Monica Malta, a TED Fellow and human rights activist, passionately discusses the power of community-led research. She shares her journey from victim to advocate, emphasizing how traditional policymaking often leaves out crucial voices. Malta highlights participatory research as a game-changer in tackling health issues like HIV/AIDS and violence. Her work with the queer community in Brazil showcases how collaboration and innovative solutions like the Rise app can empower individuals and drive real social transformation.