Activist and digital creative Ky Polanco transports us to a world transformed by collective liberation, revealing how today’s activism shapes tomorrow’s reality. Through personal stories and grassroots organizing, she empowers us to find our role in the feminist movement and take action for a more just future. Ky Polanco is a visionary media entrepreneur and co-founder of FEMINIST, a groundbreaking nonprofit media company that reaches 25 million people globally. Drawing from her extensive background in luxury fashion, where she collaborated with prestigious brands like Balenciaga, Balmain, and Diane Von Furstenberg, Ky transformed FEMINIST into a powerful platform for social change and gender equity. Her leadership style, characterized by empathy and inclusivity, has been instrumental in shaping FEMINIST's visual identity and mission. Under her guidance, the organization has built a multi-channel platform and thriving global community of over 6 million members through innovative digital initiatives that merge content creation with social justice advocacy. 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

Brandon Leake explores the power of art as a unifier and a force for advocacy, drawing from his journey as a poet, educator, and America’s Got Talent winner. Through personal testimony and spoken word, he highlights how creativity can uplift marginalized communities and inspire hope. Brandon Leake hails from Stockton, where he grew up in a single parent household. Having battled through the emotional difficulty of abandonment, and inner city living Brandon found home in basketball and God, which landed him a collegiate scholarship to be the first graduate of his family. From there blazing a new trail Brandon pursued spoken word poetry as a profession traveling the world as a poet, speaker, and educator for several tours he's spearheaded. However, his most notable success came from winning the hit TV Show America's Got Talent season 15; and then in further commercial success by winning 7 Telly Awards, 1 SOVAS Award, and 1 Emmy Award. But for Brandon his greatest achievements are in his faith, family, and community. Honoring God being his priority, serving his family being his greatest calling, and reaching community through his art and teaching being the mission he pursues. This is Brandon Leake. 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

After suffering a catastrophic rugby injury that left him quadriplegic, Robert Paylor transformed his paralysis into power and defied medical expectations, learning to stand and walk again through 2,800+ days of rehabilitation and unwavering determination. Robert Paylor’s life changed forever when a catastrophic injury during the collegiate rugby championship left him paralyzed from the neck down while competing for the UC Berkeley men’s rugby team. Doctors delivered a devastating prognosis: he would never walk or move his hands again. Forced to relearn basic human functions—from feeding himself to getting dressed to brushing his teeth—Robert began a transformative journey of recovery. Today, Robert can stand and walk with assistance and inspires others to overcome life’s challenges. In 2020, Robert graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and embarked on a career in inspirational speaking. His journey of perseverance has led him to deliver over 100 keynote presentations. As an author and speaker, Robert empowers others to overcome the “paralyzing” challenges in their own lives, whether physical, emotional, or mental. His message of resilience, positivity, and determination resonates with audiences worldwide. 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

Emmy Award-winning executive Shawn Finnie explores the uncomfortable truth that true success comes from within, sharing his personal journey from living in his car after rejecting a record deal to becoming the first Black EVP at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Shawn Finnie is an award-winning entertainment executive, speaker, and producer with over a decade of experience contributing to the Hollywood landscape. As Executive Vice President at CULTURAL AGENCY, in all areas including: Multicultural, PR, and Awards Strategies, driving impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Previously, Finnie served as EVP at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he managed member relations, global outreach, and Academy Awards processes for over 11,000 filmmakers, artists, and executives. Finnie is also a creative force behind initiatives that spark meaningful dialogue. Recognized by Variety’s New Leaders list and honored with AdColor’s Advocate award, Finnie’s contributions to the entertainment industry go beyond strategy and execution. Driven by a passion for community, culture, and connectivity, Finnie is deeply committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering inclusivity in entertainment. 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

Lowell Cohen aka "Popcorntrepreneur" shares how promoting a gourmet brand at a farmers market can be a strategic and cost effective way to build awareness and customer loyalty. The farmers market allow you to engage with customers face-to-face and receive real time feedback. Compared to retail stores or online ,advertising, the farmers markets require a relatively small investment in booth fees and set up costs.You can introduce new flavors, gauge reactions, before scaling up to retail or online sales. Unlike wholesale or e-commerce the markets provide immediate sales and cash flow, which is crucial for reinvesting in the business.In my case , I believed my popcorn to be THE best, and my customers at the market confirmed it.Five years ago, I set out on a mission—not just to make popcorn, but to make the best gourmet popcorn. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve earned the top spot as Southern California’s #1 gourmet popcorn company, according to leading review sites. Most popcorn on the market is low-quality, packed with artificial flavors. I knew I could do better. I personally sampled over 45 non-GMO farmers to find the finest, most flavorful kernel—with the least amount of shell. Then, I sourced the highest-quality oils and seasonings to perfect our recipe. But we didn’t stop there. We broke the hot popcorn rule with a game-changing, proprietary popping process. Our popcorn tastes even better when cold—straight from the fridge or freezer. "When the temperature drops... the flavor pops!" Join the popcorn revolution. Say YES to the BEST! Connect with Lowell and Goldie Pops: Website: goldiepops.com Instagram: @goldiepopskraftcorn Facebook: GOLDIEPOPS KRAFT CORN#TEDxSanDiego #popcorn #farmersmarket #connection Lowell Cohen aka Popcorntrepreneur, is the Founder and CEO of Goldie Pops Gourmet Kraft Corn, a San Diego-based company specializing in handcrafted, gourmet popcorn made from healthy, quality ingredients. After a successful career in the clothing industry, Lowell retired and pursued his passion for creating the best popcorn on the market, leading to the establishment of Goldie Pops. His commitment to excellence has garnered acclaim, with Goldie Pops being featured on platforms like the "Pivot and Thrive" podcast. Connect with Lowell and Goldie Pops: • Website: goldiepops.com • Instagram: @goldiepopskraftcorn • Facebook: GOLDIEPOPS KRAFT CORN 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

We each have the power to change our environment for better experiences at work, school, and elsewhere. Using leadership and organizational psychology and backed by neuroscience, discover how powerful and influential language and visual cues are to each other and our children. So, do words really matter? Every person uses language, and it shows up in every environment. We cause reactions in other people's brains and bodies by our behaviors, like the language we use and the flags we fly. Our brains and bodies, and those of our children, are impacted by what we say and do. That is power. We each hold the power to create a thriving and engaged environment through our language and visual cues. This mindset-shifting story is about creating environments where people are engaged, perform at their best, feel safe, and belong. Discover the power you hold and how to change your environment for better results and well-being! Each person should learn their power abilities, changing each environment you find yourself in, so we all reach our best potential! Greg Mazzeo is a culinary and restaurant leader turned organizational and leadership psychologist. He received his associate's degree in culinary arts and bachelor’s degree in food service management. While working as a General Manager, he received his master’s in human resources development and completed his leadership psychology doctorate in June 2025 while working in human resources. His unique practitioner and academic experience inform his service-oriented organizational and leadership development skills by understanding the intersection of people, data, and the environment. He refers to this intersection as organizational and leadership nourishment. He develops individuals, teams, and organizations by shifting mindsets in how people understand their power, influence, and environments. His passion for engagement, performance, and belonging is led by understanding people, data, and the environment. 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