I chose this topic because I care deeply about our planet and the impact our choices have on the environment. The future of our Earth depends on what we do today, and I want to raise awareness about the importance of protecting it. Doing a TED Talk is a big achievement for me, and I hope my talk inspires others to take action and make a difference for the future of our environment! Hi, I’m Hanyu! I’m a 4th grader who loves nature, science, and discovering how the world works. 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

Coding is not just a skill—it’s a mindset shift that can break barriers, reshape thinking, and unlock human potential.From overcoming systemic challenges to driving real-world impact in healthcare and security, coding provides clarity, confidence, and purpose. It has the power to transform not only individual lives but also entire communities, proving that technology can be a force for growth and global change. Precious Kolawole is a Dev Degree Intern at Shopify, an Undergraduate Researcher, and a scholar with Generation Google, Palantir Women In Tech, and Cadence Diversity in Tech. She is skilled in Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Software Engineering. Her interest lies at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, which initially led her to study Medical Rehabilitation at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She later moved to Ottawa, Canada, to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science Honors at Carleton University. Precious aims to impact communities. She actively speaks and volunteers for organizations like She Code Africa, Zindi Africa, Open Source Community Africa, Technovation, and Women Tech Network. She's earned accolades as the first runner-up for Mentor of the Year and Global Ambassador of the Year Awards. On her YouTube Channel, One Stop For Tech Newbies, she produces content aimed at helping young aspiring tech beginners from Africa and globally. 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

Disinformation is not new, but AI and social media have made it more dangerous and persuasive than ever. By understanding how disinformation spreads and exploiting our cognitive biases, we can build resilience through awareness, critical thinking, and community engagement. Just like a healthy diet, a healthy information environment starts with each of us—but it can only be sustained together. Mariana serves as the Director of Programming for the Canadian International Council - National Capital Branch. She holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa, where her research focused on strategic communication, specifically how social media and artificial intelligence impact its practical applications in conflict settings.Mariana loves to dive into the depths of various issues to uncover hidden gems of insight along the way. She is an emerging scholar of the Network for Strategic Analysis – an incubator of Canadian and global expertise on geostrategic events. In 2023, Mariana represented civil society at the inaugural NATO Youth Summit in Washington, D.C., engaging in critical dialogues on democracy, security, and technology.Mariana has been recognized as a 2024 Emerging Leader by the Peak magazine in the Social Impact Category for her work to educate and empower young Canadians to actively engage in their communities nationwide. 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 construction industry faces declining productivity due to a lack of workforce investment. By prioritizing Respect, Investment, Support, and Education (RISE), we can build stronger leaders, improve efficiency, and create a more sustainable industry. When we invest in people, we build a better future for everyone. Devon has been immersed in the construction industry since he was 18, quickly rising through the ranks with a strong work ethic and passion for craftsmanship. By the age of 22, he earned his carpentry license, and by 25, he stepped into a leadership role, overseeing projects and guiding teams to success. Together with his wife Taylor, Devon flipped two homes early in their twenties and built their dream home from the ground up. Career highlights include representing Local 93 at the prestigious apprenticeship competition in 2018, working on landmark projects in Canada’s capital, and completing leadership training in Las Vegas. Despite these accomplishments, Devon’s greatest pride is in his family—his wife and three children, with a fourth on the way. An avid reader and hardcore music enthusiast, Devon is passionate about helping fellow construction workers unlock their potential through self-development, aiming to transform not only the workforce but the lives of those in it. 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 a divided world, democracy thrives when we listen, not shout. By fostering curiosity, common ground, and open dialogue, we can bridge political divides and see each other as humans, not enemies. Change starts with courageous conversations—one at a time. Jane Porter is a professional facilitator, speaker, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bridge Building Group. She’s on a mission to transform the world one conversation at a time through a community of bridge builders.Jane has spent the last fifteen years helping leaders who often wouldn’t be in the same room together, to have hard (but good!) conversations and find a way forward. Facilitating these groups has led to breakthroughs on some of the most challenging issues of our time: from how we extract natural resources thoughtfully, to how we reduce plastics, to how Indigenous people can lead on climate action.Only through facing and having difficult conversations will we heal divides and accelerate action on issues that matter.Jane lives in Hintonburg with her husband Mike and their two young kids and German Shepherd dog.Learn more about her and her work at www.bridgebuilding.ca. 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

If your work excludes large groups of people, are you truly an expert?From inaccessible spaces to biased technology, designing for the "average" person leaves many behind. True expertise means embedding equity as a technical skill—using data, context, and iteration to build for everyone, not just a select few. Sharon (She/Her) is the Founder and CEO of QuakeLab, a full-stack equity agency, Sharon Nyangweso specializes in a radical new approach to problem solving with an equity lens that is measurable, strategic, and based on a strong foundation of design thinking. An immigrant from Kenya who has lived and worked in Canada for more than ten years, she has worked across sectors with organizations in 11 countries. Sharon has been recognized as a Globe & Mail Report on Business Magazine 2022 Changemakers Award Recipient, 2022 Black Entrepreneur of the Year nominee and Ottawa Consulting Agency of the Year 2023. 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