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Imagine biting into a piece of chocolate, unaware of the hidden cost—child labor, unfair wages, and a system built to keep producers powerless. But what happens when AI tracks every transaction, verifies wages, and gives farmers ways to improve yields? AI startups are proving the cocoa trade doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game.www.alejandrosoumah.com www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-soumah Alejandro Soumah leads RISO DATA, transforming West African cocoa through innovative supply chain modeling for transparency and sustainability. Raised on four continents by developmental economist parents, his multicultural background fuels a passion for equitable trade. Alejandro also founded COMPASS Institution, a nonprofit tackling global challenges like food insecurity with data-driven solutions.His work unites data science, agriculture, and sustainability, with research featured at the UCLA AI Conference and in publications on rice auto-sufficiency in Senegal and cocoa transparency in Ivory Coast. A former Quantitative Analyst at Goldman Sachs (FICC), he’s a vocal advocate for ethical supply chains, delivering talks on cocoa trade, data colonialism, and sustainability. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Alejandro is completing a Mathematics and Computer Science degree at UC San Diego. Learn more at alejandrosoumah.com. 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

Simran Garcha shares her transformative journey from a childhood marred by domestic violence and silence to a life of healing and advocacy. Raised in a South Asian family where silence was equated with strength, she unpacks the personal and cultural costs of suppressing truth. Through therapy and self-expression, she found resilience and launched initiatives like Simupstart, a mental health platform for teens, and GenConnect, fostering intergenerational understanding. Simran’s story underscores the power of speaking up, breaking cycles of trauma, and building community. Viewers will learn how courage and connection can dismantle silence and inspire healing, creating a culture where every voice is valued and heard. Co-founder of Nonprofit GenConnect, UBC student studying GRSJ (Gender, Race, Sexuality & Social Justice)Simran is a passionate advocate for breaking the silence surrounding intergenerational trauma in South Asian communities. By sharing her personal story of resilience and battle against silence, it’s her mission to foster empathy and mutual healing for those who have endured similar pain. Mental health does not discriminate or look the same for everyone, and through her work, Simran aims to empower others to reclaim their voices to break the cycles of trauma and repression. She developed Simupstart, a mental health resource platform that offers accessible support for youth to share their stories and find community, reminding them they are not alone. Simran is also the co-founder of GenConnect, a non-profit that bridges generations by fostering meaningful connections between youth and seniors.As a student majoring in Gender, Racial, and Social Justice at UBC and minoring in Psychology, Simran's academic and personal experiences deeply inform her advocacy. She speaks for herself and the countless others whose voices have been drowned out by fear and cultural stigma. 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

Gabriella’s talk explores the transformative power of pursuing your passion. She shares her journey of discovering a love for magic at age 10, a spark that ignited a lifelong pursuit, leading to performances on global stages and overcoming immense personal challenges. From inspiring joy in a terminally ill woman to finding resilience after trauma, Gabriella reveals how doing what you love can shape your identity and impact others. The talk urges viewers to chase their big or small passions despite risks or setbacks, as they are essential to happiness and personal growth. Viewers will learn how passion fuels purpose, offering a roadmap to living a fulfilling and unique Award Winning MagicianGabriella is a 21-year-old magician, escape artist, TV producer, and consultant. She’s been featured in the New York Times, performed on some of the most significant stages in Vegas, appeared on the hit TV series Penn and Teller Fool Us, and has been solo touring Europe and North America for several years.However, her life off-stage has had no shortage of turbulence. Throughout the ups and downs, twists and turns, her passion has driven her through the unpaved and unpredictable parts of life.Her goal is to become the role model and performer she wished she had while growing up, proving that no single event defines who you are and, most importantly, inspires people to pursue their passions. 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

Dancing with Fear:​ A Climber's Guide to Entrepreneurship​ - Lauren Basler A start-up coach and rock climber, turns resilience and strategy from the climbing wall into breakthroughs for teams. She reveals how grit and connection drive success in business and life. 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