By: Jessica Ramirez

On March 10, 2026, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa will serve as a gathering place for meaningful conversation about trauma and community resilience. Organized by author, humanitarian, and speaker Shahd Alasaly, this year’s TEDxUniversity of South Florida event seeks to encourage attendees to reconsider trauma’s impact on our lives and communities.

Humanizing Trauma Through Conversation

In an exclusive interview, Alasaly shared insights on why trauma became the central theme of this event and the potential impact she hopes it will have.

“I want to humanize the things we often see in the news today,” Alasaly explained. “We live in societies where trauma can shape much of our interaction. Many of the differences and divisions we observe may stem from unresolved trauma. Once we recognize that, we can begin to treat each other with more empathy and kindness.”

A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Trauma

Alasaly suggests that addressing trauma openly could help individuals heal while also fostering stronger, more resilient communities—particularly after facing adversity like natural disasters or social upheaval. The event will examine trauma from multiple angles, including the neurobiological effects on our bodies, genetic implications (intergenerational trauma), post-traumatic growth, and trauma-informed perspectives on vulnerable communities.

“Addressing trauma isn’t solely about individual healing,” said Alasaly. “It’s also about creating an environment where communities may bounce back stronger and kinder. That means looking at trauma as a shared experience many of us carry, directly or indirectly.”

Bringing Humanitarian Experience to the Stage

Alasaly brings a unique perspective to her role as a TEDx organizer. In addition to authoring A Kid’s Book About Humanitarianism, she previously founded Blue Meets Blue, a clothing company in Chicago that employed refugee women. Her humanitarian work has often centered around empowering vulnerable communities by addressing the root causes of their hardships, including trauma.

Her motivation to select trauma as a theme came from witnessing the growing polarization in society in recent years. Alasaly observed that trauma frequently lay beneath the surface of these divisions. Her previous work with refugee women highlighted the importance of addressing trauma with compassion, inspiring her to create an event that would bring this important topic to a wider audience.

“I’ve spent years working in humanitarian spaces, witnessing firsthand how unresolved trauma can affect individuals and communities,” Alasaly noted. “My goal is to help people learn how trauma functions and how understanding it might create lasting societal change.”

Inspiring Change Through Empathy

When asked what attendees might take away from the event, Alasaly expressed hope for meaningful inspiration and actionable insights.

“I want people to leave feeling motivated to be kinder, to foster empathy, and to embrace their roles as changemakers in their communities,” she explained. “Change begins with education, but it continues through action. I believe this TEDx event has the potential to help people reframe the way they see their neighbors, their community, and even themselves.”

Planning for a Broader Impact

The event is scheduled to take place at USF’s Marshall Theater, a venue capable of hosting a sizeable audience. Although currently limited in size, Alasaly hopes to expand the event’s reach over time by obtaining a larger TEDx license later this year.

“I haven’t planned an event of this scale before, but I’ve spoken at a TEDx event and seen the positive impact firsthand,” Alasaly said. “My goal is to include as many people as possible because trauma is a widely relevant topic. Many people could benefit from a deeper understanding of it.”

Trauma as a Potential Unifying Force

Alasaly emphasized that despite trauma’s complexity, understanding and addressing it openly might ultimately unite communities rather than divide them.

“If we look beneath the surface, behind our conflicts and differences, trauma often plays a significant role. By addressing it openly, we can begin to see each other as human beings who have experienced hardship. That realization has the potential to change how we interact.”

Ultimately, Alasaly’s TEDx event aims not just to inform but to inspire transformation. By better understanding trauma and choosing empathy over judgment, Alasaly hopes attendees will contribute to lasting societal healing.

TEDxUniversity of South Florida is scheduled for March 10, 2026. Additional details and registration information can be found at their official TED page: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/63026.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice. The information provided is not intended to replace professional guidance or therapeutic treatment. Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice for personal or community-related trauma-related concerns.

Published by Joseph T.