Next PAGE founder and executive director Emily Palmer kicked off the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon festivities with a featured talk at TCS Global’s goIT competition — where student innovators tackled some of the world’s biggest public health challenges.

In this nine-minute speech, Emily reflects on the power of storytelling, imagination, and perseverance. From building apps for social good to striving for universal literacy or running a marathon, she highlights how small, consistent steps can lead to transformative change.

The speech draws connections between youth innovation, literacy access, and the broader mission of Next PAGE: to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth reclaim their voices and reshape their futures.

Watch the video below and check back soon for a growing gallery of public talks and event appearances.