In this engaging talk, Laurel Pearson, a geneticist and faculty member at Penn State, invites us to reflect on the power of human connections. Through her personal experiences and innovative teaching, she explores how understanding our shared ancestry can bridge divides and foster empathy. Laurel discusses how, despite our differences, humans share 99.9% of our DNA, and how cultural and social connections help shape who we are. She also highlights the impact of technology on human interaction and challenges us to step away from digital disconnection by building real, meaningful relationships. This talk encourages us to reconnect with each other and appreciate the commonalities that unite us all. Laurel Pearson is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State, she is also a member of the Liberal Arts Sustainability Council advisory committee. She received her BA in anthropology from Louisiana State University and PhD in genetics from Penn State. Her research interests include human variation, health disparities and her work centers greatly around anthropology and the holistic qualities of a liberal arts education to discuss our role in building a sustainable future. She lives in the village of Pine Grove Mills with her husband, daughter, two cats, a dog, and a few chickens where she enjoys gardening and cooking. 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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- 15:22Equal Access & Social Inclusion: Nigeria's Unfinished Promise | Kate Okoh-Kpina | TEDxMambillaStIn this thought-provoking journey, Kate explores the importance of gender equity, social inclusion, and legal frameworks that protect the rights of vulnerable groups in Nigeria. Drawing from personal experiences and legal precedents, she sheds light on systemic discrimination, harmful cultural practices, and the urgent need for policy reforms. This talk challenges societal norms and calls for collective action to dismantle biases, ensuring equal access to opportunities for all. Kate Okoh-Kpina is an exceptional legal expert specializing in gender and inclusion. She has a rich background in law shaped by her family’s legacy. She holds an LL.M in International Law from the University College London as a distinguished John Carr scholar. With over 10 years of experience in legal practice and international development, she has been instrumental in designing and implementing reforms in criminal justice and gender.Presently, she leads the gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion secretariat of the GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS country office. She is an avid reader and prolific writer. Her articles on gender; criminal justice reforms; power and infrastructure; and securities and investments can be found on academia.edu. 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
