Julie Owens shares how optimism has shaped her response to life’s challenges, including career transitions, personal struggles, and a cancer diagnosis. Through humor and reflection, she explains how perspective and the conscious choice to seek light—even in difficult moments—can transform one’s experience. She emphasizes that optimism isn't about ignoring hardship, but about activating the power of the mind to find strength, meaning, and resilience in the face of it. Julie is CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse: a catalyst for the social entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. SEG has supported 2,300+ social entrepreneurs over 15+ years, equipping them with the knowledge, capital and community they need to protect our environment, create better access to health care, and forge new pathways to economic prosperity.Prior to joining SEG in 2022, Julie spent 25+ years as a consultant who cultivated strategic thinking and created positive impact at health care organizations across the country. Her work focused on both delivery of care (creating innovative programs that improve the patient experience) and financing of care (decreasing barriers that are often experienced by the underinsured). 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

Creation isn't just a pastime, it is something which sustains the soul. In his talk, Jack dives into the Trinity of Human Flourishing, exploring how aligning our work, relationships, and passions leads to a more fulfilling life. Meet Jack Rizzo— a senior at William & Mary who thrives at the intersection of leadership, creativity, and community. A Business Analytics major with a History minor, Jack has spent his college years not just learning, but building. From serving as Investment Fund Portfolio Manager and VP of the Econ Club to mentoring peers and becoming a Founding Father of Pi Kappa Alpha's Gamma Chapter, he's always sought to create meaningful impact. But his passion doesn't stop in the classroom. As the founder of T-Swap, a campus thrift store promoting sustainability, and the lead guitarist for his rock band Halcyon Lane. Jack believes in the power of creation-whether through business, music, or community initiatives. A lifelong TED Talk enthusiast, Jack has dreamed of stepping onto this stage since 8th grade. Now, he's making that dream a reality, sharing why creation is essential to the human experience. 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