What does it mean to be "camera ready"—not just in appearance, but in purpose and perseverance? In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Nancy Darlene Crawford shares how a childhood dream, a grandmother’s wisdom, and a chance encounter with Robin Roberts set the foundation for a midlife career transformation. From teenage motherhood and career detours to walking into the studios of Good Morning America, Nancy’s story is a blueprint for anyone who wonders if it's too late to follow their passion. It’s not. Nancy Darlene Crawford is a 58-year-old Black woman, who made a midlife career change after working in finance for more than a decade. She decided to pursue the role she’s wanted since she was 8-years-old — to become a broadcast journalist. Returning to school in 2020 at Southern New Hampshire University, Crawford was featured on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts in a segment focused on her life and intended career change. She was soon offered an internship with the local ABC station in New York, WABC7, which eventually led to an internship with ABC News, this time with Good Morning America — and she made the decision to walk away from her successful finance career. She graduated in November 2024 with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and she’s focused on landing a new role in journalism. 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 your favorite childhood toy could define your place in the world—or your exclusion from it? Scott Cloutier explores the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face and how modern community centers can help overcome them. From being subject to exclusion to leading an inclusive nonprofit, Cloutier identifies how technology, AI, and collective action can help build a world where everyone belongs. With more than a dozen years of experience as a marketing and technology expert, Scott Cloutier currently serves as the senior marketing automation architect at Southern New Hampshire University, where he leads innovative marketing technology, automation and integration strategies to enhance student experience, engagement and persistence. An alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University, Cloutier holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Marketing from SNHU. In addition to his professional role, he has dedicated the past five years to leading and serving as the president and chair of the board for Manchester True Collaborative, a volunteer-based organization developing into a 501(c)3 and Manchester, New Hampshire's first LGBTQIA+ center. Known for his leadership, technological expertise and passion for fostering collaboration, Cloutier excels in creating impact across corporate and nonprofit sectors. 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 the most powerful stories never make the news? Lila Harfoush Bayliss speaks of her childhood growing up in Lebanon—where war and religious conflict were often the loudest headlines. But beneath the noise, there was something else simmering: compassion, community, and quiet acts of kindness. Through moving memories of a Christmas tree in a Muslim home, a teacher’s intervention, and the boy who made riddles to shield grief, Lila reminds us that the true heart of a nation is found not in the clanking of chaos, but in the silent strength of its people. Dr. Lila Harfoush Bayliss is an IT systems analyst and adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University. An American-Lebanese citizen, she earned her doctorate in business management from the University of Maryland College of Graduate and Professional Studies, where her dissertation focused on elements of a successful IT framework. 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

After seeing a photo of a whale filled with plastic in 8th grade, one student’s life—and perspective—changed forever. Kayla Stoll challenges us to rethink what we teach in schools and why environmental science isn’t a core part of every curriculum. With powerful facts, personal insight, and an urgent call for “societal awareness,” Kayla reveals how education, industry, and media shape our planet’s future—and why change must start with the next generation. Kayla Stoll has spent the past eight years practicing and educating her community about organic agriculture, volunteering at a local farm for five years and working there for two. She loves the world of botany and teaching others to respect the ecosystem of flora/fauna that make it run — why she works as a current ecohydrologist studying tree populations and biodiversity. She’s been a devoted environmental advocate since age 14, mainly through writing letters to government officials and businesses regarding plastic pollution and elephant poaching (both in the U.S. and abroad). Stoll maintains a YouTube channel, centered on furthering education about plastic pollution and the Earth as a whole. She’s served as a guest speaker at middle schools throughout the past year, speaking about plastic pollution, trying to make more students aware of this crisis and how they can help lessen their environmental footprint. 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 life slows down and you’re left wondering, “What now?” Marcia Griffith tells how a solo 200-mile pilgrimage across Portugal and Spain helped her reconnect with long-forgotten dreams, find unexpected community, and rediscover herself after decades of routine and caregiving. With wit, wisdom, and warmth, she invites us to consider our own “Camino”—and reminds us that it’s never too late to move forward (ultreia). Marcia Griffith is a support analyst on the Solutions Training team in Student Financial Services at Southern New Hampshire University. Her primary focus is managing the SFS Mentor Program, which supports both new hires and Contact Center staff. Prior to joining SNHU in 2018, she worked for The LEGO Group from 2007-2018, and ultimately managed the Rhode Island retail territory. Griffith founded and facilitated NetLunch, a women-in-business networking group, hosting meet-up events for several years within New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is the mother of two adventurous adult children and has engaged in some adventures of her own in recent years, too. 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 does it mean to be truly seen? Dr. Lowell C. Matthews shares his journey from hopeful freshman to self-aware Black male navigating college life at a predominantly white institution. With humor, heart, and raw honesty, he reflects on the dualities of perception—the one we hold of ourselves and the one others impose on us. He also explores the power one person, a professor named Dr. Nancy King, was able to have with three simple words: “I see you.” Dr. Lowell C. Matthews (Chris) serves as a professor of business administration and management at Southern New Hampshire University. His research interests include organizational culture, global leadership practices, and social justice and equity. His current research involves exploring post-secondary learning opportunities for youth that chose not to attend college. In his role as faculty member at SNHU, he is known for his experiential class delivery and project-based learning that allows students to use the community as their textbook. Outside the classroom he serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations including the Black Heritage Trail, NH, Endowment for Health, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, Manchester True Collaborative, and the Racial Unity Team. 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