In this talk, speaker Ciline Yaghmour explores how the media we consume heavily influences our perception of the world. Ciline explores the mental corruption that modern-day media can have, especially on youth, and how we can mitigate it together to create a safe, bias-free media consumption environment. Ciline Yaghmour is a determined speaker who is unafraid to challenge conventional thinking. She is an IBDP grade 11 student at UIS, who will be delivering a contrarian-based TEDx talk as she explores the theme of 'grey area', while suggesting its intricate connections to a range of thought-provoking topics that defy black-and-white perspectives. As a student set to graduate in 2026, Ciline has already spoken on global stages before. She has spoken at events such as The Big Five, as well as at concerts and school assemblies where she was able to captivate audiences, and gain the confidence through prior experience as she shared bold and insightful ideas. Beyond public-speaking, Ciline aspires to become an architect, as her passion stems from art, industrial development and environmental empowerment. Her vision extends beyond aesthetics, as she seeks to design spaces that foster innovation, sustainability and human connection. 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
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- 9:243 tips to preserve your vision | Dr. Pam Theriot | TEDxGrandviewHeightsWe rely on our vision every day, yet few of us think about how modern lifestyles are affecting our eyes. With screens dominating our work and leisure, digital eye strain is affecting both our productivity and health. In this eye-opening talk, Dr. Theriot explores the impact of screen time and shares simple, research-backed ways to protect your vision for years to come.Dr. Pam Theriot is an optometrist and internationally recognized expert in dry eye disease. As a member of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), she is dedicated to advancing eye health education worldwide. Through her clinical practice, research, and popular dry eye vlog, Dr. Theriot empowers individuals to prioritize their vision, transforming the latest scientific insights into simple, actionable steps for daily eye care.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
- 15:17How the game of chess teaches lessons for life | Rasheme Ellington | TEDxManhattanBeachFor Rasheme Ellington, chess is a way of life. In his inspiring talk, Rasheme shares the potential for chess as a powerful tool for personal growth, strategic thinking, and empowerment. Based on research and personal experience he also demonstrates how the principles of chess can help youth develop confidence, discipline, and the mindset needed to become the best versions of themselves. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Rasheme Ellington has been teaching chess since 1998, enriching the lives of more than 30,000 students, and guiding them from novice to expert levels. His prowess is exemplified by his achievement as a first-place city chess champion, underscoring his exceptional skills and mastery of the game. Beyond his contributions to education, Rasheme is a successful entrepreneur and a committed family man. He is a staunch advocate for the transformative power of education, believing it to be a crucial tool in combating poverty and hunger and opening doors to a better life. As both a master chess player and an accomplished financial educator, he continues to inspire and empower through his teaching and mentorship. His mission is centered on spreading love, fostering positivity, and being a guiding light in the lives of those he encounters. 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
- 16:13How To Stay Human | Phil Redhead | TEDxYouth@UISOur guest speaker, Mr. Phil Redhead, converses about how we can stay human in the 21st century. With the rise of modern generative AI tools, our world becomes more and more reliant on technological advancement and tools that seem to have conscious thought. Phil talks about the dangers of delegating our achievements to these tools and how we can bring our humanity back to the world. Through his TED talk, Phil urges us to bring our human aspect back into our everyday life for a brighter future. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, senior education leader, digital transformation strategist and consultant, Phil brings unique international experience as a buyer and provider of EdTech in both public and private sector settings. Recognised as an inspirational education futurist and influencer, Phil draws on his strong global network to co-create high-impact change. 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
- 19:00Narratives in Our Complex World | Frank Wolf | TEDxDresdenWhy are narratives important? Let's watch Frank's talk about how new and better narratives can transform families, teams, communities, organizations, and our world. Frank Wolf is a cofounder of Staffbase, an employee communication platform, and author of the book "The Narrative Age." Frank brings his unique perspective on the power of storytelling to TEDxDresden, exploring how narratives influence our complex world and shape the future.About Frank: * Cofounder of Staffbase, a leading platform for employee communication * Author of "The Narrative Age," a book about the importance of storytelling in today’s world * An expert in messaging, positioning, and marketing, with a passion for connecting ideas to action 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
- 14:39The Puzzle of the World Puzzle Center | Roxanne & George Miller | TEDxVitoshaFollow the journey of two puzzle enthusiasts to create the World Puzzle Center with more than 80,000 mechanical puzzles. Roxanne and George Miller are like characters in a fairy tale. Their story takes place in a medieval castle in Italy, which they bought 3 years ago to house their huge collection of over 80,000 puzzles. Thus the World Puzzle Center was born. For years the couple has been building this stunning collection of puzzles – some new, some ages old - from all over the world. Why? Because it is their greatest passion. And because no one has ever done it before. George is 80 years old and looks like Santa Claus, regularly receiving invitations to embody him at Christmas. Roxanne is the Fairy who knows the answers to all questions and holds her magic wand firmly. The castle in Umbria is now open to every curious mind - to touch and try the art of intricate mechanical puzzles, to immerse in a world of mosaics and mysteries. 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
- 13:00Black leaders as an endangered species | Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, PhD | TEDxWest Valley CollegeInspired by the concept of endangered species, President of West Valley College, Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D., reframes the challenges faced by Black leaders in America, not as deficits in ability, but as the result of inhospitable conditions. Drawing on insights from environmental science and social justice frameworks, she delivers a powerful call to action: to create workplaces that are not only diverse, but sustainable. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of their vital role in fostering hospitable environments that support equity in our institutions. President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza has over 25 years of education experience in both instruction and student services, mainly within the California community colleges. In her roles as a classified professional, tenured faculty leader, director, dean, vice president, and now president, she has found inspiration in the brilliance, power, and endless potential of community college students. She leads for social justice and liberation, recognizing our shared responsibility to address the historical legacy of racism to create a more just system of access, reward, and long-term equitable outcomes to inspire individual achievement and generational impact. The “obligation gap,” a term she coined, speaks to institutional responsibility. She is co-author of Minding the Obligation Gap in Community Colleges: Theory and Practice in Achieving Educational Equity. President Taylor-Mendoza is also an Aspen Institute Presidential Fellow and American Leadership Forum, Silicon Valley Senior Fellow. 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
