Sophie delves into the transformative power of confidence and how it shapes our ability to take risks and grow. Drawing from her experiences in sports and personal development, she encourages others to embrace confidence as a lifelong skill that can be nurtured and shared. I’m Sophie Marrs, a passionate Grade 10 student from Western Canada. Soccer is a huge part of my life; it not only fuels my drive but teaches me valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. Beyond sports, I have a deep love for learning and exploring the world, whether through travel or new experiences. I’m always seeking ways to challenge myself and push my limits, both on and off the field. I believe in the power of confidence and how it can shape who we are, which is why I’m excited to share my journey with others. 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

Lisa examines how the language and portrayal of mental illness have shifted in popular culture, sometimes leading to the glorification of these struggles. She discusses how concept creep has blurred the lines between real mental health struggles and the casual misuse of clinical terms. If you asked 10-year-old Lisa this question, she'd describe herself as compassionate, ambitious, and creative. She’d say she loves to read, draw, write and so many more. Yet now, I don’t know if I’m any of those things. Some mornings, I only exist on autopilot, unable to trach for much. Some days, I stand at the top of the world, acting on everything I tell myself. Other days, I sit in quiet silence, paralyzed by this strange combination of fear and anticipation for the future. Yet through everything, there is this constant voice in a small corner of my mind, whispering, “Why can’t you?” If 10-year-old Lisa believes she is all those things if 10-year-old Lisa loves to read and write and draw, why can’t I try to be so now? My name is Lisa; I hope to be a compassionate and open-minded person, and I hope my talk can guide others to develop compassion and empathy for the people around us. 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

Amalia explores the impact of societal expectations of gender on youth and how these perceptions shape identity and opportunities. Drawing from her multicultural background and personal experiences, she advocates for a world where understanding and empathy drive change. I am an international student from Bogotá, Colombia. I have recently moved to Canada from South America and am in my senior year at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. I come from a mixed household, one of diverse ideologies, thoughts, and perspectives. However, most importantly, from a family of understanding and empathy. This has taught me to maintain an open perspective throughout the years, looking to learn from others whilst relaying accurate information to others -- all in the search for being part of the movement to create a society which keeps an open ear, is willing to learn and expand their knowledge regardless of others' irrelevant, human characteristics. 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

Prepare to be moved by a powerful performance as a brilliant Black poet delivers her soul-stirring poem, The Ghost Dance. This profound piece responds to the Black Body’s existential questions in the face of climate change, weaving a spiritual and guttural reminder of a history defined by adaptation, resilience, and revolution. This is poetry that rocks the core, awakening both reflection and resolve. Writer- International poet- Educator- Creative programmer- Cultural worker- Performance-collaborative artistArsimmer (pronounced Awe-summer),is a Miami native, by way of Richmond Heights.She is a Mother, a griot, and creative. 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

When did you stop playing? Play is serious business for artist André Anderson. He’s not talking about ‘nostalgic’ play, but rather ‘aspirational play’. André shares how he and his neighbours used aspirational play to turn their ‘super deprived’ public housing estate into a publishing house. Together, they played, they told stories and then they self-published a collection of conversations, essays, poems, and manifestos, in a book called ‘Authors of the Estate’. Aspirational play, André explains, is a powerful tool that can help you change the world around you and play your way into a future that does not exist - yet. André is the Headmaster and Founder of Freedom & Balance, an Art College for the artist in everyone. He designs and leads creative programmes for communities and organisations of all kinds, helping them to playfully grow into the type of leaders their world looks for. His most notable programme, Authors of the Estate, resulted in dozens of local residents of Chalkhill and St.Raphael’s estate in London becoming confident, self-published authors. 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 2018 in the UK, Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth and 6 weeks after than their white counterparts. The disparities in care faced by Black women was something Tinuke Awe and Clotilde Abe, the co-founders of Five X More experienced firsthand, and vowed to change. There has been progress - Black mothers’ mortality rate has dropped to 2.9 times that of white mothers - but this is still far too high. Tinuke and Clotilde suggest we focus on three things to address the systemic problems facing Black mothers: changing policy, improving practice and engaging the public. Together, they believe we can create a future, where childbirth for Black women isn’t something they fear. Tinuke and Clotilde are pioneering advocates for Black maternal health and well-being in the UK. They co-founded Five X More CIC, an organisation that campaigns for improved health outcomes for Black mothers. Five X More was inspired by research that revealed Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women in the UK. Since they started their work, this disparity has slightly improved, but still sees Black women facing 2.9 times the risk as white women. 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