What Happens When You Volunteer? | Vijay Manivel | TEDxKings Mills Youth

Volunteering often starts with a wish to help others, but its effects can extend well beyond the people being served. In this TEDxKings Mills Youth talk, the speaker looks at how giving time and skills can shift one's own perspective, relationships and sense of purpose. The talk presents lessons from service on how small acts of kindness can build connections, challenge assumptions and lead to lasting change. The speaker's bio describes a career in community leadership and technology, including work with a North American nonprofit representing Tamil associations and a role in product design and user experience in the financial industry.

• Why volunteering can affect the volunteer as much as the people helped
• How service can build relationships and challenge assumptions
• Small acts of kindness and their lasting impact
• Speaker background in community leadership and product design

Volunteering may begin with the desire to help others, but its impact often reaches much further than we expect. In this talk, the speaker explores how giving our time and skills can change not only the lives of others but also our own perspectives, relationships, and sense of purpose. Through the unexpected lessons of service, discover how small acts of kindness can create meaningful connections, challenge assumptions, and inspire lasting change. Because sometimes, when we volunteer to make a difference in someone else’s life, we discover a difference within ourselves. **Personal Bio** A seasoned leader, community advocate, and technology professional, [Name] brings together a passion for innovation, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. As a leader of a North American nonprofit organization representing more than 70 Tamil associations across the United States and Canada, [Name] has played a significant role in strengthening community connections and promoting Tamil heritage. They oversaw the planning and execution of the 38th Annual FeTNA Convention, welcoming more than 3,000 attendees from around the world, and led fundraising efforts that secured $1.4 million in sponsorships and donations to support the convention, youth programs, and community initiatives. They also spearheaded the FeTNA International Tamil Entrepreneur Network (FiTEN) Business Conclave, connecting Tamil entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators worldwide. Their leadership includes coordinating with U.S. State Department officials, international dignitaries, and distinguished speakers, while directing a team of more than 100 volunteers. Professionally, [Name] serves as a Senior Product Designer and Senior Assistant Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors, bringing over 15 years of experience in user experience, interaction design, and digital product innovation, including more than a decade in the financial industry. Specializing in user-centered design, rapid prototyping, accessibility, and usability, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop intuitive digital solutions that enhance the experiences of financial advisors and their clients. Combining strategic leadership with a commitment to innovation and service, [Name] believes in the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact. Whether advancing digital experiences, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting youth initiatives, or bringing communities together, their work reflects a dedication to building connections and creating opportunities for future generations. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx