Swathi Vellal Raghunandan is a passionate advocate for inclusion, empowerment, and diversity. As the Founder-Director of Ishanya India Foundation, she has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) through assistive technology and inclusive education. Her impactful work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Amarnath Rajanhalli Inclusion Award.Swathi's journey is one of unwavering commitment, working closely with parents, caregivers, and communities to foster empathy and empowerment. In this inspiring talk, she sheds light on the importance of equal opportunities, celebrating neurodivergence, and embracing the beauty of diversity. Swathi emphasizes how individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are unique and capable, deserving of an inclusive environment that nurtures their potential.Through her heartfelt narrative and innovative approach, Swathi inspires audiences to reimagine a world where differences are celebrated and inclusion is the norm. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Swathi Vellal Raghunandan is the Founder Director of Ishanya India Foundation, a non-profit in Bangalore dedicated to empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through assistive technology and inclusive education. With a Master’s in Special Educational Needs from the University of Northampton and in Clinical Psychology from Christ University, she brings deep expertise to her work, focusing on autism inclusion and support for both individuals and families. Her journey reflects a commitment to empathy and empowerment, working closely with parents and caregivers on various aspects of disability care. Swathi has also supported workplace inclusion by collaborating with organisations to help transition individuals with autism into employment. Additionally, she has hosted several podcasts on mental health. Swathi has received numerous accolades, including the MTC Global Award and the 2024 Amarnath Rajanahally Inclusion Award - a testament to her dedication to building an inclusive society. 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

In this talk Dr. Nandi Rameswara Rao (a realtor, entrepreneur & educator) shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to transforming India’s real estate sector. Through a groundbreaking education model emphasizing practical learning, he empowers brokers to elevate their professionalism and cultivates the next generation of real estate leaders. Dr. Nandi Rameswara Rao, Founder and CEO of Realtor Oxygen, is revolutionizing India's real estate sector by professionalizing brokers through an education model emphasizing 75% practical learning. Rising from humble beginnings in Vizag, he transitioned from a corporate real estate CEO to a visionary leader, empowering others through mentorship, media, and academia. 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

Whether they showcase competitions, talent searches, home renovations, or something else, reality TV shows have captivated Americans, with nearly 80% of us watching them. But beneath the excitement and drama, clinical psychologist Dr. Kimberly Applewhite Teitter believes these shows can provide numerous insights into our own individual identities as well as humanity as a whole. Kimberly Applewhite Teitter is a licensed psychologist in the SLC area who works with clients of all ages to harness their inner wisdom and discover their valued life worth living. She enjoys philosophizing about human behaviors and complex systems to whomever will listen; she has contributed to podcasts, print, film, and online news. Kimberly is grateful to her husband and two daughters for their support, and hopes now they'll pass the TV remote to her more often.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

In a bold reimagining of high school education, English teacher Emily Torres and school counselor Sean Barrett have created their own version of "Fight Club" - not for physical combat, but for battling mental health challenges through an innovative classroom integration. By embedding a counselor directly into the language arts curriculum, they demonstrate how counseling concepts woven into literature discussions and writing exercises create a powerful space for students to confront their struggles and emerge stronger. Their revolutionary approach has not only improved academic performance and emotional wellbeing but offers a provocative, practical blueprint for how schools everywhere can evolve to meet our students' changing needs through the unexpected pairing of counseling and classroom instruction. Emily Torres has been an educator with Spokane Public Schools for 22 years. In 2016 she helped pilot a program for trauma-impacted teens and ever since has continued to incorporate a counselor-in-the-classroom approach to education. She has had the unique privilege of working alongside psychologists (Dr. Kent Hoffman Every Person has Infinite Worth | Kent Hoffman | TEDxSpokane – YouTube, Dr. Russel Kolts Anger, Compassion, and What It Means To Be Strong | Russell Kolts | TEDxOlympia (youtube.com), and Mental Health Therapist Sean Barrett to develop and implement an ELA curriculum designed around self-awareness. Emily is also a trauma-informed trainer through the Community Resilience Initiative (www.CRIResilient.org) and has been a presenter introducing others to Holistic Curriculums at their annual Beyond Paper Tigers Trauma-Informed Care Conference and at the 2024 Regional Equity Summit. She was also one of Lilac City’s Teacher of the Year in 2022.Meet Sean, a mental health counselor who at the age of 16 had steered clear of psychology classes because he and the counselors he was working with were unable to unravel the mystery to him finding himself. A mixtape given to him around this time was Sean’s Rosetta Stone, giving him the first words and emotions to understand what he had been experiencing. Sean treasures his roles as a husband, father, family member, friend, and colleague. Alongside TEDx co-speaker Emily Torres, he is devout in bringing language arts and psychology to every young soul in every classroom possible.Those who know Sean best describe him as empathetic, affable, and a bit of a muppet – qualities he would recommend to work in an industry where the chief commodity is pain. His guiding philosophy? Start with putting relationships first, and listen to one another the way you listen to your favorite song. 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 examines the connection between autism and chess through scientific insights and personal experience. It highlights how certain traits associated with autism may align with the demands of chess, offering a new perspective on autism. Ido Ben-Artzi is a PhD student at the Sagol School of Neuroscience and an International Chess Master. His research explores the unique cognitive traits of individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in the realm of reinforcement learning. Ido's work uncovers how the precise and systematic thinking styles associated with autism can lead to exceptional performance in stable environments, like the chessboard, while presenting challenges in dynamic settings. Through his studies, he aims to reshape how we perceive and leverage the strengths of diverse cognitive profiles. 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

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s a mindset that anyone can cultivate, regardless of their age, background, or career. In this inspiring talk, Vijay Kumar Agarwal, CEO of Makoons Group of Schools, shares his journey from a service professional to a global entrepreneur, building a network of over 300 preschools. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, he reveals how redefining risk, embracing failure, and breaking big goals into smaller steps can transform anyone’s approach to life and work. Vijay’s insights empower students, professionals, and dreamers to take the first step toward building an entrepreneurial mindset and creating their own opportunities. Mr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal, CEO of Makoons Group of Schools, is a visionary leader with over a decade of expertise in education management. He drives growth across 110+ franchises in India and 3+ countries, empowering 10,000+ students. Passionate about quality education, he inspires future leaders globally. 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