In this thought-provoking TEDx Talk, Jonelle takes us on a personal journey that challenges our conventional understanding of friendship and belonging. In a world where social media often promises connection, Jonelle reveals the deeper, more profound truth: true connection isn’t about likes or followers, it’s about real, meaningful relationships. Drawing on her experiences from her life, she reflects on key moments that shaped her perspective. She shares how a life-changing trip with her elderly relatives helped her discover that the most valuable friendships can be found outside our usual circles. Through a heartfelt story, Jonelle invites us to rethink how we form connections and find purpose in relationships. She encourages us to look up from our screens, embrace face-to-face interactions, and step out of our comfort zones to build bonds that truly matter. This talk is a call to redefine what it means to belong and to embrace a life of expanded purpose, where growth comes not from clinging to the familiar, but from daring to reach out in unexpected ways. Jonelle Awomoyi is a dynamic and influential journalist who has made a significant impact in the world of news reporting. As a BBC News presenter, Jonelle’s incisive and accessible storytelling engages millions across social platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where she cuts through the noise to deliver truths that matter to today’s digital audience.Her work goes beyond the headlines, challenging world leaders at the
United Nations and advocating for change, a commitment she first
honed as a member of Youth Parliament.Jonelle's contributions to her community were recognized in 2020 when
she was honoured with a mural in London for her work during the
pandemic. She was also nominated for the 2021 Women of the Year
Award.A graduate of the University of Nottingham with a degree in Religion,
Philosophy, and Ethics, Jonelle served as Head of News for the
university’s student television network, NTSV, where she led her team to produce award-winning content. 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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- 9:37Dancing Your Way to Greatness | Courtney Celeste Spears | TEDxFordhamUniversityDancer and educator Courtney Celeste Spears explains how dance helped her to defy the expectations of an artist. This talk looks at how the arts—and tapping into your inner passions instead of suppressing them—can give us the keys to unlocking our greatest potential. Courtney Celeste Spears, of Bahamian descent, is a global dance educator and former dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she performed in more than 20 countries. She graduated summa cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, received the Princess Grace Kelly Award in 2015, completed Harvard Business School’s “Crossover into Business” program, and was most recently named as one of Forbes magazine’s 2024 “30 Under 30.” Currently based in the Bahamas, Spears is the director of ArtSea Dance, an organization aimed at uplifting dancers in the Caribbean, and the director of two celebrated dance programs. 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
- 11:16How to turn cities into conservation hubs | Dustin Partridge | TEDxFordhamUniversityWhen people think of cities, they rarely picture green landscapes, rich habitats, or thriving biodiversity. But what if that perception changed? By shifting how we view cities and their role in wildlife conservation, we can build a future in which healthy habitats are woven into the fabric of urban life, benefiting people and birds while connecting landscapes and cultures across the hemisphere. Dustin Partridge, Ph.D., the director of conservation and science at NYC Bird Alliance, is a pioneering scientist in urban green space conservation research in North America.His work, focused on wildlife conservation in New York City, has driven cities to reconsider the ecological value of small green spaces. Partridge’s published research has reshaped the national conversation on the role of cities in conservation, leading to significant policy changes in New York City. These include the passage of Local Laws 92 and 94, which mandate green roof and solar installations on new buildings, and the Green Roof Tax Abatement, which offers substantial financial incentives for green roof installations in high-need areas. An adjunct professor at Columbia University and a sought-after speaker in media and public forums, Partridge is a scientist whose approach to conservation is based on using science to drive solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. 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
