Joan Marie Godoy dares us to rethink the traditional three-sector economic model—private, public, and third—and envision a new way forward. In this inspiring talk, she challenges us to build organizations and cultures that are bold, smart, and kind. With a fresh insight, Joan empowers us to take bold steps, think strategically, and lead with kindness as we work together to create thriving communities on a thriving planet. Joan Godoy, a Clinical Psychologist with a Master's in International Non-Governmental Organizations, is a passionate connector and advocate for equity. With over 10 years of experience in social change across five countries, she co-founded the Miami chapter of F*up Nights to promote vulnerability through sharing failure stories. A proud Guatemalan, Godoy is also a dancer, runner, avid yogi, frequent traveler, and dedicated chocolate enthusiast. 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

In her fascinating lecture, Naomi Asher Ph.D shares her journey, recounting the educational challenges and difficulties she encountered. She reflects on pivotal, life-changing moments which occurred in non – formal education that shaped her life. Head of the Non-Formal Education Department at Beit-Berl College. Leader in value-driven experiential education. Researcher in the field of non-formal education. 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

Step into the story of downtown Miami’s transformation with historian Dr. Paul S. George. Explore how Miami Dade College’s purposeful presence in the northern sector of the district sparked a slow but steady renewal of the city’s historic core. From iconic buildings to vibrant community engagement, this talk highlights how the college’s leadership, faculty, and students embraced the mission of revitalizing the area. Discover how their unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the booming downtown Miami we know today. Dr. Paul George, a Miami native, is the resident historian at HistoryMiami Museum and a prominent figure in preserving South Florida's heritage. With advanced degrees from Florida State University, he has taught at institutions including Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. Dr. George has authored numerous historical works and is renowned for his dedication to education and community history tours, earning accolades for his contributions to historical preservation. 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

Jasmine Crooks delves into the nuanced experiences of being biracial and navigating the spaces in-between. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the impact of racial categorization and the importance of embracing the full spectrum of identity. Jasmine Crooks is a senior at Sam Houston State University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She is interested in the complex issues at the intersection of law, politics, and social justice. Outside the classroom, she is a 3-time national collegiate powerlifter. Following her undergraduate degree, Jasmine plans to pursue law school. She is committed to using her education to effect positive change in her community, potentially through pro bono legal work, advocacy for marginalized groups, or mentorship initiatives. 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

“Sí Se Puede” (Yes, You Can) is a mantra that emphasizes the importance of resilience and not giving up. Drawing from personal experiences, Debra Balandrán illuminates systemic barriers and unique obstacles faced by first-generation college students. From community college struggles to becoming a master’s of public health candidate, she shares insights from her personal journey about resilience, adaptability, and community support. By framing challenges as detours rather than dead ends, her talk empowers first-generation students to achieve their educational goals. Debra Balandrán is a dedicated public health professional pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at Sam Houston State University, concentrating on Health Education and Promotion. She holds a BA in Bilingual Health Care Studies, a minor in Spanish, and has over eight years of healthcare experience. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, she has presented at national conferences on topics such as vaccine hesitancy in Latino communities. Debra’s commitment to education and community service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) Graduate Student of the Year and multiple SHSU Sammy Awards. As a bilingual, first-generation student, she leverages her experience in health education, multicultural skills, and collaborative problem-solving to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. Debra’s passion for inspiring others in higher education and community drives her ongoing pursuit of excellence. 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

Secondary school athletic trainers are uniquely positioned health care providers. However, disparities in access to athletic training services are prevalent, particularly in low socioeconomic status communities. In this talk, Dr. Mayrena Isamar Hernandez shares the important role of athletic trainers for youth sport safety, and offers recommendations for ways to increase athletic training access in schools. Mayrena Isamar Hernandez, Ph.D., is director of the Healthy Activity toward Promoting Injury Reduction Lab and Assistant Professor in athletic training in the Kinesiology Department at Sam Houston State University. Her research focuses on mixed-methods studies that examine how low socioeconomic status youth athlete families are impacted by the negative consequences of sport specialization. Additionally, she is interested in how athletic trainers’ clinical decisions may be impacted by their patient’s socioeconomic status. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Texas–Arlington, master’s in public health from Kansas State University, and doctorate in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Hernandez has worked in various clinical settings, including Division 1 athletics, university health centers, and outreach. She is the recipient of the 2024 National Athletic Trainers’ Research and Education Foundation Doctoral Research Award. 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