Despite progress, gender inequality persists in various forms, including the gender pay gap and barriers to reproductive rights. In this talk, challenge the myth that feminism is outdated, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by women and marginalized communities. Hello everyone! I’m Julia, and I’m thrilled to be speaking at the TEDEd Empowerment event. As someone passionate about gender equality and social justice, I’ll address a prevalent misconception today: the belief that feminism is no longer relevant. Despite significant progress, pervasive inequalities and injustices persist for women in various spheres of life. In my talk, I aim to debunk this misconception by shedding light on women's ongoing struggles. I hope you enjoy it! 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 this thought-provoking talk, explore how obstacles in life are not just barriers but opportunities for growth. With a compelling message of resilience, discipline, and self-reflection, this talk challenges us to stop running from our problems and instead use them as fuel for personal transformation. Hi everyone! I’m Kelly and I am one of the speakers for the TEDEd Empowerment event. I am currently in grade 11, and I’ve grown to love art, music, film, and wellness. As my second talk with the HTS TEDEd club, I want to talk about how to turn your problems into stepping stones toward your goals. Everyone is faced with struggles in their everyday lives, so it’s important we let these struggles empower us rather than tear us down. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the April event! 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 this enchanting TED Talk, the speaker will explore the magical world of fairies and how they spark the incredible power of imagination. Yumandee Vidasma Waidyatilleke is an imaginative 11-year-old with a deep love for fairies and the power of imagination. From a young age, Yumandee has been captivated by magical stories and the idea that fairies might be hiding just beyond what we can see. She believes that imagination isn’t just about creating magical worlds — it’s about finding creative solutions, dreaming big, and seeing the world in new and exciting ways.When she’s not reading about fairies or dreaming up her own magical tales, Yumandee enjoys drawing, writing stories, and exploring nature, always wondering if a hidden fairy might be nearby. Her TED Talk will explore how believing in magic and embracing imagination can inspire creativity, strengthen problem-solving, and make life more meaningful.Yumandee hopes to remind everyone that a little imagination — and a touch of fairy dust — can help us see endless possibilities in the world around us. 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 this engaging TED Talk, the speaker explores the fascinating connection between dance and science. She will explain how dancing is not just about moving to music — it’s about how our brain, muscles, and nerves work together to create rhythm and coordination. Thenuli loves dancing, music, and math. From a young age, she has been fascinated by how music and rhythm can shape movement, inspiring her to explore the connection between dance and the science behind it. Whether she’s choreographing a new routine, learning a challenging math problem, or playing her favorite song, she finds joy in discovering how patterns, timing, and creativity come together.When she’s not dancing or solving equations, she enjoys teaching her friends cool dance moves and exploring how math influences music and movement. Her TED Talk will take the audience on a fun and insightful journey into the science behind dancing — showing how our brains, muscles, and the math of rhythm work in harmony to create beautiful movement.She hopes to inspire others to see the magic in combining art and science — and to find their own rhythm in 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

Mitch Porteous is a business professional and community advocate dedicated to transforming cities through collective action. For over a decade, he has led projects that activate public spaces with art, festivals, and green initiatives, proving that communities have the power to shape their own environments. In his talk, 'Building cities together: The power of community-driven development', Mitch explores how local engagement fuels innovation, economic growth, and a stronger sense of place - unlocking Australia’s ‘people power’ to create cities that truly belong to their residents. Mitch Porteous is a business professional and community advocate based in Canberra. For the past decade, Mitch has delivered projects that activate public spaces with art, festivals and greening urban areas. Mitch also leads specialist teams to address future workforce needs at HorizonOne Recruitment, with expertise in the Australian space sector. A firm believer in the power of communities to drive innovation and economic growth, Mitch is passionate about empowering individuals to unlock Australia’s ‘people power’. 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

Life is filled with moments where we find ourselves standing at the edge of a metaphorical cliff — heart racing, uncertainty looming, and the weight of a decision pressing down. In this compelling TED Talk, Gayantha explores those pivotal "cliff edge moments" — the times when we face life-changing choices, daunting risks, and uncertain futures.Through personal stories and powerful insights, the speaker reveals how these moments — whether they involve career changes, relationships, personal failures, or leaps of faith — are not just about fear and hesitation. They are about the potential for transformation. A brand marketing professional, passionate about creating compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences. Beyond his professional pursuits, Gayantha posses a deep love for extreme sports, which have taught him resilience, adaptability, and the power of pushing boundaries.He channels this energy into youth empowerment, mentoring young minds to embrace challenges and unlock their potential. In addition to his career, he dedicates time to lecturing and training, sharing insights on marketing and personal development. This allows him to inspire the next generation of leaders and encourage them to think creatively and act boldly. TED has always fascinated him because it stands at the intersection of ideas, innovation, and storytelling. He admires how it provides a platform for transformative thoughts that challenge the status quo. 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