Oyalaja delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a day centered on learning and collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was about appreciating the team, the speakers who worked tirelessly to come give an inspirational, educational talk,\u201d she said. \u201cThe volunteers, the young persons, the professionals who worked even after their full-time job \u2014 they were all involved in ensuring the event was a success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talks ran about 16 minutes each, covering topics such as preserving creativity in children, preventing burnout as leaders and shaping tomorrow\u2019s innovators through today\u2019s actions. Speakers included empowerment coaches, educators, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
![\"TEDxElmPark\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DK56AJMCFVAXXL4VGVGWT3B2DA.png\"\/)
Over 100 attendees gathered to hear talks on creativity, leadership and entrepreneurship from local professionals at the Oct. 3, 2025, TEDxElmPark event.Courtesy of Moex Media LLC<\/p>\n
For Oyalaja, the event\u2019s guiding question was a philosophy as much as it was a prompt.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we talk about the future, the future is now,\u201d she said. \u201cWhatever thing we have in mind for the future, we should start doing it now.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset shaped the day\u2019s programming, which emphasized both inspiration and connection. Between talks, attendees mingled and networked, striking up conversations that continued long after sessions ended. <\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond just having a TEDx talk or having people come listen, one of the goals was to ensure that there was time for people to really connect,\u201d Oyalaja said. \u201cIt was such a beautiful sight, seeing people connecting, exchanging contacts, laughing and giggling in between breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event was hosted in partnership with Wagner College, with staff supporting the production and logistics. The program closed with remarks from Wagner\u2019s President for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer James A. Chiavelli II. <\/p>\n
![\"TEDxElmPark\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2OEFX6QLIFDENBBNJ3S4BE4DEQ.png\"\/)
Speaker Ranti Ogunleye, left, and organizer Damilola Banwo Oyalaja, right, at the TEDxElmPark event on Oct. 3, 2025.Courtesy of Moex Media LLC<\/p>\n
Oyalaja said the real impact of TEDxElmPark can already be felt in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always a goal that we continue to build connections \u2014 not ordinary connections, but those that help us grow, learn and shift perspectives in the right direction,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand the spirit of TEDx beyond the annual stage, creating more spaces for Staten Islanders to share ideas and collaborate. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you have more people thinking in that direction \u2014 bringing in events that are geared towards impacting the younger generation \u2014 you\u2019re helping to make the community, make the world, a tad better than it was yesterday,\u201d Oyalaja said. \u201cMyself and a couple of community connections and friends, we\u2019re working on something for next year that amplifies that, you know, that would take the fashion of a TEDx, but something that focuses on thriving, creating innovation in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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