Chicano artist and author Rick Cortez challenges how history is written, preserved, and shared. Through the lens of lowrider culture in San Jose, Cortez draws a bold comparison between the rise of Silicon Valley’s tech giants and the equally transformative movement happening in the streets; lowriding. Highlighting the importance of storytelling, representation, and cultural preservation, Cortez unpacks how communities like his have shaped innovation in ways often overlooked. His talk is a call to action: to honor lived experiences and reclaim narratives. Ricardo doesn’t just live in San Jose—he embodies it. With roots dating back to the 1930s, his family has witnessed his hometown evolve from orchards to a global innovation hub, fueling his passion for preserving its history. A Chicano artist with degrees from Santa Clara University and SJSU, Ricardo blends technology, sculpture, and storytelling to honor heritage while shaping the future. As Creative Director at the Miller Center for Global Impact, he applies his artistic vision to drive change. His nationally recognized work, ABCs of Lowriding and lowriderfever.com, cements him as a lowrider culture steward. With nearly two decades in public service, he balances creative vision and execution, ensuring community stories aren’t just told but lived. His art explores how people reclaim space post-pandemic, championing cultural preservation. Living in San Jose with his wife and daughter, he is on a mission to amplify the city’s voices—ensuring its spirit is celebrated for generations. 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

Entrepreneur and Diagon CEO Will Drewery shares how revitalizing American manufacturing can create economic opportunity, rebuild communities, and reduce reliance on global supply chains. Drawing from personal family history and professional experience, Drewery makes the case for investing in modern factory infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce, and reimagining how we value domestic production. His story is a call to action for innovation and sustainable growth, starting right here at home. Will Drewery, an entrepreneur and visionary, is successfully bringing manufacturing and jobs back to the United States to create opportunities for the working class and build vibrant communities—even when most see domestic manufacturing as a losing proposition 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

Author and professor Jeremy Wallace addresses the evolving crisis of modern masculinity and its impact on men, boys, and society at large. Drawing from his own experiences as a father and professor, Wallace challenges the narrative that men are simply being left behind, instead, he argues, many are refusing to grow with the times. He explores historical models of manhood and the lessons they offer for today with the talk culminating in a heartfelt letter to his young son, offering a blueprint for becoming a 21st century man grounded in equity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Jeramy Wallace is a Professor of English at College of San Mateo (CSM) in San Mateo, CA. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as president of the CSM and SMCCCD Academic Senates and as a coordinator for the CSM Umoja Community.Jeramy has written and presented widely on race, educational equity, and social justice in community colleges, and he is co-author of the books Minding the Obligation Gap in Community Colleges and Beyond: Theory and Practice in Achieving Educational Equity (2020, Peter Lang) and The White Educators Guide to Equity: Teaching for Justice in Community Colleges (2023, Peter Lang) and is the author and editor of The People’s Stories: Critical; Storytelling for Social Justice. Jeramy’s teaching and research focus on the power of critical storytelling in empowering minoritized community college students and in resisting the racialized, gendered, and classed misconceptions and assumptions about the community college by the larger 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

In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, West Valley College alumna Cassie Pinkney explores what it truly means to "fail forward." Reflecting on her own journey of overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure, Cassie challenges the idea that failing defines who we are. Instead, she reminds us that our willingness to begin, to try, even when the timing isn’t perfect or the outcome uncertain, is what ultimately shapes our success. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, she encourages students and aspiring professionals alike to embrace imperfection, start scared, and keep going.Cassie Pinkney is a senior Strategic & Corporate Communication student at Chapman University and a proud West Valley alumna. She loves all types of media and has contributed her love of writing and speaking to her university's newspaper and radio station, as well as her college's honor society. In her free time, she enjoys visiting museums, listening to music, and doing crafts with her friends. Cassie's talk, "Failing Forward", is inspired by her own journey of learning to embrace failure, something she hopes others will take to heart as they pursue their passions. 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 heartfelt and practical TEDx talk, Dr. Jared Fujishin, a professor of communication at West Valley College and a seasoned leadership coach, shares the key to meaningful connection. Drawing from personal stories and communication research, Dr. Fujishin explores how intentional presence, empathy, and small daily choices can deepen relationships at home, in the workplace, and throughout our communities. His insights offer a timely reminder that true leadership begins with serving others. Jared is an award-winning lecturer, researcher, and communication consultant with a passion for helping leaders build meaningful connections through elevated communication skills. Since founding Fujishin Consulting, Jared has worked with numerous clients to enhance their leadership influence and connective communication skills.With years of experience, Fujishin knows what it takes to help leaders increase relational capital and rapport. His teaching, grounded in the latest research and communication literature, is synthesized and adapted for high-impact practicality. Moving beyond mere academic rhetoric, Jared desires to help leaders be "different by dinner", teaching concepts that can be put into practice the very day they are learned. While he loves his job and helping come alongside leaders to improve their cultures and themselves, his primary and most important calling is being a loving husband to Sweet Aurora and a devoted father to Asher. 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

Being bicultural comes with unique challenges and remarkable benefits. In this talk, the speaker explores the complexities of navigating two cultural identities—balancing traditions, languages, and expectations. While bicultural individuals may face struggles with belonging and identity, they also gain valuable skills like adaptability, empathy, and a broadened worldview. Research shows that biculturalism can enhance problem-solving abilities and creativity, making it a strength rather than a limitation. This talk sheds light on the beauty of embracing multiple cultural influences and how they shape personal and professional growth. Whether you identify as bicultural or simply want to understand the experience better, this discussion offers powerful insights. Advaith Busa, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, delves into the complexities of biculturalism and identity, offering a unique perspective on navigating two distinct cultural worlds. Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants, he explores how the pull of tradition clashes with the push for modernity. Through personal anecdotes and research, he highlights how biculturalism fosters adaptability, creative problem-solving, and empathy—qualities that empower individuals to thrive in any environment. Advaith hopes his audience walks away with a deeper appreciation for the richness of duality and the understanding that identity is not a binary choice but a blend of values, experiences, and perspectives that can shape a more open and connected 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