Legacy Worthy Talks: TEDxSanDiego SHINE 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the TEDxSanDiego SHINE talks from February 19th are now LIVE on YouTube!

TEDxSanDiego SHINE 2025 was an unforgettable evening filled with extraordinary local speakers and powerful performances that truly ignited minds and opened hearts. The event brought together a vibrant community of thinkers, dreamers, and changemakers, creating a space where ideas could flourish and connections could thrive.

TEDxSanDiego SHINE Talks Now on YouTube

The SHINE talks are packed with inspiring ideas and powerful stories that are not to be missed. From thought-provoking insights to heartfelt personal narratives, these talks showcase the incredible talent and depth of the San Diego community. Now, you can experience the magic from the comfort of your own home.

Watch the TEDxSanDiego SHINE talks on YouTube below — and please like, comment, and share to keep the conversation going! Be part of the TEDxSanDiego legacy by engaging with these powerful talks and celebrating the remarkable voices that made SHINE 2025 a night to remember.

Capturing the Magic

The energy, ideas, and connections that filled the room made SHINE 2025 truly special. We’re excited to share a collection of photos that capture the essence of the evening — the inspiring speakers, talented performers, and vibrant moments that made the event unforgettable.

✨ Take a look at the brilliance on stage here: TEDxSanDiego Photo Album ✨

Special thanks to Ryan Horn and Anne McColl

TEDxSanDiego Photographer: Ryan Horn
@simpl3visionz_photography simpl3visionz.photography

TEDxSanDiego Graphic Designer: Anne McColl
https://lnkd.in/gvbdc8HR @liquidsketchstudio LiquidSketchStudio.com

#TEDxSanDiego #SHINE #IdeasWorthSpreading

Bing I. Bush, Jr.

Equestrian Attorney and Abbondanza Racing https://lnkd.in/gE_ChfDy

Talk: “Beyond The Finish Line: Rediscovering the Bond Between Horses and Humans” https://youtu.be/oJt-SSQ4VW4

Pantea Khodami

Precision Medicine Leader https://lnkd.in/gw7RBUdN

Talk: “DNA, Data, and Decoding Health” Revolutionizing human health with the power of genomics and cloud technologies. https://youtu.be/SgJNkAQu5Ho

Victoria Lakers

Business Builder https://lnkd.in/gvsaPeUU

Talk: “The Expert Myth: Why Generalists Will Rule the Future” Challenge the notion that expertise defines success; rather harness human connection and adaptability to thrive in the future of work. https://youtu.be/LHUL6q8wDd8

Matthew Quitorian

Youth Organizer https://lnkd.in/gsV4RY9D

Talk: “Respecting Teen Voices: Why Their Input Matters in Education and Beyond” Teens are the future; and active participants with input that deserves similar respect as adults, especially in decisions that impact them. https://youtu.be/r_ZpmXEiNz0

Dr. Manna Semby

Functional Medicine & Wellness Expert, ND, MSCP, IFMCP https://lnkd.in/gty8nmer
Talk: “Harnessing the Power of Perimenopause: Building Supportive Workplaces to Close the Leadership Gender Gap” Addressing perimenopause challenges can empower women and help employers close the leadership gender gap. https://youtu.be/qa8dl6uhBlE

Alejandro Soumah

Entrepreneur and Sustainable Commodities, UCSD Student https://lnkd.in/gQEu6kZs

Talk”: “The Hidden Cost of Chocolate: Using AI to Build a Fairer Cocoa Industry” AI-driven solutions can empower producers, enhance transparency, and promote sustainability in the cocoa industry. https://youtu.be/WfqEuvaIyCA

SHINE Performers

Tamara Rodriguez

Performer https://lnkd.in/gbfZFMSy
A versatile singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer from Monterrey, Mexico, Tamara gained national attention starring in Telemundo’s Quinceañera. A Berklee College of Music graduate, she has performed worldwide and starred in over 50 theatrical productions. Website | Instagram: @itsnottodayitstamara https://youtu.be/otrBQ0iH2QI

Adam Jones

Performer https://lnkd.in/g6j_nq7k
A SanDiego-based singer/songwriter inspired by Bob Dylan and Tom Waits, Adam’s raw, poetic storytelling and gritty vocals have captivated audiences for over 16 years. He attracts vast audiences and his latest EP, Now and Then (2024), exploring humor and poignancy of the human condition. Website | Insta: @yellinginmicrophones https://youtu.be/LWSUPsLotJU

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus

Performers https://lnkd.in/gZnqKThr
A legendary chorus bringing energy, joy, and music to uplift the soul, celebrating their 40th anniversary. Website | Instagram: @sdgaymenschorus https://youtu.be/GIx3Ki_SAOQ

Misti Cain

Startup Investor & Strategist

Talk: “The Two Reasons All Startups Fail” To prevent startup failure, founders need to focus on speed and avoid thinking about solutions. AWAITING YOUTUBE

Dr. Joe Risser

UCSD Research Physician

Talk: “Grit: It’s Not Just an Attitude, It’s a Protein” BDNF, a powerful brain protein, is key to mental toughness. Learn how it fosters resilience and life-saving benefits. AWAITING YOUTUBE

Gregg Ward

Thought Leader on Respect

Talk: “Confessions of an Accidental Killer: Transforming Regret into a Force for Good” Turn your deepest regrets into a powerful force for good in the world and within the lives of others. AWAITING YOUTUBE