Michael Perez-Gelinas’ Post

Some days change the way you see what’s possible. Saturday, April 26th, was one of those days. One thing TED Conferences & the TEDx family does so well is curate spaces that put connection before content. That’s the kind of spirit we brought into TEDxHarvard Square. And it made all the difference. There was a kind of magic in the air. Not the kind you script. The kind that rises when people don’t just speak, they offer. When strangers stop being strangers. The kind where a climate scientist and climate investor can trade notes on solutions. Where a young founder feels seen. Where the mayor walks in just to say: I believe in what you’re building. 9 speakers reminded us to hope again and they opened the door on possibility. Where a spine surgeon spoke of healing as an act of freedom. Where a happiness researcher asked us to measure joy — not just profits. Where a young woman redefined venture capital through the lens of inclusion. Where mentorship met opportunity. Where leadership met service. Where courage met clarity. Our team were the builders. The bridge-makers. The quiet architects who carried this vision on their backs when no one was watching. You didn’t always see them — but their impact was everywhere. Our first believers. You empowered this community to take flight. To CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) Cambridge Community Foundation, Groops, Camelback Ventures, Sean Hope & Bildad St. Louis , Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability , @Emerge Global, and the HSBA — thank you for backing boldness. To Serena D. and The Engine who said YES when the moment needed a miracle — we’re so grateful. To Tod Beaty and Jessica Sculley — your support lit the path forward. To PJ Jackson & Jeremiah O'Brian — your clarity and compassion helped shape this into what it became. To new friends I made I say thank you: Bobbi Wegner, Psy.D. , David Miller, Irina Gorbounova, Matthew Pierre-Louis, Alan Martinez, Johanna Van Fleet, and the incredible, Britt Gardner! Gustavo Luna Alissa M. Kleinnijenhuis Stefano M. Sinicropi, MD Isabella Mandis Vivien Puppa Kocsis Jaya Sarin Pradhan, MD, DMD, MPH Hanan Nagi Jon Cobb Jackson Kerchis Lucas C. ,Arielle Galinsky, Tyler Martin, Khalil Threadgill, Diane Almonte Arias , Fiona Wolckenhaar, Michael Perez-Gelinas, Abigail P. Hay If you believe in building community like this; as a team member, as a sponsor, as a donor... Join us. #TEDxHarvardSquare #TheFutureWeChoose #IdeasWorthSpreading #InfectiousGenerosity #HopeInAction #ConnectionIsPower #TEDx #JoinTheMovement #BuildTheFuture