by Julio Cambrón

For over a decade, TED and TEDx talks have captivated me with their unique ability to distill transformative ideas into powerful, concise presentations under 18 minutes. These talks spark imagination and demonstrate that groundbreaking ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. It's this democratization of innovation that makes TEDx truly special— You don't have to be a world-renowned scientist or a best-selling author to stand on that stage. You just need an idea worth spreading.

My journey with TEDx began unexpectedly in 2016 in San Miguel de Allende. At the time, I was coming out of the corporate life, armed with a B.S. in International Business and Commerce and a professional project management diploma from Tecnológico de Monterrey. I decided to volunteer, and what I encountered was nothing short of transformative. Witnessing the synergy between organizers, speakers, and volunteers opened my eyes to a world of possibility. I knew then that I wanted to be part of this movement. It was during that event that the director recognized my organizational skills and promoted me to co-organizer. It was a pivotal moment. I took the opportunity seriously, pouring my heart and professional expertise into it. That first experience set the stage for everything that followed.

The author with José Oscar Molina
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Expanding Horizons: Giving Back to the Communities That Shaped Me

In 2018, I embarked on a deeply personal journey by co-organizing TEDxShinnecockHills in Southampton, New York. This event was a tribute to the Hamptons community that nurtured me during my early years. The experience was enriched by the collaboration of the incredibly talented artist José Oscar Molina, whose creativity added a unique and inspiring dimension to the event. Together, we brought “ideas worth spreading” to a place that had profoundly shaped my worldview. It was my way of giving back to the land that instilled in me a sense of possibility and resilience.

Shortly after, I had the privilege of co-organizing TEDxPuertaDeMar in Campeche, a city synonymous with resilience and strength, a walled city that was constantly invaded by pirates. This event was particularly special as it took place in the oldest theater on the Yucatan Peninsula, a historic venue that embodied the spirit of endurance and creativity. What struck me most about this experience was the people of Campeche themselves—some of the strongest-minded individuals I've ever encountered. Their determination, optimism, and ability to thrive despite challenges were nothing short of inspiring. TEDxPuertaDeMar became a platform to celebrate this indomitable spirit and to showcase ideas that honored both their history and their vision for the future.

These experiences, from the Hamptons to Campeche, reaffirmed the universal power of TEDx. Across different cultures and landscapes, the mission remains the same: to connect communities through ideas and inspire resilience in the face of challenges. It is these moments of connection and shared strength that make every TEDx journey profoundly meaningful.

Calle Aldam
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A Street That Speaks of Resilience

When I received the license for TEDxCalle Aldama, I knew it had to reflect the spirit of this city I've called home for over a decade. San Miguel de Allende is a place of incredible beauty, history, and resilience, and nowhere is this more evident than Calle Aldama. Named one of the world's most beautiful streets by Architectural Digest, it has stood as a witness to Mexico's journey—from independence to revolution and beyond. Its cobblestones carry stories of resilience, making it the perfect metaphor for our theme this year: Echoes of Resilience.

This theme isn't just about history; it's about today. In an era of unprecedented technological, social, and environmental transformation, resilience isn't just a historical concept—it's a crucial skill for navigating our future. TEDxCalle Aldama serves as a platform for showcasing how individuals and communities adapt, innovate, and thrive amid change.

Bruce James
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Hotel Matilda: A Stage for Ideas

TEDxCalle Aldama wouldn't exist without the unwavering support of Hotel Matilda led by Bruce James. From the very beginning, they've believed in the event and its potential to inspire. More than a sponsor, they've been collaborators—helping us find speakers, performers, and ideas that resonate with our community. Their commitment to excellence mirrors the high standards of San Miguel de Allende itself, and their belief in resilience adds an invaluable dimension to this event.

Voices of Change

This year's speaker lineup is truly exceptional, featuring luminaries such as TED Fellow Anjan Sundaram, the esteemed ‘anthropologist' of Mexican cuisine Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, internationally acclaimed artist Angelo Musco, and a remarkable array of local, national, and global voices. Each one embodies the essence of resilience. What excites me most is their authenticity. These are individuals who don't just talk about change—they live it. They've made indelible marks on society through their passion, hard work, and unwavering belief in a better world.

Diversity is key to TEDxCalle Aldama. Our speakers will touch on topics ranging from art to philanthropy, business to mental health and more. The goal is to offer something for everyone—to spark curiosity, challenge perceptions, and inspire action.

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The Heart Behind the Stage

Organizing TEDx events is an intense labor of love. It's a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but the lows often bring unexpected clarity. They remind me to step back, focus on the bigger picture, and value the incredible team of people who make it all happen. Every sponsor, speaker, and volunteer brings warmth, positivity, and a shared belief in the event's mission. It's a collaborative effort, and the love and passion that go into it are palpable.

The day of the event is surreal. Watching the speakers fine-tune their talks, rehearsing again and again until they're just right, fills me with awe. It's a reminder of why we do this—to create a space where ideas can thrive and connections can blossom.

Beyond Words

TEDxCalle Aldama isn't just about the talks—it's about the experience. This year, we're adding live performances, the debut of an artistic video by a renowned film producer, Alexander Dervin, and other pleasant surprises. These elements are designed to immerse the audience in the spirit of resilience, leaving them inspired and energized.

Our VIP dinner is another highlight. It's an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with the speakers over gourmet cuisine and live music. These intimate moments of connection often lead to the most profound insights and collaborations.

The author with a TEDx speaker
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Cultivating Community Resilience

San Miguel de Allende isn't just our setting—it's our inspiration. This city's resilience is woven into the event, from our locally-rooted yet globally-minded speakers that aim to make our community stronger. Our dream is that the event will inspire action, whether launching new ventures, establishing nonprofits, or reimagining what's possible.

The Spirit of TEDxCalle Aldama

As we look to the future, I envision TEDxCalle Aldama growing into something even bigger. Imagine TEDxCalle Aldama Women, TEDxCalle Aldama Youth, or other specialized events that reflect the diverse voices of our community. The possibilities are endless.

For anyone who hasn't attended a TEDx event, I can only say this: if you want to break free from the status quo, to be inspired, challenged, and connected, TEDxCalle Aldama is a must. It's not just an event; it's a movement.

TEDx has profoundly changed my life, giving me purpose, community, and a deeper understanding of impact. I hope TEDxCalle Aldama can do the same for our audience—because in the end, it's about more than ideas. It's about the resilience to make those ideas a reality.

For more information and tickets:

www.ted.com/tedx/events/59545
www.tedxcallealdama.com/
Eventbrite - tickets

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Julio Cambrón, from the verdant highlands of Tuxpan de las Flores, Michoacán, Julio Cambrón has forged a distinguished path blending entrepreneurial acumen with artistic vision. Following a successful career in sales and tourism, he embarked on an innovative venture in San Miguel, where he pioneered the city's inaugural geodesic glamping experience. As a curator of creative endeavors, his collaboration with acclaimed artist Jose Oscar Molina exemplifies his commitment to advancing artistic expression.

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