Consider how communal kitchen spaces can strengthen communities and bring us together. Andrea is a food justice advocate and culinary creative working to build food systems that are truly equitable for people and the planet. She was born, bred, and buttered in Central New York and is a proud, first-generation graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. Since then, she has spent her career working across a variety of food and beverage operations positions in the Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Denver areas. Most recently she completed a master’s degree in Gastronomy at Boston University where she concentrated in Food Policy. Her roles in activism, research, and community engagement have allowed her to contribute to several social impact projects related to farmers’ market reform, urban food access, and environmental sustainability in university dining halls. When she’s not busy spotting fellow left-handers in TV and movies, she can likely be found reading, hiking, or trying regional dishes throughout her travels. 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

Unpack the revolutionary roots of Haiti, the cost of freedom, and what it means to carry the legacy of resistance while navigating privilege, displacement and identity. Bermina M Chery is an undergraduate senior at Boston University studying Political Science and African American and Black Diaspora Studies. Born in Boston and raised in Mattapan, she demonstrates great pride in the coalescence of her identities as a Black Bostonian of Haitian descent. As an adolescent, Chery constantly toiled with conceptualizing the manifestation of injustices and why they occur. It was this constant struggle that cemented her entry into local youth political activism, particularly within the environmental sector. From her participation in climate protests to her past role as the Director of the Climate Action committee on the Boston Mayor’s Youth Council, Chery found hope for the future in advocating for marginalized communities. Today, she hopes to inspire others, especially young people, to use civic engagement and activism as their weapon against incomprehensible unjust realities. 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

Arsène Keruburundi, AP Psychology Teacher at RDF International School. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental and Resource Law from Ningbo University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bujumbura Light University. With years of experience as a social sciences educator, his pedagogical focus centers on psychology, particularly through examining human-AI relationships via evolutionary psychology and humanistic psychology frameworks. His research posits that adaptation remains humanity's survival imperative – and the AI era is no exception. Mr. Keruburundi is from Burundi. He has a Master's Degree in Environmental and Resources Law from Ningbo University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bujumbura Light University. He has many years of working experience as a Social Sciences Teacher and teaches Psychology, Geography, and History. He also worked as a Counselor, and has a passion for helping youth. He likes to interact with students and creates a fun environment to acquire knowledge. 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

Emily Sun, a current G11 student at RDF International School and an accomplished jazz pianist with exceptional artistic attainments in music. When Musical Performance Meets AI: This time, my collaborator is not human, but artificial intelligence. Emily is a student from Grade 11 who has a great passion for music. During her free time, she likes to play jazz on the piano, read books and learn foreign languages. Emily loves to challenge herself, and she’s glad to have this opportunity to share you about her thoughts. 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

. Patrick will talk about the importance of financial literacy in Colombia, focusing on how understanding money, saving, and investing can break the cycle of poverty. Through workshops and programs, he is already helping communities take control of their financial futures--with the tools to make informed decisions, and improve their lives. 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

. Natalia Covelo could sing ever since she could talk, and this early passion led her to discover music therapy. This unique therapy has provided her and others with a space to grow and thrive through various musical expressions. As people become more open about mental health struggles, it's crucial to understand where one can find help, and music therapy is one way. 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