How well do you know your neighbors? Do you feel connected to your community? Jill Bond asks you to consider what community means and the ways we can be more connected to each other. She offers hope and a simple action that can have a profound impact on how you see your community and the people you share it with. Jill Bond is the News Director of The Herald-Times newspaper in Bloomington and the first woman to serve as the paper's top editor in its 148-year history. Jill began her journalism career with the Herald and News in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she started as a reporter covering city government and agriculture. She is the current president of the Park Ridge East Neighborhood Association where she works to foster community connections through communication and event planning. 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 today's world, where science is advancing rapidly and our lives increasingly depend on new technologies, how can the arts keep up? Can music still capture our screen-saved souls and move our hard-drive hearts? Yet, humanity is still rich in culture, and technological advances can allow us to appreciate nature on a much deeper level. Chinese-American composer Lei Liang was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music, and the winner of the Grawemeyer Award – the highest international honor for classical composition. He launched “Lei Lab” where he works with oceanographers, geologists, engineers, and software developers, to explore what he calls “the unique potential for learning offered by creative listening.” 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

What if pain wasn’t just a symptom—but a message we’ve misunderstood? In this insightful talk, Dr. Shovan Rath, founder of Pain Free Odisha, breaks down the science behind different types of pain—acute, chronic, and neuropathic—and explores how they affect both body and mind. Blending medical knowledge with real-world experience, he offers a compelling roadmap to recognize, manage, and ultimately reduce pain for a better quality of life. Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Hi-Tech Medical College, Bhubaneswar, and a leading pain management specialist in Odisha. He founded Pain Free Odisha, a pioneering clinic dedicated to providing advanced interventional pain management and palliative care services.  With over a decade of experience, Dr. Rath is committed to alleviating chronic pain and enhancing patients’ quality of life through minimally invasive procedures. His dedication to public health was recently recognized when he was honored by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Shri Raghubar Das, at The Health Conclave 2024 for his significant contributions to pain management.For more insights into his work, you can watch this video: 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

Sandesh M was born in the culturally rich town of Shivamogga, Karnataka, where dreams often stayed safe and small. But Sandesh chose to think differently. A restless overthinker, he turned his flaw into fuel—empowering businesses, students, and healthcare initiatives across India. From a Google Street-style project in college to founding Sunrise Digital, One Click Academy, and HealthIn Pocket, his journey reflects grit, vision, and purpose. In this heartfelt TEDx talk, Sandesh shares how overthinking—when embraced—can become your greatest strength. A talk for every dreamer, doer, and deep thinker afraid of their own thoughts. Mr. Sandesh M is a visionary entrepreneur transforming digital marketing, brand integration, and healthcare. Since 2017, he has elevated 350+ brands and bridged corporate and entertainment sectors. Beyond business, he enhances healthcare accessibility and trains future digital leaders. With 200+ hospital collaborations and ₹100+ crores in ROI, his impact spans industries and government initiatives. Recognized for his strategic foresight, Sandesh continues to shape the future of digital marketing, healthcare, and education 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 her talk, Susanne proposes how physical strengthening can help enhance the mind. Strategy consultant, cultural historian, and MBA candidate with a passion for combining structure and energy. As an MBA student at EDHEC and passionate advocate for holistic strength, Susanne will deliver a powerful talk titled “Becoming Unbreakable: How Strengthening the Body Strengthens the Mind.” 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

What if we taught kids to think like entrepreneurs before they ever entered the workforce? In this inspiring talk, former corporate leader turned business owner Vivian Kong Doctora makes the case for instilling entrepreneurial thinking in children—not just to start businesses, but to build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills for life. Through the Young Entrepreneur Market and her daughter’s own jewelry business, she shows how mentorship, hands-on experience, and community support can nurture the next generation of innovators. Because when kids learn to see problems as opportunities, they don’t just change their own lives—they start changing the world. I stepped away from a 21 year corporate career to follow my passion for enterpreneurship- a leap that was both terrifying and incredibly rewarding. Today, I own multiple businesses including my latest project of a new revolving sushi bar. I have learned invaluable lessons along the way. I am released my first children book, Life As Bao in 2023. MCLP graduate and an active member of the Mclean County Chamber. I co-founded the Women Elevate Women resources group at the chamber with the intent to create space for women business owners and professional to connect and elevate each other. My mission is to help others, especially youth and minorities, achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. That's why I created the Young Entrepreneur Market in 2023. As we approach our 3rd annual event in 2025, I'm committed to continuing to empower and invest in the next generation of dreamers. 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