Civic engagement is a key an issue throughout the world — especially with the rise of voter disillusionment. When harnessed, however, it can become a great tool to share all of our unique voices. Gunn sophomore Vin Bhat shares his experience with politics through the lens of youth, and how individuals can shape their own communities. Vin Bhat is currently a sophomore attending Gunn High School. In his spare time, he loves to get civically involved, especially in local government. Through the Palo Alto Youth Council, Vin serves as a youth ambassador to the City Council, helping plan events that engage more youth in politics. He also likes to play guitar, code, and participate in Model UN. 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

Leadership is a term constantly changing with different perspectives of what it means. But that leaves us with a question. What does it mean to be a Good leader? And what does it mean to be a Bad Leader? Jessie Han, a Senior at Gunn High School, shares her different experiences and journey of figuring out what it means to be a bad leader and how these traits aren't necessary disregarded in Good Leadership. Hello! My name is Jessie Han, a senior at Gunn High School, and I'm excited to share some of the lessons I've learned about leadership through my own experiences. In my free time I love to watch movies, listen to music, and eat good food! 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 insightful TEDx talk, Mr. Shammy Narayanan, Chief Solutions Architect at Welldoc, explores the power of belief and perseverance in shaping our lives. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the universe’s plan while staying committed to self-growth and hard work. Through a series of personal stories and reflections, Shammy shares how life’s challenges and turning points led him to discover that consistent effort, backed by unwavering belief, often brings us exactly where we’re meant to be.His journey is a reminder that even in uncertainty, the universe has a way of rewarding persistence. With heartfelt storytelling and real-life experiences, he inspires us to keep going, believe deeply, and embrace the path ahead.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 Shammy Narayanan, a Chief Solution Architect and Founder of Celebrating Life, brings over 23 years of experience in the IT industry, managing 500 customers across four continents. As an account manager, he successfully handled over $25M in accounts spanning the US, Australia, and Asia. Through Celebrating Life, Shammy is dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls in completing their schooling, and creating meaningful societal impact. He has built strong digital and architectural capabilities, driving revenue growth and fostering collaborative innovation. Shammy is an expert in account penetration strategies, consistently scaling accounts from under $1M to $5M through upselling and cross-selling solutions, including Quality Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Governance, and more. His visionary leadership continues to deliver transformative results in both the corporate and social spheres. 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 the evolving investment landscape, an investor's success can come down to recognizing and understanding what is newly visible, what is newly valuable, and what is newly possible. With the rapid growth of sustainable investments, now totaling $1.5 trillion, how do we integrate sustainability metrics into financial calculations? Complex systems change will require complex strategies that don't necessarily come across in a humble pie chart. We need to reimagine these static representations to fund a more dynamic future. Hear three key solutions: the net present value equation, which now includes sustainability factors; the ability to map complex adaptive systems for better decision-making; and the need for accurate, real-time data, exemplified by the MethaneSAT project. Katherine Collins is Head of Sustainable Investing at Putnam Investments, and Founder of Honeybee Capital Foundation. She is author of the book, The Nature of Investing, and is also a beekeeper. Katherine has over thirty years of professional investment experience. At Fidelity Management & Research Company, she served as portfolio manager for a number of multi-billion dollar equity funds and as head of equity research, lead one of the largest buy-side research teams in the world. As her interest in sustainable and regenerative finance grew, Katherine set out to re-integrate her investment philosophy with the broader world, traveling as a pilgrim and volunteer, earning her MTS degree at Harvard Divinity School, and studying biomimicry. Katherine serves in numerous board and advisory positions. She is board chair at the Santa Fe Institute, advisory board chair for Wellesley Centers for Women, and part of the Harvard Divinity School’s Dean’s Council. 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 speech is a personal reflection on the generational experience of receiving "The Talk"—a sobering rite of passage in many Black families where children are taught how to navigate a world that perceives their skin color as a threat. The speaker begins by honoring their Atlanta roots and sharing a formative memory of a conversation with their grandfather, who first warned them about the realities of racism at age ten. This moment sparked a lifelong awareness, deepened by similar talks from family, coaches, and teachers, all underscoring the need for constant vigilance while Black. The speech highlights the emotional toll of these lessons, where fear often replaces childhood joy and curiosity. Ultimately, it emphasizes how "The Talk" is both a tool for survival and a heartbreaking necessity passed down to protect Black children from systemic harm. Terence Lester is a speaker, activist, author, and thought leader in the realm of systemic poverty. He’s known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles). He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination. In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit “Love Beyond Walls” and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty to rebuild their lives. In 2019, Terence launched the first museum in the U.S. representing homelessness out of a shipping container called Dignity Museum. Terence has written six books, and his new book, “When We Stand: The Power Of Seeking Justice Together,” released May 18, 202. He working towards his Ph.D. in Public Policy & Social Change. 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

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