Dr. Hiranya Nath explores the deep economic disparities within a rapidly changing village in Assam, India, where some have prospered while many remain trapped in poverty. Discover how the Good Neighbor Initiative mobilized neighbors to share resources and rebuild the bonds of solidarity. Hiranya K. Nath, Ph.D., is a Professor of Economics at Sam Houston State University and serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Guwahati, India. He is also a Section Editor for Economics and Econometrics at PLOS ONE. Professor Nath has held visiting positions at institutions including Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Queensland University of Technology, and Tezpur University. His research has been published in notable journals such as California Management Review, the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, and the Journal of Money, Credit and Banking. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Methodist University and holds degrees from the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University. Committed to community service, Professor Nath works with rural communities in India, believing that small adjustments in his life can profoundly impact others’ lives. He is driven by the belief that life is all about living. 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

Science is a powerful force for uniting humanity. After all, it helped transform an intensely introverted chemistry nerd into someone who enjoys being with people. Tom Kuntzleman is a scientist, educator, and communicator dedicated to inspiring curiosity through chemistry. With a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, he has taught at the university level for 20+ years and authored 40+ peer-reviewed articles. As associate editor of the Chemical Education Xchange, he’s written 150+ blog posts on science education. He’s also performed 300+ public science shows and runs a YouTube channel, "Tommy Technetium," with nearly 500K subscribers, and TikTok @pchemstud, with over 100K followers. His motto: "No failed experiments, only new observations." 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

As the private space industry rapidly expands and humanity prepares for extended missions to the Moon and Mars, what role will the arts play in shaping our off-world experience? In this provocative talk, Natasha Tsakos, a theatrical innovator and space-focused multidisciplinary artist, argues that the arts must be more than an afterthought in space exploration. They are fundamental to human adaptation, expression, and to the flourishing of society in Space. Drawing from firsthand experience, Tsakos makes a powerful case for developing new performance techniques, choreographic vocabularies, and storytelling structures designed for the physics of space. She challenges us to consider: What narratives will we export beyond our planet? How will weightlessness transform movement and dramatic framework? What role can artistic practices play in cognitive function, astronaut psychology, and social cohesion in the extreme isolation of space? Rather than simply adapting Earth-bound traditions, Tsakos envisions an entirely new artistic language, one that embraces the constraints and possibilities of a world without gravity. She introduces her mission to stage the first multimedia performance in microgravity, a pioneering experiment in performance art and aerospace science. Through an interdisciplinary lens, Natasha makes a compelling case for embedding artists in space programs today, so that as we extend humanity’s reach beyond Earth, we bring not only technology and industry, but culture, creativity, and the stories that will define our future. Natasha Tsakos is a show maker blending Theatrical Adventures, Technology, and Impact. She has created and performed for the G20 Summit, Discovery Channel, Tribeca Film Festival, the Super Bowl with Cirque du Soleil, and speaks at events like TED, Google, and the United Nations General Assembly, about the convergence of the arts and tech to drive transformative change. Recent works include CARABOOM, voted Best Attraction of Miami, and OPUS 9, performed at the Frontiers Planet Awards. She holds NASA Certificate of Training, a New Space Economy certification from MIT, is a ground school graduate from the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences and part of NASA L'SPACE Accelerator. Natasha is on a mission to pioneer performances in microgravity. 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

Through the rhythms of West African drum and dance, we plant seeds of cultural legacy and self-discovery in the next generation. These ancient traditions are not just art forms but powerful tools for empowerment, healing, and community-building. In this talk, we explore how reconnecting with our roots transforms our youth, creating leaders grounded in their heritage and ready to shape the future. Imani Ma’at AknhmenRa Amen Taylor is a Kresge Arts Fellow, educator, and cultural artist specializing in traditional West African drum and dance. As a Detroit Public Schools instructor and performer, Imani empowers youth by connecting them to their heritage through movement and music. They’ve curated performances at TEDxDetroit and lead interactive workshops, blending cultural expression with healing and community building. Their work honors ancestry while sowing seeds for future generations. 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

Dr. Uzma Iqbal discusses the role of self-compassion in bridging the empathy gap and tackling declining levels of empathy not only at work, but in society as well. Iqbal offers listeners a new and unique way of thinking about the role of self-compassion in their own approach to work and life. Uzma Iqbal, M.D., embodies a passion for healing and leadership as Medical Director and CEO of the Houston Center of HOPE, specializing in Hematology, Oncology, Integrative, and Internal Medicine. Dr. Iqbal is an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston, where she fosters growth in medical students. With a heart for service, she has earned recognition as Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Class XLV. She has lent expertise as Associate Certified Coach, accredited by the International Coaching Federation, in transformational coaching. She is deeply involved in community development, serving on the Board of Directors for non-profit organizations, the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Greater Houston, and SHIFA Healthcare and Community Services. Dr. Iqbal is committed to healing, teaching, and servant leadership. She loves spending time with her family. 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 AI isn’t just a tool but a companion that helps us evolve? In this talk, Randy Roberts challenges the conventional view of artificial intelligence and explores how AI companions can unlock personal growth and global transformation. Discover how co-evolving with AI could redefine who we are and how we live. Randy Roberts is a futurist and multidisciplinary artist at the forefront of AI and XR technologies. As the founder of an AI companion startup, he's pioneering the fusion of gamification and artificial intelligence to enhance human potential. With a background in electronic music, AI and virtual reality, Randy has performed globally and created immersive VR experiences featured in the New York Times & The Venice Film Festival. Randy's unique blend of technological innovation and artistic creativity drives his mission to shape a more empathetic, interconnected future. 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