TEDxTeessideWomen has returned to Middlesbrough, welcoming eight new speakers and more than 330 guests to Middlesbrough Town Hall.
This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED and gives speakers a platform to share their ideas on a global stage.
TEDxTeessideWomen’s 2024 theme is Elevating Every Voice, with talks ranging from climate change, intergenerational friendships, ageism and re-learning self-love.
Millie Gooch, journalist and founder of the Sober Girl Society, spoke about the need to integrate alcohol and drugs into the mental health conversation.
She said: “It was such a crazy experience and standing on the stage was unlike anything I have ever done.
“It was amazing. I loved it and I have felt so welcomed and I have learned so much. Come to this event, one hundred percent.”
The day focused on addressing the world’s most pressing issues through a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
Activist and educator Eva Echo spoke at the 2023 TEDxTeessideWomen event and returned to coach this year’s speakers.
She said: “I want to say to Teesside that we hear you. I champion this event wherever I go and events like these have to happen in the north, not just in London.”
Eva also had on display a bright orange dress she designed featuring supportive messages for the trans community woven into the fabric.
Climate change was also a major topic of conversation throughout the day.
Tamma Carel, co-founder of iCOR, touched on the importance of elevating the voice of nature and protecting the environment.
She said: “I believe wholeheartedly that there is an immense power in collective individual action. Every small thing someone does can have a big impact.
“The value of TEDxTeessideWomen is to learn about the unknown. To have a platform like this in the North-East is incredible and I feel very proud.”
TEDxTeessideWomen relies on local sponsors including this year’s headline sponsor Climb & Conquer, Square One Law, px Group, Darlington Building Society, Just Williams and Ideas Junkies to take place.
Nikki Masterman, founder and creative director of Inspire HR, was one of the sponsors.
She said: “This TEDx event gives people a voice no matter what their subject is. I am on a mission and agenda to inspire and help people grow and I really embrace anyone who has potential.”
Free tickets were distributed to local charities with schools and colleges invited to watch the dress rehearsal.
Michaela Reaney, organiser of TEDxTeessideWomen said: “We want people to come together, share ideas, and leave inspired to make a change in their own lives and the wider community.
“We want to show that global conversations can start at a local level. And to make sure every voice is heard.”
