When Tia Robinson traveled to Ghana, she expected a cultural homecoming. Instead, she found beaches littered with mountains of discarded clothing—many with tags still on—shipped from countries like the U.S., U.K., and China. What began as a personal journey quickly became a confrontation with the global cost of mass production and textile waste.Through vivid storytelling and lived experience, Tia reveals the flaws of modern fashion systems, driven by overproduction and under-regulation, and offers a path forward. Tia Robinson gives us a whole new way to think about fashion and makes the case that we can transform an industry by the choices we make.As CEO and founder of Vertical Activewear, she eliminates waste by producing on-demand, ethically made activewear. In 2023, Tia expanded her vision by launching an in-house, vertically integrated supply chain.Her brand has been featured in Essence, Shape and New York Magazine, and she received Beyoncé’s NAACP and BeyGOOD Foundation Grant.With more than 15 years in marketing, merchandising and wellness, Tia offers solutions that reduce environmental and social harm.She is a Morgan State University graduate and Georgia Tech ATDC portfolio company member. 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
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- 15:18Solving the Unsolvable - The Impacts of Quantum AI | Azhmeer Jesani | TEDxSugarLandQuantum AI represents an imminent shift in technology that will soon redefine entire industries, making it crucial for today's workforce to understand and adapt. As quantum computing advances, roles across healthcare, climate science, finance, and logistics will increasingly rely on quantum-driven insights. Sharing this knowledge now empowers professionals and organizations to proactively integrate Quantum AI, positioning themselves as leaders in a future driven by unprecedented computational capabilities. Azhmeer Jesani is a rising high school senior passionate about quantum artificial intelligence (QAI) and dedicated to community enrichment. His innovative research earned him first place in Physics and Astronomy at the CCISD District Science Fair, along with the district’s prestigious Innovation Award for his exploration of practical applications in QAI classification algorithms. Beyond his academic pursuits, Azhmeer is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, earning the Eagle Scout rank for his impactful service project. He contributes creatively to his community as a photographer for the Southwestern Institutional Communications team and serves as an inaugural member of the Ismaili Youth Council, bridging communication between Ismaili youth and institutional leadership. Additionally, Azhmeer actively empowers his community by teaching Python programming, enriching his local community as a cellist in a community orchestra, and showcasing his talent internationally as a performing pianist. 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
- 18:38Rethinking The Criteria For Success | Grace Carden | TEDxYouth@AbbeyParkHSSuccess is more than just wealth and fame. Its meaning varies from person to person, encompassing mental health, personal fulfillment, and diverse cultural perspectives—there is success in all these forms. Grace is a grade 11 student from M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, Ontario. Her speech revolves around the idea of success and how we as a society may benefit from shifting our conventional view on the topic. This is a true passion for Grace as she believes that societal stress and the pressures of living up to standards is causing more harm than good. Outside of speaking, she is an acid student and leader, involving herself in as many extracurriculars as possible including student council, drama council, tech cre, link crew, student senate, and the Central Ontario Leadership Seminars Alumni Committee, giving back to her community through volunteering at the Burlington Food Bank, and more. Grace is a very passionate student and is dedicated to doing the best she can to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor when she grows up. 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
