As humans, we often exhibit our desire to be liked by others, but how does that impact us and our perceptions of ourselves. Dan Ballard is a communication expert and devoted father with over 13 years of global experience. His dynamic mentorship helps individuals and organisations tap into their authentic voice, creating greater impact. He’s passionate about building inner confidence and specific skills for personal and business success. 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

Comedian/warden Mike Seville takes the prison stage for the third time to regale us with more hysterical tales of his family. Mike Seville began his career with the Virginia Department of Corrections in 1995 as a Corrections Officer at Nottoway Correctional Center. During his time at Nottoway, he held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Institutional Training Officer, and Chief of Housing & Programs. In 2018, Mr. Seville was promoted to Assistant Warden at Haynesville Correctional Center. In 2020, he was promoted to Superintendent at Haynesville Correctional Unit 17 before transferring to Sussex I State Prison in 2021. In May 2022, Mr. Seville was promoted to Warden at Haynesville Correctional Center before transferring to Green Rock Correctional Center as Warden in November 2022. Mr. Seville has served as a trainer at the Academy for Staff Development and Statewide Evidence-Based Practices Manager at Headquarters. Mr. Seville has most recently been tasked with transitioning Lawrenceville Correctional Center from a privately operated prison to a Virginia Department of Corrections-operated facility. 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

So much extraordinary talent lies hidden behind prison walls, and singer-songwriter Charles Mason Monroe is a perfect example. Who I am is unimportant.What is now more important than ever in the history of this human race: love over hatred, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.It is vital that those who wish good for the world become unrelenting as examples of this world we wish to help create, that it may be made manifest before us. Battle with yourselves that you may make way for the birth of your higher form. Love thy neighbor, thyself, and thy enemy all the same, and remember that beyond the illusion of division, all are one under God. Finally, know that God is and lies within the innermost parts of man. May the light of Immanuel be with you all. 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

Listen to how Lamonte Grady turned himself around while at a pit stop in prison. I am a . . . parent, thinker, hard worker, positive person, connector, potential employer.I’m passionate about . . . educating the youth; mentoring young men and at-risk kids.I grew up in a single-parent household with three brothers and one sister. My oldest brother was paralyzed since the age of five. I thought I had to be the provider and protector of the family, so I quickly grew up and jumped headfirst into the streets. Once I got older and gained a greater understanding of life, I realized I made a lot of horrible decisions. I now dedicate all my time and energy to figuring out ways to connect with the youth. I want to help rebuild and bring together the same community I was helping to tear apart. Hope and belief are all you need to make change. I believe in myself and every person in this world. When we stop thinking selfishly and start thinking on a collective level, great things will happen. 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

A truly gifted and lyrical poet, Shawn Chick takes us on a journey through heartbreaking tragedy but ultimately towards redemption. I am a…quick learner, lover of pizza, always on the lookout for the next opportunity for jokes.Shawn is from Enid, Oklahoma. He found himself in prison at 17 after a brief layover in Patrick County, Virginia. His mom will tell you he’s 45, but he prefers his age in dog years, which is 6. He is a self-taught, award-winning artist, a writer, and -- apparently – a public speaker. He is a kid at heart and has an affinity for music, movies, coffee, and Saturday morning cartoons. He considers himself privileged to have trained and bonded with dozens of rescue dogs inside prison as well as out, and he loves that work. Having taken full advantage of prison libraries, Shawn has read thousands of books and considers himself a literary critic/book nerd. He continues at every opportunity to honor the memory of his sister, Shelly Vessell Gravely, and he dedicates his TEDx presentation to her and his 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

As a young child, James Steele wanted to be a policeman, but by 16 he was incarcerated. Listen to his story. An idea worth spreading…Everyone serving a life sentence should live and prepare as if they’re going home tomorrow.James A. Steele, having bypassed his youth and been certified as an adult by the courts, was then reborn in prison and raised by books and treatment programs. Thirty-three years into a life sentence, Steele has become a role model. He barely knew how to read and write and is now a published author of non-fiction. He is also an accomplished artist whose work has been featured on the BET network. He is ambitious and passionate about helping others. He aspires to one day have various platforms to demonstrate possibilities by modeling the way he gave himself a chance to become the person he was meant to be and no longer what the streets demanded. He hopes one day to break toxic youth subcultures by equipping young people with useful tools so they can discover their true potential. 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