Making a positive difference in the world has been his life-long pursuit, especially as it relates to people getting along. Jos Holman is the Library Director of the Tippecanoe County Public Library and was recently honored with having the main branch named for him. Of his many skills, talents, and passions, working with children using creative dramatics and the cultural arts is the one of the most satisfying. As a mentor and teacher, he finds love in helping young people learn to express themselves. Inclusion - is another subject that Jos Holman is passionate about. Jos N. Holman has lived and worked in the Greater Lafayette area for the past 22 years. He grew up in Texas, completed an undergraduate degree in Rhode Island and landed in the Midwest. Family is important to him as he is the father of five and the husband of one. Making a positive difference in the world has been a life-long pursuit, especially as it relates to people getting along. Obtaining a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Texas, his career in libraries brought him to Greater Lafayette as Library Director of the Tippecanoe County Public Library. He is an active community member serving on a few boards and engaged with several non-profit organizations. Working with children using creative dramatics and the cultural arts is the one of the most satisfying things he is privileged to do. In this way, he loves helping young people learn to express themselves. His hobbies include traveling, reading poetry, grilling meats, and vegetable gardening. 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

With a Ph.D. focused on the human dimensions of environmental stewardship, Dai Peters brings a unique perspective on how communities interact with, depend on, and influence the ecosystems that sustain us. Her work is a powerful reminder that effective resource management isn't just about science and policy—it's about understanding people, cultures, and the intricate balance between nature and human progress. In her talk, Dai Peters takes us on a journey into the heart of sustainable management and the vital role human behavior plays in shaping our planet’s future. Dai Peters holds a Ph.D. degree from North Carolina State University, with a focus on the human dimensions of natural resources management, based on doctoral research in Madagascar. Dai spent five years working as a consultant, during which time she specialized in agro-enterprises/value chain development and project evaluation particularly on projects related to sustainable agriculture with a market orientation throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. Dai joined Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in 2009 to become director of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)-funded project to develop a cassava seed system within the context of existing and emerging diseases in East and Central Africa. In all, she has worked in over 100 countries, the most memorable of which include Madagascar, Afghanistan, Somalia, Balochistan, Haiti, East Timor, Central Africa Republic, and Papua. 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

Nicole Gebhardt has revolutionized the world of publishing by blending storytelling with purpose. Her passion for empowering diverse voices and elevating impactful narratives has made her a key force in redefining how we connect with stories in the digital age. With a deep belief in the power of meaningful storytelling to create lasting change, Nicole brings a fresh perspective on how words and ideas can shape our world. Nicole Gebhardt is the founder and chief storyteller at Niche Pressworks, a consulting and publishing company dedicated to helping mission-driven business leaders plan, write, publish, and promote the right book for their bold vision. Nicole has guided entrepreneurs, executives, and even billion-dollar brands to clarify their message and amplify their impact through strategic book publishing. Her expertise lies in turning visionary ideas into powerful books that inspire, influence, and transform 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

Carl Lee Landskron has provided robotics students a great role model for not only learning how to be better programers but also better people that know that our world is improved when we are all positive while working with others. With his creative blending of his deep computer programming and mathematics knowledge along with his abilities to find art in a sometimes dreary world, Carl manages to inspire and change the world every single day. From a young age, Carl Lee Landskron always saw the beauty of Mathematics. He was fascinated by how a few rules could set into motion wonderous worlds. Frustrated that others couldn't see the same beauty as he did, he started to create Mathematical art pieces so others could take part in the awe-inspiring worlds he always knew. Carl is an Indiana artist fascinated with multi-disciplinary art. He graduated from Purdue University with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and is currently a graduate student at Purdue University in Computer Graphic Technology focusing on Computational Arts. His research focuses on conceptualizing art pieces that can't yet come into existence due to technological limitations, then pushing technology to the point it can be created. Carl's other interests include mentoring high school robotics teams, hiking, planting, playing the ukulele, and writing about himself in third person on his TEDx talk's bio. 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

Having an international background and with experience living in six countries, Alejandra Malo brings a global perspective to entrepreneurship by blending hard work, education and cultural appreciation. Alejandra is an avid runner, and in her free time enjoys playing sax, piano, and singing with her two children. She believes that any dream can be accomplished when you unleash your superpowers. Alejandra Malo is the President and Founder of Pink Team Group established in Lafayette, Indiana 14 years ago. Having an international background and with experience living in six countries, Alejandra brings a global perspective to entrepreneurship by blending hard work, education and cultural appreciation. Her entrepreneurial journey started with providing free cleaning services to cancer patients and grew into a diversified group of companies in commercial cleaning, rental properties, event services, and a philanthropic foundation. Pink Team Group is a source of livelihood of over 100 employees across five states and Mexico and serves some of the largest companies in Lafayette, Indiana. Alejandra is an avid runner, and in her free time enjoys playing sax, piano and singing with her two children. She believes that any dream can be accomplished when you unleash your superpowers. 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

A violência contra crianças e adolescentes deixa marcas profundas e duradouras—mas, muitas vezes, é ignorada ou silenciada. Nesta palestra impactante, Miriam Medina expõe a dura realidade do abuso intrafamiliar em Cabo Verde, desafiando a sociedade a enfrentar o que acontece dentro de casa. A partir de sua pesquisa mais recente e relatos reais, ela revela as consequências desse tipo de violência e faz um apelo urgente à ação. Este é um chamado para ver, falar e exigir proteção para aqueles que mais precisam. Miriam Medina é socióloga, escritora e ativista dedicada a expor e combater a violência de gênero em Cabo Verde. Através dos seus livros e do seu ativismo, quebrou tabus sobre temas como a violência no namoro, a violência obstétrica e o abuso intrafamiliar. O seu trabalho tem sido reconhecido com prémios nacionais e internacionais na área dos direitos humanos e do impacto social. Com um compromisso incansável pela justiça, desafia indivíduos, famílias e governos a assumirem a responsabilidade de proteger as crianças vulneráveis e construir uma sociedade mais segura. 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