How Believing in Yourself Shatters Every Ceiling | Chisom Agoawuike | TEDxMaitama Women
In this moving and electrifying TEDx talk, Chisom Agoawuike explores the extraordinary power of self-belief and how it can break through the toughest barriers life places before us.Drawing from her personal journey as a young Nigerian woman navigating the competitive world of entertainment, Chisom shares how choosing to believe in herself—despite self-doubt, societal pressure, and countless rejections—transformed her dreams into reality. From humble beginnings in Owerri, Imo State, to gracing our screens in award-winning roles, Chisom’s path has been anything but ordinary. Best known for her powerful performances in M-Net’s Halita and the AMVCA-winning drama The Rishantes, she has captivated audiences with her versatility and authenticity. But behind the applause lies a deeper story of resilience—of a woman who, time and time again, chose to bet on herself even when the odds were against her.With heartfelt honesty and radiant confidence, Chisom challenges the limiting beliefs that often hold people back—especially women—and invites us to reimagine what’s possible when we dare to silence the inner critic and act with bold conviction. Her message is clear: ceilings—whether societal, professional, or internal—are meant to be shattered. Beyond the screen,Chisom is a passionate public health advocate, merging her academic background with her platform to champion health and wellness causes. Now embracing a new chapter in her career, she’s stepping into the role of a producer, determined to tell impactful stories and shape narratives from behind the scenes.Today, Chisom Agoawuike stands as a symbol of possibility—a fearless creative, role model, and emerging voice in Africa’s film industry. Her talk is a testament to the magic that unfolds when you believe in yourself, take the leap, and rise above every ceiling.
Chisom Agoawuike is a versatile Nigerian actor, model, and former beauty queen born in Owerri, Imo state. She has gained widespread recognition for her captivating performances on stage and screen.Her breakout role in the hit M-Net series "Halita" and "The Rishantes" - which won Best Original Drama Series at the 2022 AMVCA's - showcased her impressive range and talent. Currently, she stars in several prominent projects on YouTube and Showmax.Chisom's unique ability to embody characters from diverse backgrounds and ages has made her a sought-after talent among directors.As a graduate of public health from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, she is a passionate advocate for promoting public health initiatives.With a growing foundation in the film industry, Chisom is eager to expand her portfolio as a producer in the years to come. 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
More from TED
- 9:37Breaking the Chain: Overcoming Generational Trauma | Nandy El Attar | TEDxNibras Intl School YouthIn this courageous and deeply personal TEDxYouth talk, Nandy sheds light on the silent burden of generational trauma and the strength it takes to break free from its cycle. Through storytelling and reflection, she explores how past pain can be passed down—and how awareness, healing, and self-compassion can disrupt that legacy. Nandy’s message is one of hope and empowerment: that with courage and care, we can rewrite the narrative for ourselves and future generations. Nandy El Attar, 17, was born in Lebanon and has always been deeply passionate about understanding human behavior and emotions. Her dedication to psychology stems from a desire to explore the ways people grow and heal, particularly in the context of generational trauma. Nandy believes that self-awareness and mental health are the foundations of a thriving life. She is committed to living a balanced lifestyle, dedicating her personal time to hard work and maintaining physical well-being through regular exercise. Known for her determination and vibrant energy, she continually strives to grow in all aspects of life. Her dream is to shine a light on human behavior topics that often go unspoken and to succeed in business. 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
- 8:10A city of peace without peace | Elisia Wang | TEDxQDHS YouthDoes naming a place after peace invite conflict? Elisia Wang is an enthusiastic and open-minded explorer who maintains a strong curiosity and passion for discovering the world. She has a deep interest in both the sciences, such as chemistry and mathematics, enjoying the precision of logical reasoning and analytical thinking, and the humanities, particularly history and culture, seeking to understand the world from multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary passion allows her to find a unique balance between rational analysis and humanistic reflection. Beyond the classroom, traveling is an essential part of her exploration. She enjoys observing and reflecting in unfamiliar destinations, embracing the diversity of the world, listening to different stories, and growing through cultural and scenic experiences. She has also been actively involved in TEDx for three consecutive years—working behind the scenes as an organizer in the first two years, and this year, stepping onto the stage as a speaker. 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
- 10:15Student voice | Brittany Johnston | TEDxQDHS YouthStudent voice is more than just speaking up in class; it's about actively engaging with the school community to discover your potential beyond academic strengths. Brittany Johnston is from a small suburban town in Ontario, Canada. She completed a BA in English and Sociology at Queen’s University (in Canada, not Ireland) and has an education degree from the University of Western Ontario. She began her teaching career here in Shanghai, working for two years in Jinshan District and then moving to the city proper where she has lived for the past two years. As an educator, she tries to foster a love of learning by guiding students to apply and extend what they have learned through a variety of activities and projects. Outside of the classroom, you may find her meandering through the streets of Shanghai in search of a good cup of coffee; or exploring the world and China through food at one of the many excellent restaurants in the city. 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
- 8:30Empowering elderly voices | Alex Mao | TEDxQDHS YouthRespect and listen to the ideas of older adults, and appreciate the valuable message they have to share I am Alex, a grade 11 student from Qibao Dwight and an advocate for minority voices. Through the process of exploring different perspectives, I have come to realize the value of underappreciated voices and why they deserve to be heard. For example, the voices of elderly people in our rapidly aging society often remain a taboo subject for many. I hope this speech will encourage people to shift their perspectives, respect and listen to the ideas of older adults, and appreciate the valuable messages they have to share. 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
- 11:57Chasing Bubbles_ The Importance of Curiosity | Nijar Ahmed | TEDxNibras Intl School YouthIn this imaginative and heartfelt TEDxYouth talk, Nijar Ahmed explores the wonder of curiosity and how it shapes who we become. Using the metaphor of "chasing bubbles," Nijar invites us to see life as an endless journey of exploration, where asking questions and seeking new experiences leads to growth, creativity, and deeper meaning. Her talk is a joyful reminder that curiosity isn’t just for children—it’s the spark that keeps us learning, dreaming, and truly living. Nijar Ahmed has always taken her position as a student as something more than just a temporary occupation; it is part of her identity – not just a student of NIS, but a student of life, taking pride in the lessons she learns every day. Her insatiable curiosity and passion for learning has given her a fresh perspective on her life’s purpose: pursuit of knowledge and new experiences. And not just any knowledge, but something that she can share and benefit from, a door to new opportunities. Ever since she was young, she had trouble defining her interests because of how varied they were. From art to food to reading, she had a new hobby every week, but even when she had finished one chapter and started the next, she always carried a new perspective she’d gained along with her to the next 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
- 8:04What does Community mean to you? | Aileen Qi | TEDxQDHS YouthA community is where mutual support between people flows. I am a community-based storyteller who is not just in documenting facts but in telling stories that bridge perspectives and connect people. We often lose touch with the surrounding communities in a world that thrives on speed and efficiency. My journey has been seeking my "voice" through the camera lens. During this path, I encountered "Buy42," a charitable store that resonated deeply with me. It's altruistic projects, and inclusive spirit stirred something profound within. Through documentary filmmaking, I strive to dismantle stereotypes surrounding the "disabled community," to weave narratives that foster connection and understanding. 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
