FR/ Issue d’une famille modeste et sans accès aux longues études, Anne Marcotte a débuté sa carrière comme secrétaire au salaire de 7 $ de l’heure. Mais lorsqu’elle perd son emploi, elle choisit de transformer l’adversité en tremplin en fondant sa propre entreprise. Son parcours percutant est celui d’une femme qui, à force d’audace, de résilience et de travail acharné, est passée du bureau de la réception... à la direction d’une entreprise millionnaire. Mais au-delà du succès financier, c’est une réflexion profonde sur la richesse intérieure qu’elle nous offre. Pour Anne, l’argent n’est qu’un effet secondaire. Sa véritable richesse ? Avoir découvert que l’entrepreneuriat lui permettait de se redéfinir, de s’accomplir et de contribuer. Aujourd’hui, elle se consacre à faire rayonner l’entrepreneuriat, pour que d’autres puissent, eux aussi, réécrire leur histoire.EN/ Coming from a modest background and with no access to higher education, Anne Marcotte began her career as a secretary earning $7 an hour. But when she lost her job, she chose to turn adversity into opportunity by launching her own business. Her striking journey is that of a woman who, through boldness, resilience, and relentless hard work, rose from the front desk… to the head of a million-dollar company. But beyond financial success, she offers a powerful reflection on inner wealth. For Anne, money is merely a side effect. Her true wealth? Discovering that entrepreneurship allowed her to redefine herself, to thrive, and to contribute. Today, she is committed to promoting entrepreneurship so that others, too, can rewrite their story. Issue d’une famille modeste et sans réel diplôme en poche, Anne joint le marché du travail comme secrétaire à 7 $ de l’heure. Lorsqu’elle perd son emploi, plutôt que de se laisser abattre, elle retrousse ses manches et fonde sa propre compagnie en technologies. Aujourd’hui Anne Marcotte est reconnue comme une entrepreneure à succès et se consacre à une nouvelle carrière axée sur la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat à titre de conférencière, blogueuse et productrice télé. Elle est aussi cofondatrice du mouvement entrepreneurial ADOPTE INC. qui réinvente l’aide offerte aux jeunes entrepreneurs émergents. 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

EN/ Ali's talk addresses modern slavery and the stalemate between well–intentioned policymaking in intergovernmental organizations and the on–ground realities in emerging economies. Focusing on ineffective efforts to eliminate child labour the talk takes us through the resistance from actors in emerging economies and highlights why a bottom–up understanding of the subject matter is essential to solving the problem. He indicates that it is not a structural problem but a cultural one, directing our attention to promoting solutions that can champion an end to this societal disease whilst maintaining respect for cultural practices across the world.FR/ La conférence de Ali aborde l'esclavage moderne et l'impasse à laquelle se heurtent les politiques bien intentionnées des organisations intergouvernementales face aux réalités du terrain dans les économies émergentes. Il met l’accent sur l’inefficacité des efforts visant à éliminer le travail des enfants et expose les résistances rencontrées auprès des acteurs dans les pays concernés. Cette démarche souligne l’importance cruciale d'une approche ascendante (« bottom-up ») pour résoudre le problème. L’analyse d’Ali suggère que le problème n’est pas structurel, mais culturel. Ce constat doit nous orienter vers des solutions capables de mettre fin à ce fléau sociétal tout en respectant les différentes pratiques culturelles à travers le monde. Ali Arsalan Pasha is an academic and policy advisor, working on geopolitics and international trade. He engages with the Canadian and UK governments in Track 2 diplomacy, to advocate and improve our positions regarding human rights and global cooperation. He is the Oxford Said–HEC Montreal scholar at HEC Montreal, Secretary of the Oxford University Society of Ottawa and Board member at the Canada–Pakistan Chamber of Trade, helping bridge Pakistan, England and Canada towards progress and growth. 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

ADHD is often displayed with a narrow lense - impulsivity and restlessness critical components - but what happens when the symptoms stay silent and internal? In her talk, Edla Lahtiranta shares her personal journey with undiagnosed inattentive ADHD and the panic attack that forced her to confront it. Through both her own lived experience and external research, she aims to challenge the stereotypes and shed light on why so many women go unnoticed for far too long. Edla Lahtiranta is a current senior at Saint Francis High School, where she serves as Captain of the Varsity Pom Squad and Senior Class Spirit Commissioner. She is also actively involved in the schools Innovation Partnership Program, exploring how to bring real world experiences to her campus. Passionate about advocacy and storytelling, Edla uses her voice to spark conversation around mental health, neurodiversity, and 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

What if the key to your future isn’t fate—but five simple habits? In this inspiring and deeply personal TEDx talk, entrepreneur Amrinder Kamboj shares how growing up watching his father's relentless hustle sparked a lifelong obsession with understanding success. Blending emotional storytelling with science-backed insights, he unpacks the five habits that helped him go from uncertainty to purpose—habits that anyone can use to take control of their life and shape their own destiny. With powerful examples, practical takeaways, and a surprising twist that reframes the way we think about ambition, this talk is a compelling reminder that your future is not found—it’s built. Amrinder Kamboj is the CEO of Kamboj Ventures, Ecomxpro, and Xpro Fulfillment, where he leads with a dynamic blend of ambition, creativity, and strategic vision. With a passion for business, personal development, and fitness, Amrinder excels at finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, empowering others to achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. His high energy and enthusiasm drive both his ventures and his commitment to helping others thrive. Outside of his business endeavors, Amrinder enjoys working out, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. 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

Sirena Pearl, an undergraduate studying painting and printmaking, explores the urban heat island effect in Richmond, VA through her own mural. She utilizes the tools at her disposal along with her passion in art to bring environmental issues to light. Sirena Pearl is a junior at VCUarts, pursuing a BFA in Painting and Printmaking with a minor in Animation. She merges digital and traditional media, incorporating 3D modeling, projection mapping, and augmented reality into her painting practice.Her research on the urban heat island effect in Richmond—visualized through a mural atop the Bowe Street parking deck—utilizes thermal infrared imagery and interactive data visualization to make environmental issues more accessible. Passionate about art as a tool for advocacy, Sirena uses visual storytelling to foster communication, challenge perceptions, and spark critical dialogue. 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

Sathwik Nag, a student of engineering and business, shares how the brilliance of nature is shaping the future of clean energy. From butterfly wings to beehive structures, he demonstrates how biomimicry can drive sustainable innovation across industries. Sathwik Nag is a Decision Scientist passionate about leveraging data and innovation to solve complex challenges. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Decision Analytics (Data Science track) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), he combines technical expertise with a strategic mindset to drive meaningful change. With four years as an aerospace engineer, Sathwik has optimized aircraft design and operations. He has also worked with startup strategy teams, shaping data-driven market insights to fuel business growth. His contributions to technology and innovation have earned him the Excellence in Technical Solutions award and a Silver Medal in the All-India Student Design Competition. 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