Hear learnings from research that seeks to understand the computational and neuronal foundations of high-level cognitive functions, including reasoning, intelligence, and decision-making. William Stauffer earned his BS and PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. He studied behavioral neurophysiology at the University of Cambridge, where he made fundamental contributions to understanding how the brain handles complexity and makes decisions. His lab at the University of Pittsburgh seeks to understand the computational and neuronal foundations of high-level cognitive functions, including reasoning, intelligence, and decision-making. 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 way information is visualized can sway our interpretation of that information. In this talk, learn how to view maps and data visualizations with a more discerning eye to combat disinformation, and maybe even find a love of maps. Melinda Angeles is a certified GIS Professional (GISP) who uses mapping technology to identify needs and solve problems relating to everything from food insecurity to child care. 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 do you build bridges between people? Hear how artist Ebtehal Badwai uses this single question, and countless brush strokes, to bring community members and students together to overcome racism and division. Ebtehal Badwai started the “Pittsburgh Builds Bridges” collaborative art project as a mode to promote anti-bullying and anti-racism. She was born in Saudi Arabia. Since she was in 5th grade, she always knew that she wanted to be an artist. However, she took a different path and got a bachelor’s degree in Biology from King Abdul-Aziz University. She then earned a master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Her career path had guided her to working as a teacher assistant. Still, she always felt that something is missing. So she went on a path of discovery and found an art therapy program. She then took the requirements classes in Art and Psychology to pursue that specialty and is still ongoing in the pursuit of the training. During her journey, she joined the Malian Art Institute and learned different techniques in painting. The first thing everyone notices about her art is the colorful and uplifting theme carried throughout her work. Her art has become extremely influential and inspiring. Badawi designed a poster for anti-bullying and racism which was posted in different schools in the Pittsburgh area. This was aimed to help kids understand the power of unity and has now turned into a movement to bridge the gap between unification and bullying. Badawi spans the creative career path by being a writer and a photographer. She enjoys going and spending time in nature connecting with Mother Earth and sharing that experience with the written word. Her passionate goal is to create art that uplifts and inspire souls. By connecting artists, she aims to share the beauty and the magic of art with 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

This talk is about how leaders navigate critical inflection points, refocus professional identities and develop new skills through an updated mindset to bring to the workplace. An acclaimed author and Fortune 100 executive coach, Leanne Meyer provides evidence-based methods to change business practices and delivers this talk with actionable advice based on years of leading a renowned leadership academy. Leanne Meyer is the author of Climbing the Spiral Staircase, a guide for women seeking to gain control of their professional paths. She directs Carnegie Mellon University’s Women’s Executive Leadership Academy. And with more than 30 years of senior-level consulting and executive development experience, she consults with fortune 100 companies 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

In this soaring talk, an empowering personal journey is shared, along with learnings gleaned from the intentional practice of equity, justice, and love from the renowned Pitt School of Education. Dr. Valerie Kinloch is the Renée and Richard Goldman Endowed Dean and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Since arriving in July 2017, she has strengthened the school’s commitment to equity, justice, and innovation by focusing on teaching, research, community engagement, academic programs, student success, faculty development, and alumni involvement. Among her many professional appointments, Dean Kinloch is President of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), a Fellow of both the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the American Council on Education, an elected member of the Board of Trustees of Johnson C. Smith University, and Co-Chair of Remake Learning. Dean Kinloch’s research and teaching focus on the literacies, languages, identities, and community engagements of youth and adults, both inside and outside of schools. The author of numerous books and publications on race, place, literacy, and justice, her book, Harlem On Our Minds: Place, Race, and the Literacies of Urban Youth, is past recipient of the Outstanding Book of the Year Award from AERA. Dean Kinloch’s most recent book, co-authored with Drs. Emily Nemeth, Tamara Butler, and Grace Player, is titled, Where is the Justice? Engaged Pedagogies in Schools and Communities. She holds a B.A. in English from Johnson C. Smith University, and an M.A. in English and African American literature and a Ph.D. in English and Composition Studies with a cognate in Urban Studies from Wayne State University. 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