What does grief teach us about connection? Erica shares how working with cancer patients and navigating personal loss transformed her understanding of empathy, strength, and the human spirit. Through moments of vulnerability and reflection, she reveals how grief can deepen our capacity to listen, care, and connect. Her stories remind us that even in sorrow, a single ripple of compassion can spark healing and bring us closer together. Erica is a 25-year-old student who has been part of the McGill community since 2018. She completed her B.Sc. in Honours Microbiology and Immunology in 2021, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Oncology in 2022. Currently in the final year of her Master of Pathology, Erica was awarded the Canadian Cancer Society Research Training Award in 2023 for her contributions to promoting equity and diversity in cancer research. Beyond her academic pursuits, Erica is passionate about travel, dance, and music. Over the past year, she has explored Asia and Europe, while also immersing herself in salsa lessons and learning the piano. She believes that learning has no age limit and values the courage to embrace new challenges. 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

How can everyday people shape the future of artificial intelligence? Iyngaran explores communities' power in navigating AI's promises and pitfalls. From misinformation and bias to breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture, AI is everywhere—so how do we respond? Iyngaran outlines three actionable steps—literacy, advocacy, and resilience—that empower individuals to spark informed conversations and drive change. The message is clear: the future of AI isn't just for experts—it's in all of our hands. He is an engineer by training, a technologist through experience, and a sustainable humanitarian at heart. Since graduating from McGill seven years ago, he has worked as a consultant, mainly in AI and data strategy, and more recently sustainability. These roles have provided him with unique insights into our interconnected world: where engineers and scientists shape our environment, technologists drive AI innovation, corporate leaders redefine business landscapes, and communities shape our collective values. They've also shown him the value of community-based thinking. This has ignited his fascination with how people come together to achieve common goals and propel society into the future. Driven by this passion, he returned to McGill this September to deepen his expertise in sustainability in engineering. 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

There's incredible interest in understanding how artificial intelligence, AI, can be used in business, science, technology, and more. But how can AI be used to be a better human? To be more engaged with our loved ones, with our passions, for our goals? Sarah Gallucci explores how she learned to use AI in her role as a professor and in her personal life. Sarah Gallucci is an English professor at Central Piedmont Community College. In addition to her service to the college, she also serves the community of Charlotte through various art projects. Before this role, she was a journalist writing for popular national and international publications, including The Atlantic, CNN, Harper’s Bazaar, The Washington Post. She has previously given a TEDx Talk in New Delhi, India encouraging women to use their unapologetic voices.She is the creator of Sovereign Daughter, an empowering journaling community for women and people who identify as women, to write their truths, be transformed, and heal. She hosts monthly workshops and offers 1:1 journal therapy sessions to women around the world. She lives on the Westside of Charlotte with her two children. 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 being funny wasn’t a talent but a skill anyone could learn? In this heartfelt talk, Charlie makes the case that humour is not just for comedians—it’s a toolkit anyone can develop. Drawing from years of running free comedy workshops, Charlie shares how games like “Yes And” and “Love, Hate, Indifferent” teach empathy, collaboration, and creativity. With laughter as a guide, Charlie invites us all to find connection, joy, and meaning through comedy. Charlie is a U3 student at McGill University, and studies Software Engineering and World Cinemas. He is also the president of McGill Improv, Editor-In-Chief of The Plumber's Faucet, and VP External of the McGill Students' Comedy Club. Whenever he calls home to give his parents an update, they always have to ask if he even goes to class, which he does. Mostly. Over the last few years, he has been lucky enough to get to perform around campus with a variety of different groups, occasionally even getting a laugh from the audience. He came to McGill almost four years ago from his hometown of Toronto, and whenever he goes back he makes sure to cuddle up to his adorable dog, Sloan. 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 happens when a lifelong dream collides with harsh truths? In this powerful talk, Yasmine shares her journey from aspiring doctor to healthcare equity advocate. Through stories of systemic racism in medicine, she reveals the hidden harms within the healthcare system. Drawing on her research and community work, Yasmine calls for a more compassionate, anti-racist future in medicine—where each ripple of action helps shape a system that truly serves everyone. Yasmine Elmi is an MD-PhD student at McGill University dedicated to pursuing a dual career as a clinician and researcher. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities, particularly in maternal and child health and racial health disparities. Her research has been featured in leading academic journals such as The Lancet and highlighted by major media outlets including CBC, CTV, and Radio-Canada. Passionate about creating lasting ripples in healthcare and education, Yasmine is an advocate for mentorship and diversity in STEMM. She actively contributes to the National Youth Mentorship Advisory Council of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Federation of Black Canadians, and Let’s Talk Science’s Black Volunteer Collective. Her efforts to foster equity and inclusion have earned her prestigious accolades like the McCall MacBain Scholarship, the 21 Under 21 Awards, and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch. 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 happens when a mother’s dream becomes the compass for her child’s future? In this inspiring TED Talk, Mr. Henry Darby shares a deeply personal journey rooted in love, legacy, and purpose. From the nurturing values instilled at home to transformative experiences at Morris College, Mr. Darby reflects on how education and community shaped a life committed to service. This talk is a tribute to the power of dreams passed down through generations—and how they blossom into a lifelong desire to uplift others. Mr. Henry Darby, principal at North Charleston High School, is the epitome of selfless dedication to his community. In 2020, after realizing many of the students in his school were struggling financially, with some sleeping under bridges or in their cars, he decided to do something about it. Mr. Darby applied to get a part-time job at Walmart, working from 10 pm to 7 am three days a week, just so he could donate his pay to his students. His actions have led to the community donating almost $100,000 to the school, and Walmart has donated an additional $50,000. Mr. Darby says "I was taught if your hands find something to do, do it. So I came to myself and said, 'Perhaps I need another job in terms of part-time.’” Mr. Darby holds a Bachelor’s and two Master’s Degrees and has served in education for over 40 years, but it is his humility and genuine love for the children he serves that make him an excellent leader. In addition to his other accolades, he is the author of numerous books. 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