Theme: IGNITE

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Cupertino Community Hall
10350 Torre Ave
Cupertino, California, 95014
United States

Aniruddh Suresh

Navigating the Social Media Minefield

Aniruddh enjoys playing percussion, mountain biking and playing video games. He’s also an active member of his school’s speech and debate club, competing for and helping run the team. Using personal experiences, along with those of friends and family, he focused his attention to a growing problem in the modern world today. His talk, “Navigating the Social Media Minefield,” focuses on the vulnerabilities that are exploited in order to take advantage of the millions of people who are using social media, and he hopes to provide a greater awareness of how to protect those who could potentially fall victim to such schemes.

Neha Washikar

The Importance of Biculturalism

Neha has been practicing Indian classical dance for the past 12 years and can speak six languages. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends, paint, and play volleyball. Growing up in the Bay Area, she noticed many children of immigrants did not pay much attention to their parent's culture. Her talk, "The Importance of Biculturalism", outlines what it means to have cultural awareness and explains the numerous personal and professional benefits of being bicultural.

Samvi Ranka

Generation Z making an Impact

Generation Z is fortunate enough to be in the midst of the digital and social media revolution. This entire exposure gives them so many opportunities and ideas that could be used towards helping a worthwhile cause and make the world a better place. In Samvi’s speech, “Generation Z making an Impact," she wants to inspire all her Generation Z people out there who have so many influential ideas. By sharing her journey and experience, she wants all young people out there to be able to take risks that would lead to an applause-worthy product and make the world a better place, one step at a time.

Shanlea Tabofunda

The Psychology Behind Climate Change

Shanlea is 16. In her talk, "The Psychology Behind Climate Change", she will be discussing the psychological barriers preventing individuals from acting against one of humanity’s most pressing threats. As citizens, we are constantly inundated with statistics that don’t motivate us to change our behavior, but by understanding the science behind our actions, we can ignite a significant change in our own lives.

Srutika Sureshbabu

The Bubble of Silicon Valley

Srutika is a 15-year-old captain for the Speech and Debate team and president of the Tino Student Doctors club. Srutika uses these platforms to advocate for students’ well being by propagating a collaborative environment. In her free time, she enjoys doing Indian classical dance as well as binge-reading book series. In “The Bubble of Silicon Valley,” Srutika explains how growing up in Silicon Valley can be a conflicting whirlwind of an experience. With the influence of the tech industries and the competitive spirit, students struggle to find a balance that allows them to prosper.