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

Join Norberto at TEDxMarvila as he shares how a childhood lesson turned into a life of impactful volunteering. From organizing TEDxPorto to mentoring startups, he demonstrates the transformative power of going beyond just "doing your part" in volunteering. His talk encourages us all to exceed expectations to make meaningful changes in our communities and ourselves. ✨ Motivated to make a difference? Like, comment, and share your volunteering experiences! ? Subscribe for more inspiring TEDx talks on making a significant impact! #TEDxMarvila #Volunteering #Leadership #CommunityImpact #SocialChange Being involved in various distinct volunteering activities, Norberto is a serial volunteer He is the organizer of TEDxPorto; a member of Toastmasters International, currently the Program Quality Director of the local District; a deputy director of Common Home of Humanity; and subtitles TED and TEDx talks! He feels that this is a great way to create change and to create a positive impact in the communities that he belongs to. Norberto is a communications consultant and trainer at Cultiv, helping people and institutions deliver great presentations and is the author of a book on this subject called ‘Impact – How to Communicate in Public’. He teaches communication, creativity and innovation at Nova School of Business and Economics, the Portuguese Association of Young Entrepreneurs and Porto Business School. 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

Explore the crucial role of purpose in innovation with Natalie Turner at TEDxMarvila. Starting with her experiences in Bogota's shanty towns, Natalie challenges our understanding of progress, emphasizing that real innovation isn't about technology alone but also about meaningful change driven by purpose. She highlights examples like sustainable edible packaging to illustrate how purpose can lead to impactful solutions. Natalie's talk inspires us to rethink the foundation of innovation in our rapidly advancing world. ✨ Inspired by the idea of purpose-driven innovation? Like, comment, and share your views! ? Subscribe for more TEDx talks that challenge and inspire! #TEDx #Innovation #PurposeDriven #Sustainability #Technology #NatalieTurnerTEDx Natalie is a professional speaker, writer, and catalyst who enables people to bring innovations to life that change the world for the better. She has guided Fortune 500 companies, startups, and non-profits worldwide to unleash their human potential. As the inventor of The Six 'I's® and Founder of The Entheo Network and Women Who Lead, she brings deep expertise in unlocking the uniquely human capabilities that drive innovation. Her award-winning book, Yes, You Can Innovate, is inspired by a passion for understanding how people learn, grow, and create meaningful impact. She believes that embracing our full humanity is the key to transformative innovation. 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