Many Americans, particularly women, struggle with bodily dissatisfaction, and we often assume this is the result of secular phenomena, such as the diet and weight loss industry or pervasive beauty marketing. In reality, our body image woes are due to both secular and religious influences. Winding through centuries of Christian history, this talk explores how ancient philosophy and monastic eating practices inform the way we talk and think about food both in real life and in digital spaces, from ascetic nuns of the Middle Ages all the way to “girl dinner.” This talk posits that these traditions are not obsolete, but have rather evolved and are echoed in our modern-day eating practices. By acknowledging this religious history and by incorporating a design mindset, we can begin to move forward and genuinely heal our relationship with our bodies.Sophia (Phi to her friends) Day is an artist from the Chicagoland area. She graduated with her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts in 2023 and is currently serving as the Post-Graduate Exhibitions Fellow there. In addition, she also works and teaches at various local arts organizations. Her art practice combines making, curation, and research to amplify under-discussed narratives and to form connections across disciplines and histories. Raised Catholic, she has produced several bodies of artistic and academic work about the intersections of feminism and Catholicism and she brings this background, along with her experience in food systems, to her Tedx Tufts talk. When not juggling multiple jobs and art projects, she likes to host friends for dinner with her dog, Tommy.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

Surveillance as the New Frontier for Gender-based Violence Online. Marwa Fatafta is a Palestinian digital rights advocate and tech policy expert based in Berlin. She leads Access Now’s work on digital rights in the Middle East and North Africa region as the MENA Policy and Advocacy Director. Her work spans a number of issues at the nexus of human rights and technology including content governance and platform accountability, online censorship, surveillance tech, and transnational repression. She has written extensively on the digital occupation in Palestine and particularly interested in the role of new technologies in armed conflicts and humanitarian contexts. Marwa is also Policy Analyst at Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, and an advisory board member of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. Marwa was a Fulbright scholar to the US, and holds an MA in International Relations from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. 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 powerful and thought-provoking TED Talk, [Speaker's Name] delivers a passionate call for change, urging us to rethink the systems and habits that shape our world. From climate action to social justice, she highlights the urgent challenges we face and the opportunities we have to create a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate future. Through personal stories, compelling data, and bold vision, this talk challenges us not to wait for change, but to become the change. A must-watch for anyone ready to take action and make a difference. An accomplished educationist with 32 years of experience, dedicated to women’s empowerment and community development. Co-Founder of Khayaal Creative Network, promoting cultural dialogue through arts and literature festivals. Founder of ThinkBEYOND, a non-profit addressing mental health and human empowerment, and ThinkED, an educational consultancy providing tailored academic guidance. Successfully launched the Humqadam app in collaboration with Shirkat Gah at Kinnaird College, offering support for gender-based violence survivors. Spearheaded the EmpowerHer Fest, empowering female entrepreneurs to showcase their products. Established a Family Health and Skill Centre in Manga Mandi, enhancing women's healthcare and vocational training. Led the Agro-based KADEN Green initiative in Mokal, Kasur, generating sustainable employment for rural women. Currently serving as President of the Old Associates of Kinnaird Society (OAKS) and a member of Kinnaird College's Board of Governors, driving initiatives that foster women’s leadership, community engagement, and educational excellence. 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

Why do people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs majority of the of the time? the answer lies in emotional intelligence. And unlike IQ, emotional intelligence is a choice and a discipline, not an innate quality bestowed upon the lucky. In this incisive and entertaining talk, Dr. Rajeshwar Upadhyaya talks about how leaders of the past and the current times used the power of emotional intelligence to thrive in environments characterised by high complexity and constant change. Empowering Leadership through Emotional Intelligence. Raj, a luminary with 30 years of illustrious experience in Industry, Consulting, and Teaching, is distinguished by his profound expertise in Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence. As the visionary founder of Par Excellence and the esteemed Academy for Applied Emotional Intelligence (AAEI), Raj has trained professionals including entrepreneurs, igniting transformative change through cutting-edge Leadership Learning Programs. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing potential, Raj employs global psychometric assessments such as EIRS, MHS EQI 2.0, IROP, Typology, ESQ, CRESEL PRO, and Change Readiness, to unlock hidden talents and ignite the spark of growth within individuals and organizations. Embrace this extraordinary journey under Raj's enigmatic guidance and embark on an illuminating path to effective leadership and the transcendent power of Emotional Intelligence. 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

Tariq Qureishy challenges the next generation to think critically about the evolving dynamics of our world. It explores key considerations—technological, ethical, environmental, and social—that will shape the future. Framed through the lens of responsibility and innovation, the talk urges young minds to become proactive architects of a future defined not just by progress, but by purpose and sustainability. Tariq Qureishy is a visionary futurist, entrepreneur, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience working with renowned organizations such as Dow Jones Markets, Bloomberg Media, and The Times/Sunday Times. He is the CEO of Xponential, a future-readiness and transformation platform, and the Founder of MAD Group, a content and storytelling initiative focused on inspiring societal impact.Tariq is passionate about helping individuals and organizations prepare for a thriving future by connecting current trends to transformative innovations. His projects, such as Voices of the Future, emphasize creating a sustainable, just, and enlightened society. A Harvard alumnus with a background in economics, Tariq has been a keynote speaker at prestigious global forums, including the launch of Dubai's Museum of the 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