This talk highlights how persistence fuels meaningful change, both in community outreach promoting STEM education for underrepresented groups and in navigating the challenges of being a Black woman in engineering. It underscores that showing up consistently, despite obstacles, not only drives progress but also creates opportunities and representation for those who follow. A mentor, adviser, and community activist, Dr. Whitney Gaskins has dedicated her life to inspiring others and advancing philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Gaskins serves as the Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, where she is the only African-American female currently teaching on the faculty. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, a Master of Business Administration in Quantitative Analysis, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering/Engineering Education. In her role as Associate Dean, Dr. Gaskins has transformed the summer bridge program to enhance student support and retention and has cultivated partnerships with local school districts to strengthen the high school-to-college pathway. In 2009, Dr. Gaskins founded The Gaskins Foundation, a non-profit organization that launched STEMulates, a year-round, free-of-charge K-12 program designed to introduce students to math and science. STEMulates currently operates in five cities. In recognition of her work, she was named the 2017 K-12 Champion by the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA) and received the 2021 Cincinnati Lifts Inclusion and Minority Business Award. Dr. Gaskins has been actively involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) since 2003. With over 30,000 members, the organization strives to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact their communities. In 2013, Dr. Gaskins served as the Annual Convention Planning Chairperson, orchestrating the second-largest Annual Convention in NSBE history, with over 9,200 attendees, and raising more than $3,000,000 to support programmatic efforts. She continues to serve as an advisor to NSBE and was honored with the 2015 Janice A. Lumpkin Educator of the Year Golden Torch Award. Additional accolades include being recognized as a 2019 Greater Cincinnati Black History Maker, receiving the Dr. Terry Kershaw Faculty Excellence Award, and earning the 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Cincinnati for her innovative honors course, Sticky Innovation. Dr. Gaskins was named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2019 and received the 2021 Career Woman of Achievement Award. In 2022, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, a Leader in Engineering Education by the Women Engineering Proactive Network, and a Woman Who Means Business by the Cincinnati Business Courier. In 2023, she received the Engineering Change Award from the Peer Group and an Educational Leadership Award at the Women of Color in STEM Conference. Her 2024 recognitions include being named Woman of the Year by the University of Cincinnati’s Women’s Center, a Changemaker by the Cincinnati Herald, and a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The Gaskins Foundation and its collaboration with General Electric for the GE Next Engineers program also received National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Awards. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Gaskins has served as President of both her undergraduate chapter (Omicron) and the Sigma Omega graduate chapter. Her leadership earned her the Outstanding President Award twice, and her chapter received numerous accolades under her guidance. She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated and an international Scott-Hawkins Leadership Fellow. Dr. Gaskins currently serves as the National President of NAMEPA, Inc. 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

This talk explores how emotional intelligence breaks us free from autopilot, enabling us to respond with intention, build authentic connections, and lead with purpose. It highlights emotional intelligence as a vital skill for thriving in complex, automated environments by fostering trust, collaboration, and resilient, inclusive cultures. Patrice Borders, J.D. is passionate about her purpose of transforming organizations through mindful, emotionally intelligent leadership. As an attorney, author, and workplace consultant, she empowers leaders with tools rooted in modern neuroscience to navigate stress, uncertainty, and conflict—while intentionally fostering well-being both personally and professionally. For over 20 years, her company AmplifyEI has helped organizations develop authentic, emotionally intelligent leaders. Through executive coaching and tailored learning experiences, Patrice brings out the best in individuals and teams. Known as The EI Amplifier™, she equips leaders to make inner changes that create profound outward impact, shaping a culture of belonging and engagement. Patrice has worked with global clients such as Danaher, Kroger, Dropbox, and Disney, consistently delivering transformational coaching and training. She codified her approach in the 7 Keys to Emotional Intelligence™ Model, a comprehensive roadmap for growth in self-awareness that drives stronger results, deeper insight, and heightened empathy. One client described her as “the perfect blend of IQ, EQ, facilitator, and wizard.” In her personal life, Patrice finds joy in mindful walks with her husband and fur baby, and she loves catching up with her two adult daughters as they navigate the world. 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

With the rise of AI tools such as generative AI, question arises around ethics, guardrails an regulation. This talk focuses on the fundamentals of Responsible AI, providing examples of issues faced given the rapid expansion of AI applications and use cases. Professor Kelly Cohen is a globally recognized expert in Responsible AI and Fuzzy Systems, with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of innovation in ethical and intelligent technologies. As the president of the North American Fuzzy Information Processing Society (NAFIPS) and an endowed chair in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati, he leads groundbreaking research and education efforts to ensure AI serves humanity responsibly. Heading the AI Bio Lab, Professor Cohen explores transformative AI applications across industries while advocating for transparency and trust in technology. His work bridges complex theoretical foundations with real-world solutions, inspiring audiences to envision a future where AI empowers society ethically and inclusively. 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

This talk explores the complexities of queer identity, highlighting how feelings of not fitting in can be a source of strength and joy despite the pain and trauma many LGBTQ+ people endure. It celebrates queer joy as a powerful, transformative force while urging respect, empathy, and mentorship to create a more inclusive and understanding world. Aaron Yeager is a creative, curious, and deeply caring person. Based in Akron, Ohio, he's an entrepreneur, with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University. In his spare time, he serves as the Secretary of Stow Collaboration for Change, a social justice organization he co-founded in his hometown, and volunteers for several other local nonprofits. In 2018, while living in New York, he founded a nonprofit that offered an empathetic approach to financial counseling, helping clients with the emotional side of money, in addition to the practical. The following year, he led a rent strike against his negligent landlord, in Harlem. Living in New York was the one thing he wanted more than anything, so he's thankful to have had the opportunity. Aaron's hobbies include making his home smarter; walking, hiking, and working out; singing; reading; playing videogames; and discovering new food, parks, and movies. 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

This talk challenges the belief that success requires early specialization, instead highlighting the power of exploring widely across disciplines. It argues that generalists, those who connect seemingly unrelated skills and ideas, are uniquely equipped to drive innovation and adapt in an increasingly complex world. Grant Kilgard is a multidisciplinary designer and creative strategist currently studying Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. With a unique blend of experiences across mass-manufactured packaging at Procter & Gamble, agile product development at HUGE Design in San Francisco, and human-centered immersive experiences at Factory360 in New York City, Grant has built a career around the power of cross-disciplinary thinking. He’s a member of UC’s Next Innovation Scholars (NIS) program, a Creative Director for Section 001’s public furniture studio, and has led digital design efforts for a fashion startup in NYC. Passionate about bridging the gap between art and design, Grant champions the idea of the “generalist mindset,” believing that curiosity and adaptability are key to driving meaningful innovation. Whether he’s working on community projects, developing new product concepts, or exploring the intersections of design and technology, Grant’s focus is on creating impactful, human-centered solutions that resonate across diverse industries. 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

This talk offers a heartfelt reflection on how something as simple as “showing up” can transform our lives and communities. The speaker shares a personal story of burnout, vulnerability, and connection, illustrating how a single walk in the park sparked a movement uniting thousands of women. Through relatable examples and compelling data, she challenges the cultural norms that isolate us and makes the case that presence, not perfection, is the most powerful tool we have to combat loneliness and build meaningful relationships. Tara Osborne is driven by a deep passion for wellness, movement, and bringing people together. Her journey is rooted in the belief that wellness is not just a personal endeavor but a powerful experience shared with others. With an extensive background in fitness and wellness, Tara focuses on creating spaces where women feel empowered to connect, grow, and thrive both physically and mentally. As a natural connector, Tara is continually inspired by the incredible women she meets in Cincinnati. Through Cincy Girls Who, she has built a vibrant community that encourages women to forge genuine friendships, explore new interests, and support one another’s journeys. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a wellness workshop, or a community event, Tara believes that every shared moment contributes to building a stronger, healthier community. 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