What if education were as binge-worthy as your favorite Netflix series? In this dynamic and data-driven talk, Michael Vilardo explores how digital-first learning built around cinematic and engaging content can unlock student potential and reimagine the outdated classroom model. It's not just about passing tests; it's about falling in love with learning for life. Michael Vilardo is the co-founder and CEO of Subject, a digital education platform transforming the way students engage with learning. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for education, Michael leads a team that has built over 100 accredited, cinematic high school courses—impacting thousands of students nationwide.With an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a seat on its Board of Directors, Michael combines a deep love for storytelling, innovation, and technology. His mission is to make education as compelling and accessible as the digital platforms students already use and love. Through Subject, he’s redefining what modern classrooms can look like—and showing how we can fall in love with learning all over again. 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

This talk shares a powerful personal story about confronting racism with grace and the transformative concept of “gracism," extending positive favor to others regardless of their color, class, or culture. It challenges us to move beyond anti-racism toward active, compassionate commitments embodied in eight actionable “I will” statements that build bridges of understanding, solidarity, and healing in communities and organizations. Founder and President of Gracism Global, Dr. David Anderson, is one of the world’s leading authorities on building bridges across the deep divides of culture, wealth, faith and race. His global work has brought hope and healing to communities and families in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, including work in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, during civil unrest around issues of race and police brutality. Dr. Anderson seeks to build a bridge through relevant and intelligent conversation wherever there is a divide. His insight, vision, and passion have made him a widely sought speaker, writer, and consultant for major national and international events, organizations, and policy initiatives. He has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX, BET, TBN, and C-SPAN television networks and has been interviewed on over 2,000 radio stations worldwide. Dr. Anderson is the bridge-building voice in the nation’s capital as host of the daily radio talk show “RealTalk with Dr. David Anderson” on WAVA (105.1 FM) – the most listened to Christian talk station on the east coast and the 2nd most listened to station in the nation. Dr. Anderson also hosted “Real Talk with Dr. David Anderson” for four seasons on ABC2 in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Anderson earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 2001 from Oxford Graduate School’s American Centre for Religion and Society Studies in the US while studying and defending his essays at Oxford University in England. Dr. Anderson was awarded the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) in 2021 from Omega Graduate School. He currently serves as the Chancellor of Omega Graduate School, formerly Oxford Graduate School. As the founder and senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, Dr. Anderson reaches a dynamic, multicultural congregation of over 5,000 weekly attendees on three campuses from more than 60 different nations. These services are viewed online in over 100 countries. In-person campuses are in Columbia, Maryland, and Owings Mills, Maryland. Dr. Anderson is the author of several books on race and diversity, including “Letters Across the Divide” (Baker, 2001) and “Multicultural Ministry” (Zondervan, 2004), the award-winning “Gracism: The Art of Inclusion” (IVP, 2007), and “I Forgrace You: Doing Good to Those Who Have Hurt You” (IVP, 2011). 2010 Dr. Anderson edited and co-authored the acclaimed Multicultural Ministry Handbook” Creatively Connecting to a Diverse World” (IVP, 2010). Additionally, Dr. Anderson has written “How to Think Like a Gracist” (2018), “Be Encouraged – How to Encourage Yourself and Others in Discouraging Times” (2022), and the premiere revised and expanded edition of Gracism – The Art of Inclusion” (IVP, 2023). All of Dr. Anderson’s resources are available at AndersonSpeaks.com. You can learn more about Dr. Anderson and his work at AndersonSpeaks.com. Dr. Anderson and his family reside in the Washington, DC, area. 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

How can a single photograph inspire meaningful action for environmental conservation? Photographer and conservationist Lana Tannir takes us on a journey through her experiences documenting the struggles and triumphs of wildlife in a changing world. From puffins in Iceland to plastic-polluted gannet nests in Germany, she explores the power and challenges of conservation photography, questioning the balance between raising awareness and minimizing environmental impact. This talk challenges us to not only reflect on the images we encounter but also take action to protect the natural world. A Germany-based National Geographic Explorer, biologist, science storyteller, and extremely talented photographer, uses her work to shed light on today’s most critical environmental issues and shows the beauty of Earth’s last untouched places. With over 100 international projects under her belt, she regularly works with NGOs, sustainable brands, and eco-friendly travel agencies. When she is not trying to strike the world with her ideas like lightning, she takes pictures of it. Her photography has been featured in exhibitions across the UK and Germany. 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 motivating TEDx talk, Kapil Gupta—a serial entrepreneur, investor, and Fortune 40 Under 40 winner—tells the amazing story of how he turned a ₹2000 prize from a contest into a business empire that now makes over $100 million in revenue. He starts with his college days, where he surprised everyone by winning national contests, and then talks about surviving the tough dot-com crash in 2000. Kapil shows how important it is to keep going, take smart risks, and believe in yourself. His story isn't just about starting companies—it's about growing as a person, grabbing chances you didn't expect, and changing your life even when things look bad. If you're a student, someone just starting a business, or anyone chasing a big dream, Kapil's story will fire you up to say yes to new things and start building your way up—even when it seems like all the doors are closed. Kapil Gupta is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a proven track record in business turnarounds, angel investing, and scaling startups. Having built and sold three companies, he has generated over $100M in revenue and created thousands of jobs. A four-time recipient of the Deloitte Fast 50 award and recognised among NASSCOM's Emerging 50, Kapil was also named to the Fortune 40 Under 40 list. He is a TEDx and FMS speaker, known for his expertise in entrepreneurship and investment. 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 moving TEDx talk, Kena Shree, writer, storyteller, shares her personal story of finding her voice in a world that often punishes truth-tellers. Her storytelling videos have resonated with people worldwide, gathering over 25 million views. Yet, her viral article about consent during Holi didn't bring praise—it led to hate, threats, and abuse. Through honest and lyrical self-reflection, Kena explores the two sides of expression: its ability to heal and hurt, to liberate and to endanger. She demonstrates that courage isn't just about speaking up—it's about continuing to speak even when others attack your voice. This talk speaks to anyone who has felt silenced, shamed, or scared, and to those learning to stand firm despite it all. Kena's storytelling videos have amassed over 25 million views across YouTube and Instagram. She has co-authored four anthologies and is currently working on her debut novel. A skilled moderator, Kena has hosted sessions with prominent figures such as Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, and Shabana Azmi, and co-curated Asia's first Feminist Poetry Festival with She The People. Her impressive accolades include SHRM Top 50 HR, FICCI FLO Outstanding Corporate Director, NHRD People Excellence Award, and PeopleMatters' 100 Influential Power Women. A TOI Write India winner and four-time TEDx speaker, Kena co-founded the Manrav Foundation in 2013 to support abandoned and destitute elderly citizens. 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