In "Choose Adventure over Change” Michelle Huntington reflects on the tension between safety instincts and the pursuit of adventure. After obtaining a private pilot license, she accepted a challenge to fly a small aircraft from Arizona to Australia, despite her limited experience. The journey involved overcoming fears, adapting to unexpected changes, and using innovative solutions for fuel management. She emphasises that the brain’s amygdala often misinterprets new experiences as threats, but by re-framing these situations as adventures, we can embrace change and unlock our potential. Ultimately, curiosity can transform fear into thrilling opportunities As a young girl in Wagga Wagga, Michelle was introduced to the aviation world when her father joined the RAAF. She commenced her schooling there, then later returned to study Art, and then Archaeology at Charles Sturt University. Michelle also undertook high-stakes leadership training which fostered her skills in ingenuity and inventive problem-solving.Michelle's aviation career took flight when she began flying doctors to remote towns and delivering freight. Through her first airline job at Regional Express, based in Wagga Wagga, Michelle's passion for aviation grew. She went on to fly for Virgin Australia, retiring as an airline captain in 2021.An award-winning speaker, Michelle shares her captivating stories and humour from the air, celebrating leadership and adventure. 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

Sarah Blyth asks listeners to consider what the implications are for communities who do not have access to wifi and how donating wifi could help save lives in vulnerable communities. Sarah Blyth was born in Sault St Marie and raised in Vancouver. She is an activist, community organizer and former politician known for her work in harm reduction and public health, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis. Blyth founded the Vancouver Overdose Prevention Society (OPS), a grassroots organization dedicated to providing overdose prevention services, advocating for drug policy reform, setting up overdose prevention sites and distributing naloxone kits. Blyth served as a parks commissioner in Vancouver, focusing on community engagement, environmental sustainability and improving access to public spaces, especially for vulnerable communities. Blyth's dedication and success has been widely recognized, receiving numerous awards for her advocacy efforts. She continues to be an influential voice in the ongoing dialogue surrounding drug policy and public health in Canada. 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

Michael Bezabeh shares how being isolated as an immigrant can be devastating, and how the strength and consistency of communities can get the most vulnerable members through the toughest of times. Michael Bezabeh's journey is one of resilience and redemption. Born in Harar, Ethiopia, Michael faced cultural displacement early in life, moving to Addis Ababa and later migrating across continents in search of stability. Settling in Vancouver, his life took an unexpected turn when he fell into addiction, leading to years of struggle and hardship in the Downtown East side. Despite countless setbacks, Michael found strength in family and faith, supported by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church during his darkest times. After years of perseverance and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Michael emerged from his addiction. Today, he works as a security guard, contributing to his community and finding strength in his faith and community. His journey from addiction to recovery underscores the power of resilience, family, and community support. 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

Featured songs: Lay Me Low; Revery; Head On A Plate Abe Houck is singer/songwriter and musician based in Chattanooga Tennessee. Over the years playing in bands and solo projects his music has spanned styles and genre’s from folk, garage rock, post punk and country. Abe’s upbringing was a peripatetic one, born in Iowa, grew up in the Midwest, South Africa and Texas, he came to Chattanooga in 2009. He is currently working on a debut solo album to be released in 2025. 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

Featured songs: R&R; Little Alien Tigress of the Sun The phrase "breath of fresh air" is used often in music, but it truly captures the essence of LVNDR. She's a neo soul singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's only a matter of time before the world is her stage, though. After she sings a few short bars, the stark contrast between LVNDR's cyberpunk look and velvety voice seems to dissolve. She proves that these elements are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they're pieces of a much bigger vision she's bringing to life.Her debut EP Five-Letter Word offers a glimpse of what's to come, fusing spontaneous ideas refined during improv sessions into five cohesive permutations of her vibrant sound. She wants nothing more than to inspire authentic expression in as many music lovers as possible. It's safe to say LVNDR has found her voice but by no means is she finished evolving as an artist. 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