“Gente, agora se preparem porque vem aí uma energia que parece trilha sonora da Ludmilla: ‘Cheguei, cheguei chegando, bagunçando a zorra toda…’ E não é porque ela remete à bagunça ou é aquela pessoa do crime. É porque, aos olhos de uma sociedade que adora ditar cartilhas, as escolhas dela poderiam parecer bagunça. Mas foi justamente nessa ‘bagunça’ que ela encontrou sua própria definição de sucesso. Um sucesso que está na coragem de escolher, de duvidar da escolha, de começar de novo, de rir no meio do caos e — principalmente — de viver as SUAS escolhas, e não as que os outros escreveram pra você. E tem algo nela que salta aos olhos: autenticidade. Ela é intensa, engraçada, única. Daquelas pessoas que você ouve uma vez e nunca mais esquece. Paula Jubé é comunicadora, atriz e roteirista com mais de 20 anos de atuação nas artes e na criação de narrativas contemporâneas. Formada em Cinema e Publicidade pela PUC-Rio e em Artes Cênicas pela CAL, integrou elencos de novelas, espetáculos teatrais e foi destaque em esquetes de humor no Porta dos Fundos. Como criadora, idealizou e apresentou o programa Faz Sentido, série de entrevistas com profissionais em transição de carreira durante a pandemia.Atualmente cursa Psicologia e se aprofunda em estudos em psicanálise, ampliando sua escuta e visão crítica como artista-pensadora. Sua abordagem mistura repertório técnico, inquietação criativa e uma escuta sensível aos dilemas contemporâneos 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

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world — but are we building it the right way? In this talk, Stas Tiomkin explains how AI really works and explores the difference between machine-driven and human-driven AI. He challenges us to design AI that empowers people, partners with us, and strengthens society instead of replacing us. Dr. Stas Tiomkin is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Texas Tech University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Reinforcement Learning, and Human-AI Interaction. He holds a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley’s Robot Learning Lab. His work focuses on building AI systems that are not only intelligent but also aligned with human values, exploring areas such as intrinsic motivation in AI, control of robotic systems, and safe human-AI collaboration. 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

Uncertainty can feel unbearable—but why? In this talk, Dr. Jessica Alquist dives into the psychology behind our discomfort with the unknown and reveals surprising insights into how uncertainty shapes our decisions and emotions. Her perspective offers practical ways to rethink uncertainty and even use it to our advantage. Dr. Jessica Alquist is an Associate Professor of Social Psychology and the Experimental Program Director at Texas Tech University. Her research explores self-control, agency, and how people navigate uncertainty, shedding light on the psychological mechanisms that shape decision-making and behavior. With a Ph.D. from Florida State University, Dr. Alquist has published extensively on topics such as free will, executive function, and the impact of uncertainty on human motivation. Beyond the lab, she has personally embraced the unpredictable—putting her research to the test through real-life experiences. 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

Music transcends borders, languages, and cultures — reminding us that we are more connected than divided. In this talk, Maestro David Cho takes us on a journey through the world of music, showing how harmony and melody unite people across nations and generations. David In-Jae Cho is an internationally acclaimed conductor and music director, known for his dynamic leadership and artistic excellence. Born in Seoul and immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, he trained at Oberlin Conservatory, the Peabody Institute, and Rice University, launching a career that has taken him to Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and the Kennedy Center.Cho has collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Renée Fleming and has conducted major symphonies across the U.S. and beyond. As Music Director of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, he is passionate about using music to inspire, connect, and bring communities together. 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

What if the very breakthroughs meant to save us could also put us at risk? In this talk, Dr. Yehia Mechref explores the double-edged world of biotechnology — its promises, its dangers, and the urgent question of whether we can control it before it controls us. Dr. Yehia Mechref is a renowned expert in biotechnology, analytical chemistry, and genomics, specializing in cutting-edge research on disease diagnostics and biomolecular analysis. He is the Paul W. Horn Distinguished Professor, Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry, and Director of the Center for Biotechnology & Genomics at Texas Tech University. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases through advanced mass spectrometry and glycomics, leading to breakthroughs in cancer research and personalized medicine.With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and multiple NIH-funded projects, Dr. Mechref's contributions have reshaped how we analyze biological processes at a molecular level. As a global leader in bioanalytical innovation, his research continues to drive advancements in healthcare, disease detection, and biotechnology solutions. 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

Life often hands us challenges that make us question everything we know about ourselves. For Renee Exelbert, that challenge was cancer. While some call these experiences “gifts,” the real question is: what do we do with a gift we never asked for? In this talk, Renee explores how life’s hardest moments can be transformed into powerful sources of strength, meaning, and possibility. Dr. Renee A. Exelbert is a licensed psychologist, certified elite personal trainer, and author dedicated to exploring the mind-body connection in healing and empowerment. She is the Founding Director of The Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise to help individuals regain control of their bodies and minds. A four-time cancer survivor, Dr. Exelbert has turned her personal battle into a mission—guiding others through resilience, strength, and transformation. She previously served as a Staff Psychologist at NYU Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center, working with pediatric cancer patients, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at NYU Steinhardt. A sought-after speaker and media expert, she shares her insights on mental and physical well-being in her book, Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient. 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

We’re taught to compete — for success, recognition, and results. But what if collaboration, not competition, is the real path to progress? In this talk, Dr. Bernie Mullin explores how working together has driven innovation, built stronger communities, and led to wins that competition alone could never achieve. Discover why collaboration isn’t just the kinder option — it’s the smarter one. Dr. Bernie Mullin is a renowned sports business leader, strategist, and author with a career defined by transforming struggling teams into thriving franchises. The first foreign-born CEO of a U.S. major league sports team, he has led at the highest levels of MLB, NBA, NHL, and international hockey, setting attendance records and driving billion-dollar growth.As the creator of the NBA’s groundbreaking TMBO consulting group, he helped teams generate $250 million annually in new revenue. He later founded The Aspire Group, which has generated over $1.75 billion for 300+ global organizations. A Sports Business Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Mullin continues to shape the future of sports, leadership, and the American Dream through consulting, philanthropy, and his best-selling book, Reimagining America’s Dream. 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

We all want to solve the plastic problem — but what if our solutions are making it worse? In this talk, Bengu challenges common assumptions about plastic and invites us to rethink what real change might look like. Bengu Mete is a chemical engineering researcher with expertise in materials science and bioengineering. Her work explores the complex role of plastics in modern society, from their essential applications in medicine and technology to their environmental impact. With a focus on sustainable materials and innovative solutions, she challenges conventional narratives around plastic use, advocating for smarter, climate-conscious strategies. Through her research, Mete aims to bridge the gap between sustainability and practicality, shaping a future where materials science drives positive change. 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

What does identity mean when you’ve never belonged to the majority? Born in Iraq to a Turkmen family, Lahib grew up navigating life as a minority — in Iraq, in Lebanon, and later in the United States. In this talk, she shares her journey across cultures and borders, reflecting on how identity is shaped, questioned, and ultimately redefined when you’re always the outsider. Lahib Jaddo is an Iraqi-born artist, architect, and educator whose work spans painting, sculpture, and storytelling. Born in Baghdad to a Turkmen family, she spent her formative years in Iraq and Lebanon before immigrating to the U.S., where she earned a Master of Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. Jaddo's art explores themes of memory, displacement, and cultural identity, blending her Middle Eastern heritage with her deep connection to the American landscape. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally and is the subject of the award-winning documentary Jaddoland. 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

Dementia remains one of the greatest constraints on human longevity. For decades, it has been understood primarily as a disease of dying brain cells—an inevitable consequence of ageing. That view is now being transformed. Emerging evidence shows that dementia is, in large part, a disorder of brain cell repair and maintenance, not simply cell death. Crucially, this process begins early in life, long before symptoms appear. This re-framing changes everything: it suggests that dementia may not be an unavoidable fate of old age, but a preventable condition. In this new paradigm, longevity and mental clarity can coexist—offering a far more hopeful future for ageing well. Dr. Steve Allder is a Consultant Neurologist at Re:Cognition Health and a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of brain health. With over two decades of experience, he is recognised for his expertise across the full spectrum of neurological disorders including dementia, migraine, neurological pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and functional neurological disorders (FND). He leads advanced clinical and medicolegal services spanning civilian, military and sports-related neurological injury, and is at the forefront of integrating neuroscience, psychiatry and technology to deliver better outcomes. A passionate advocate for innovation, Dr Allder is the Principal Investigator on several global trials in Parkinson’s disease and has led pioneering research in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, the Aston Brain Centre and the University of York. His work is reshaping how we diagnose and treat conditions like mild TBI, using neuro-computational models and sophisticated imaging techniques such as MEG and high-resolution MRI. A founding member of the FND Society, Dr Allder has contributed extensively to building new clinical frameworks for complex neurological care. With dozens of publications and global collaborations, he remains committed to advancing early detection and treatment strategies for cognitive disorders and chronic neurological conditions. A former NHS neurologist with a background in acute care and neuro-otology, Dr Allder combines clinical depth, academic rigour and a visionary approach to understanding and treating the injured, and ageing, brain. 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