michael Soffer is a social studies teacher at Lake Forest High School and the author of Our Nazi: An American Suburb’s Encounter with Evil. His book tells the story of Reinhold Kulle, a high school custodian whose Nazi past was exposed in the 1980s. Though Nazis loom in the American consciousness as evil epitomized, Soffer explores how and why Hitler’s men found support in American communities - even after their gruesome pasts were uncovered. Before coming to Lake Forest, Soffer taught Holocaust Studies at Oak Park & River Forest High School - in the very classrooms Kulle used to clean. 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