What does it mean to choose — truly, powerfully, and unapologetically? In this bold and thought-provoking talk, Nidhi Goyal explores the layered dimensions of choice, particularly for those who are often denied it. As a disability rights activist, stand-up comic, and fierce advocate for equity, Nidhi shares how owning her choices helped her rewrite her story — and how society must evolve to allow others to do the same. This talk challenges conventional norms around gender, disability, and autonomy, urging us to question who gets to choose, and why. It is a stirring reminder that choice isn't just a privilege — it’s a right that must be accessible to all. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Nidhi Goyal, born in 1985, is a blind Indian disability and gender rights activist. The one behind The Rising Flame, an NGO advocating for women and youth with disabilities. She was diagnosed with an incurable, irreversible progressive degenerative eye condition that rendered her blind at 15, she lost her. vision, but her aspirations stood strong and she became India's first blind female stand-up comedian. Ms. Nidhi also serves in UN Women Executive Director's advisory group. 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 your greatest struggles, your learning differences, your background, the parts of yourself you've spent years hiding, were actually the key to your power? In his TEDx talk, Jesse Sanchez, shares his journey from a childhood shaped by violence, poverty, and generational trauma to leadership roles in Big Tech and national advocacy. Diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities, Jesse reveals how the education system often treats neurodivergent students as broken, and how that false belief nearly broke him, too.From East LA to the halls of UC Berkeley to Google and LinkedIn, Jesse recounts the cost of masking, the burnout of chasing belonging, and the moment everything changed: when he said yes to a call that gave him purpose.This talk is for anyone who has ever felt like too much or not enough. For students, professionals, parents, and leaders trying to understand how to create space for difference, and why neurodivergence isn’t a deficit, but a different kind of brilliance. Jesse began his career working in Eye to Eye’s program team after graduating from UC Berkeley in 2011. He then embarked on a decade-long career in the high-tech industry, contributing to companies like Google, LinkedIn, and multiple early-stage technology startups. In these roles, Jesse helped leaders with people and culture transformation initiatives.Jesse designed and founded the original Eye to Eye Alumni Board where he served the organization from from 2016 – 2019 and later joined the Board of Directors from 2020 – 2023, where he served on the Program and Development Committees. In 2024, Jesse answered the call to work full-time leading a neurodiversity program organization. When Jesse is not working he enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors. 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