After spending 15 years chasing validation in a materialistic bubble, one visit to an orphanage changed everything—leading to a profound journey of self-discovery. Siri Katikaneni is an IBDP year 1 student studying Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science at the Higher Level. When she’s not at school with her friends, she’s probably on call with them all day, ordering food, or crying over a math problem. With a love for public speaking and having meaningful conversations, she's grateful for the opportunity to take the stage and speak on the importance of keeping the conversation going, hoping it’s one the audience will carry forward. 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

The future starts now! But while we’ve all studied history and math, who has ever taken a future class? In a world changing at breakneck speed—with new technologies, industries, and even AI CEOs—how do we prepare for what’s next? We can’t predict 2030 or 2050, but we can prepare by becoming futures literate—learning to spot trends, imagine possibilities, and anticipate change. Teaching the future isn’t about guessing; it’s about rehearsing different scenarios so we make smarter choices today. Just like before an exam, a little foresight makes all the difference. The future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we create. So, let’s pick up our brushes and start painting! Diana is a Strategic Foresight consultant and founder of Future Station, a foresight and strategy consultancy agency that helps organizations to understand changes, spot new trends, spark innovation and prepare for the future. As part of her work as strategist, Diana undertakes solid research and is part of various think tank groups on Future and Transformation topics (such as Certified Coach and Ambassador within the Open ExO Community). She has also been part of the 2019 cohort of International Certified Future Strategist program commissioned by European Commission, and also in the pilot program of Design Futures of the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto. Diana graduated from Professional Foresight program at University of Houston, US. She mentors startups, speaks at conferences and contributes articles to publications interested in the Future. 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

The space between hunger and hope: finding our common ground. Ronni Kahn AO is a social entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest. Ronni is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She leads with purpose and conviction in the spaces of food security and sustainability while also appearing regularly in national media. Her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people is supported by some of the world’s finest chefs. Ronni is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year. Her journey is the subject of feature film, Food Fighter directed by Dan Goldberg. In 2020 she co-authored her biography; A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year. 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 breathtaking 10-minute live sand art performance, watch grains of sand come alive to tell a powerful story of transformation. Change is the rhythm of the universe—the delicate dance that has shaped both the universe and human life on Earth. Through mesmerizing visuals, discover how embracing change is essential for growth, resilience, and the beauty of life itself. Join the renowned sand artist Shubhada Sahasrabudhe as she takes you on an artistic and thought-provoking journey. With every graceful movement, she transforms ordinary sand into extraordinary ephemeral imagery; frames seamlessly choreographed into a poetic narrative about creation and renewal. A dynamic art that endorses the very essence of change. Shubhada Sahasrabudhe is an artist renowned for her expertise in various fine art mediums, including oil paint, watercolors, charcoal, and especially sand art. With over 30 years of experience, she creates elaborate portraits, landscapes, and emotionally charged stories by dusting and sculpting sand on a lit glass table. Her sand art has been showcased on Nickelodeon, featured in live performances at art, cultural, and corporate events, and used in numerous commercial projects. In addition to her artistic career, Shubhada is a mechanical engineer with nearly 25 years of experience as a principal engineer in the semiconductor industry. She has secured numerous patents and publications and was honored as the Woman Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Her journey exemplifies the powerful synergy between seemingly disparate fields leading to impacting contributions. Explore her diverse artistic works on her YouTube channel, "Shubhada’s Sand Art." 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 the small town of Euroa, on a shire of 10,500 people, our theory of change is SOS. We always encourage people to start right where they are, take responsibility for change and organise to effect it, and show what we have done to inspire and enable others to do the same. Kate Auty currently lives and works in Taungurung and Yorta Yorta country. Kate’s formal appointments have included magistrate (Victoria and WA), commissioner for environment (Victoria and the ACT), senior lawyer RCIADIC (Victoria, Tasmania and WA), and University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor’s and Professorial Fellowships. Kate is a barrister, environmental scientist and published author. Her talk is about her commitment to community advocacy which centres on the Strathbogie and Euroa area with groups such as Strathbogie Voices and EuroaConnect. 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

A powerful story of perseverance, determination, and defying the impossible. Witness an inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and rewriting destiny. "A Bachelor of Business Administration student living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, he has risen above every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience. Despite the odds, he has emerged as a top performer in his class. His talk is a powerful testament to the human spirit — an inspiring story of triumph over adversity." 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