In this TEDx talk, fashion is unveiled as a universal language that transcends stereotypes, connecting people and industries in ways we often overlook. Through SEAMS—science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and sustainability—fashion is shown to be more than aesthetics; it's deeply woven into the fabric of our everyday lives and diverse professional disciplines. Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki is a pioneering educator and fashion industry expert dedicated to transforming fashion education through sustainability, ethics, and innovation. With over a decade in the fashion sector and academic roles at institutions like Mercyhurst University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, and Kentucky Wesleyan College, she brings a wealth of experience to her current position at St. Thomas University. As the founding Program Director, she launched Florida's only SACSCOC-accredited Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. Dr. Rzyczycki's research delves into sustainable fashion, cultural narratives, and the intersection of faith and fashion. She is a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks at conferences and events, where she challenged prevailing narratives in the fashion industry . 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 his talk, Sujith inspires audiences with the message that no goal is too difficult when pursued with determination and a commitment to lead by example. Sujith is an Indian-born, Dubai-raised banker, motivational speaker, personal trainer, and rapper. A Guinness World Record holder for the largest GPS drawing (2023), Sujith's journey is one of extraordinary resilience. After a life-altering accident left him paralyzed from the chest down at age 20, he overcame immense physical and emotional challenges—including undergoing 18 surgeries and pulling a 1,200 kg car in a wheelchair. Today, he is the UAE’s first wheelchair-bound Level 3 Personal Trainer, a four-time TEDx speaker, and a leading voice for inclusion and empowerment. Beyond his personal achievements, Sujith has become a symbol of hope and strength for people across the world. 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

FR/ Lorsque nous rencontrons des défis, nous avons tendance à nous tourner vers notre entourage pour obtenir du soutien. Le soutien social joue en effet un rôle de premier plan dans notre capacité à nous relever dans les moments difficiles, notamment dans le rétablissement d’une maladie. La contribution des proches est non négligeable dans la résilience chez les survivants à long terme de cancer pédiatrique. Toutefois, qu’est-ce qu’un soutien optimal chez cette population? Camille Bourdeau, candidate au doctorat en psychologie à l’Université de Montréal, a tenté de répondre à cette question dans sa thèse. Ses recherches portent sur les facteurs de résilience chez les survivants à long terme de leucémie pédiatrique, notamment la régulation émotionnelle, le soutien social et l’intégration de l’expérience de cancer à l’identité.EN/ When we face challenges, we tend to turn to those around us for support. Indeed, social support plays a key role in our ability to bounce back from difficult times, particularly in recovery from illness. The contribution of loved ones to resilience in long-term survivors of pediatric cancer is not negligible. But what constitutes optimal support in this population? Camille Bourdeau, a doctoral candidate in psychology at the Université de Montréal, has attempted to answer this question in her thesis. Her research focuses on resilience factors in long-term survivors of pediatric leukemia, including emotional regulation, social support, and the integration of the cancer experience into identity. Étudiante au doctorat (PhD) en recherche et intervention en psychologie clinique à l'Université de Montréal depuis septembre 2019, elle consacre ses recherches à l'étude des facteurs associés à la résilience chez les survivants à long terme de leucémie pédiatrique. Parallèlement à ses activités de recherche, sa pratique clinique est axée sur l'accompagnement des enfants, des adolescents et de leurs familles. 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

FR/ Issue d’une famille modeste et sans accès aux longues études, Anne Marcotte a débuté sa carrière comme secrétaire au salaire de 7 $ de l’heure. Mais lorsqu’elle perd son emploi, elle choisit de transformer l’adversité en tremplin en fondant sa propre entreprise. Son parcours percutant est celui d’une femme qui, à force d’audace, de résilience et de travail acharné, est passée du bureau de la réception... à la direction d’une entreprise millionnaire. Mais au-delà du succès financier, c’est une réflexion profonde sur la richesse intérieure qu’elle nous offre. Pour Anne, l’argent n’est qu’un effet secondaire. Sa véritable richesse ? Avoir découvert que l’entrepreneuriat lui permettait de se redéfinir, de s’accomplir et de contribuer. Aujourd’hui, elle se consacre à faire rayonner l’entrepreneuriat, pour que d’autres puissent, eux aussi, réécrire leur histoire.EN/ Coming from a modest background and with no access to higher education, Anne Marcotte began her career as a secretary earning $7 an hour. But when she lost her job, she chose to turn adversity into opportunity by launching her own business. Her striking journey is that of a woman who, through boldness, resilience, and relentless hard work, rose from the front desk… to the head of a million-dollar company. But beyond financial success, she offers a powerful reflection on inner wealth. For Anne, money is merely a side effect. Her true wealth? Discovering that entrepreneurship allowed her to redefine herself, to thrive, and to contribute. Today, she is committed to promoting entrepreneurship so that others, too, can rewrite their story. Issue d’une famille modeste et sans réel diplôme en poche, Anne joint le marché du travail comme secrétaire à 7 $ de l’heure. Lorsqu’elle perd son emploi, plutôt que de se laisser abattre, elle retrousse ses manches et fonde sa propre compagnie en technologies. Aujourd’hui Anne Marcotte est reconnue comme une entrepreneure à succès et se consacre à une nouvelle carrière axée sur la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat à titre de conférencière, blogueuse et productrice télé. Elle est aussi cofondatrice du mouvement entrepreneurial ADOPTE INC. qui réinvente l’aide offerte aux jeunes entrepreneurs émergents. 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

EN/ Ali's talk addresses modern slavery and the stalemate between well–intentioned policymaking in intergovernmental organizations and the on–ground realities in emerging economies. Focusing on ineffective efforts to eliminate child labour the talk takes us through the resistance from actors in emerging economies and highlights why a bottom–up understanding of the subject matter is essential to solving the problem. He indicates that it is not a structural problem but a cultural one, directing our attention to promoting solutions that can champion an end to this societal disease whilst maintaining respect for cultural practices across the world.FR/ La conférence de Ali aborde l'esclavage moderne et l'impasse à laquelle se heurtent les politiques bien intentionnées des organisations intergouvernementales face aux réalités du terrain dans les économies émergentes. Il met l’accent sur l’inefficacité des efforts visant à éliminer le travail des enfants et expose les résistances rencontrées auprès des acteurs dans les pays concernés. Cette démarche souligne l’importance cruciale d'une approche ascendante (« bottom-up ») pour résoudre le problème. L’analyse d’Ali suggère que le problème n’est pas structurel, mais culturel. Ce constat doit nous orienter vers des solutions capables de mettre fin à ce fléau sociétal tout en respectant les différentes pratiques culturelles à travers le monde. Ali Arsalan Pasha is an academic and policy advisor, working on geopolitics and international trade. He engages with the Canadian and UK governments in Track 2 diplomacy, to advocate and improve our positions regarding human rights and global cooperation. He is the Oxford Said–HEC Montreal scholar at HEC Montreal, Secretary of the Oxford University Society of Ottawa and Board member at the Canada–Pakistan Chamber of Trade, helping bridge Pakistan, England and Canada towards progress and growth. 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

ADHD is often displayed with a narrow lense - impulsivity and restlessness critical components - but what happens when the symptoms stay silent and internal? In her talk, Edla Lahtiranta shares her personal journey with undiagnosed inattentive ADHD and the panic attack that forced her to confront it. Through both her own lived experience and external research, she aims to challenge the stereotypes and shed light on why so many women go unnoticed for far too long. Edla Lahtiranta is a current senior at Saint Francis High School, where she serves as Captain of the Varsity Pom Squad and Senior Class Spirit Commissioner. She is also actively involved in the schools Innovation Partnership Program, exploring how to bring real world experiences to her campus. Passionate about advocacy and storytelling, Edla uses her voice to spark conversation around mental health, neurodiversity, and society. 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