What if the climate crisis isn’t the root problem, but merely a symptom of a broken system? In this TEDx talk, Aisling Connaughton, co-founder of Cyd Connects uncovers how our extractive economy is driving the crisis—and how practices like Vipassana meditation, the principles of a regenerative economy, and the B Corp movement offer a path to real change. By facing uncomfortable truths and rethinking our approach to business, Aisling Connaughton shows how we can create a future where both people and the planet can thrive Aisling Connaughton is a co-founder of Cyd Connects, a women-led sustainability consultancy helping business become a force for good.Cyd Connects is a participant of the UN Global Compact and specialises in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals via B Corp and sustainability roadmaps that make navigating the journey fun and inspiring.Now is the time for every business to become a force for good. Through Cyd Connects, Aisling turns social and environmental responsibility into competitive business advantage.As a guest lecturer at London Business School, Goldsmiths University, andEADA Barcelona, Aisling’s skill is in taking what can seem like a dry and overwhelming subject like sustainability, and making it simple, innovative and fun.Aisling’s 18-year global career in PR spans sustainability, marketing, and communications. She has worked for Huawei Technologies holding posts in Shenzhen and San Francisco.Aisling began her career in the beauty industry, working for L’Oreal, Aveda and Clarins before taking the Global Head of PR role with leading sustainable British brand Liz Earle Beauty Co.Aisling is a proud member of the University of Cambridge Wo+Men Leadership Centre. She has a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths University of London and received a scholarship to the Cambridge JudgeBusiness School Rising Women Leaders Programme.In her role as a certified B Leader, Aisling is working to raise awareness of how the B Corp framework can act as a catalyst for better business and accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 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

Joan Marie Godoy dares us to rethink the traditional three-sector economic model—private, public, and third—and envision a new way forward. In this inspiring talk, she challenges us to build organizations and cultures that are bold, smart, and kind. With a fresh insight, Joan empowers us to take bold steps, think strategically, and lead with kindness as we work together to create thriving communities on a thriving planet. Joan Godoy, a Clinical Psychologist with a Master's in International Non-Governmental Organizations, is a passionate connector and advocate for equity. With over 10 years of experience in social change across five countries, she co-founded the Miami chapter of F*up Nights to promote vulnerability through sharing failure stories. A proud Guatemalan, Godoy is also a dancer, runner, avid yogi, frequent traveler, and dedicated chocolate enthusiast. 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 fascinating lecture, Naomi Asher Ph.D shares her journey, recounting the educational challenges and difficulties she encountered. She reflects on pivotal, life-changing moments which occurred in non – formal education that shaped her life. Head of the Non-Formal Education Department at Beit-Berl College. Leader in value-driven experiential education. Researcher in the field of non-formal 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

Step into the story of downtown Miami’s transformation with historian Dr. Paul S. George. Explore how Miami Dade College’s purposeful presence in the northern sector of the district sparked a slow but steady renewal of the city’s historic core. From iconic buildings to vibrant community engagement, this talk highlights how the college’s leadership, faculty, and students embraced the mission of revitalizing the area. Discover how their unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the booming downtown Miami we know today. Dr. Paul George, a Miami native, is the resident historian at HistoryMiami Museum and a prominent figure in preserving South Florida's heritage. With advanced degrees from Florida State University, he has taught at institutions including Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. Dr. George has authored numerous historical works and is renowned for his dedication to education and community history tours, earning accolades for his contributions to historical preservation. 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

Jasmine Crooks delves into the nuanced experiences of being biracial and navigating the spaces in-between. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the impact of racial categorization and the importance of embracing the full spectrum of identity. Jasmine Crooks is a senior at Sam Houston State University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She is interested in the complex issues at the intersection of law, politics, and social justice. Outside the classroom, she is a 3-time national collegiate powerlifter. Following her undergraduate degree, Jasmine plans to pursue law school. She is committed to using her education to effect positive change in her community, potentially through pro bono legal work, advocacy for marginalized groups, or mentorship initiatives. 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

“Sí Se Puede” (Yes, You Can) is a mantra that emphasizes the importance of resilience and not giving up. Drawing from personal experiences, Debra Balandrán illuminates systemic barriers and unique obstacles faced by first-generation college students. From community college struggles to becoming a master’s of public health candidate, she shares insights from her personal journey about resilience, adaptability, and community support. By framing challenges as detours rather than dead ends, her talk empowers first-generation students to achieve their educational goals. Debra Balandrán is a dedicated public health professional pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at Sam Houston State University, concentrating on Health Education and Promotion. She holds a BA in Bilingual Health Care Studies, a minor in Spanish, and has over eight years of healthcare experience. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, she has presented at national conferences on topics such as vaccine hesitancy in Latino communities. Debra’s commitment to education and community service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) Graduate Student of the Year and multiple SHSU Sammy Awards. As a bilingual, first-generation student, she leverages her experience in health education, multicultural skills, and collaborative problem-solving to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. Debra’s passion for inspiring others in higher education and community drives her ongoing pursuit of 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