What if the most powerful stories never make the news? Lila Harfoush Bayliss speaks of her childhood growing up in Lebanon—where war and religious conflict were often the loudest headlines. But beneath the noise, there was something else simmering: compassion, community, and quiet acts of kindness. Through moving memories of a Christmas tree in a Muslim home, a teacher’s intervention, and the boy who made riddles to shield grief, Lila reminds us that the true heart of a nation is found not in the clanking of chaos, but in the silent strength of its people. Dr. Lila Harfoush Bayliss is an IT systems analyst and adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University. An American-Lebanese citizen, she earned her doctorate in business management from the University of Maryland College of Graduate and Professional Studies, where her dissertation focused on elements of a successful IT framework. 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

After seeing a photo of a whale filled with plastic in 8th grade, one student’s life—and perspective—changed forever. Kayla Stoll challenges us to rethink what we teach in schools and why environmental science isn’t a core part of every curriculum. With powerful facts, personal insight, and an urgent call for “societal awareness,” Kayla reveals how education, industry, and media shape our planet’s future—and why change must start with the next generation. Kayla Stoll has spent the past eight years practicing and educating her community about organic agriculture, volunteering at a local farm for five years and working there for two. She loves the world of botany and teaching others to respect the ecosystem of flora/fauna that make it run — why she works as a current ecohydrologist studying tree populations and biodiversity. She’s been a devoted environmental advocate since age 14, mainly through writing letters to government officials and businesses regarding plastic pollution and elephant poaching (both in the U.S. and abroad). Stoll maintains a YouTube channel, centered on furthering education about plastic pollution and the Earth as a whole. She’s served as a guest speaker at middle schools throughout the past year, speaking about plastic pollution, trying to make more students aware of this crisis and how they can help lessen their environmental footprint. 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 happens when life slows down and you’re left wondering, “What now?” Marcia Griffith tells how a solo 200-mile pilgrimage across Portugal and Spain helped her reconnect with long-forgotten dreams, find unexpected community, and rediscover herself after decades of routine and caregiving. With wit, wisdom, and warmth, she invites us to consider our own “Camino”—and reminds us that it’s never too late to move forward (ultreia). Marcia Griffith is a support analyst on the Solutions Training team in Student Financial Services at Southern New Hampshire University. Her primary focus is managing the SFS Mentor Program, which supports both new hires and Contact Center staff. Prior to joining SNHU in 2018, she worked for The LEGO Group from 2007-2018, and ultimately managed the Rhode Island retail territory. Griffith founded and facilitated NetLunch, a women-in-business networking group, hosting meet-up events for several years within New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is the mother of two adventurous adult children and has engaged in some adventures of her own in recent years, too. 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 does it mean to be truly seen? Dr. Lowell C. Matthews shares his journey from hopeful freshman to self-aware Black male navigating college life at a predominantly white institution. With humor, heart, and raw honesty, he reflects on the dualities of perception—the one we hold of ourselves and the one others impose on us. He also explores the power one person, a professor named Dr. Nancy King, was able to have with three simple words: “I see you.” Dr. Lowell C. Matthews (Chris) serves as a professor of business administration and management at Southern New Hampshire University. His research interests include organizational culture, global leadership practices, and social justice and equity. His current research involves exploring post-secondary learning opportunities for youth that chose not to attend college. In his role as faculty member at SNHU, he is known for his experiential class delivery and project-based learning that allows students to use the community as their textbook. Outside the classroom he serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations including the Black Heritage Trail, NH, Endowment for Health, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, Manchester True Collaborative, and the Racial Unity Team. 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 does it really mean when we ask someone, “Where are you from?”  Jia Anderson-Salo reflects on her cross-cultural upbringing, adoption, and the complexities of identity in a world eager for simple labels. Through personal stories—from neon shorts to her brother the Mandarin teacher—she unpacks how even innocent questions can carry assumptions. With a powerful message about connection and empathy, she introduces a simple framework—the 3 Rs: Recognize, Reflect, Respect—to help us ask better questions and embrace each other’s full, colorful spectrum of identity. Jia Anderson-Salo is a 2022 graduate of the Taipei American School. She is currently a junior at Southern New Hampshire University, majoring in elementary and special education. Within her program, Jia has had had many valuable opportunities to observe and assist in various schools, enriching her understanding of diverse educational environments. On campus, Anderson-Salo is actively involved in several programs, including the honors program. She also serves as a tour guide and orientation leader, helping new students acclimate to university life. She is passionate about athletics and is on the cross country and track and field teams. 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

Many people across the globe struggle with the repercussions of losing their sense of self in pursuit of professional titles and success. This talk walks through research-backed evidence of how widespread the issue is and its negative impacts on individual and community well-being, and it leaves the audience with a simple plan of action to reach a healthy state of authenticity and balance in their professional endeavors. With over 20 years of collective experience in the fields of law, psychology, and human resources, Jai Collier is an HR executive who specializes in transformative organizational strategy that fosters equity, inclusion, and optimized employee potential.She is also the founder and CEO of Bird House Publishing, an independent publishing house that focuses on and promotes the development of new and inclusive stories and voices. Additionally, she serves on the board of Writers in Schools, Houston, where she advocates for the support and advancement of written and spoken literary arts among youth and young adults.Jai is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a Master's Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 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