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).

Thermond Drama Center
20300 Herriman Ave
Saratoga, California, 95070
United States

Andrew Hong

Chess Grandmaster

Andrew is an American chess grandmaster and one of the top chess prodigies in the world. He started playing chess at the age of 7, after being enthralled by a lecture at a local club. From then on his interest quickly blossomed, and in 2012 he began playing competitive tournaments. In 2016, he won the silver medal in the Open U-12 section of the World Youth Chess Championship held in Greece. The following year, he participated in the Match of the Millennials, and was a part of the Young Stars program, working with Former World Champion Garry Kasparov. Andrew earned the International Master title in 2018, and in 2020 scored his last GM norm by winning the Charlotte Labor Day Memorial Tournament. Today, his range of interests include basketball, track and field, drawing, and playing the guitar.

Avik Belenje

Vice Chairperson of Saratoga High School Green Team

Avik Belenje is the vice chairperson of the Green Committee at Saratoga High School. He focuses on reducing the school's energy waste and implementing renewable energy. He enjoys writing poetry, playing badminton, and working on the robotics team.

Emily Wu

Saratoga High School English Teacher

Emily Wu is an English teacher at Saratoga High School. She studied English and Psychology at UC Santa Barbara and received her M.Ed from UCSB's Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. In her free time, she enjoys indoor rock climbing, traveling with friends and family, and hiking mountains. And of course, she loves a good book.

Tina Walia

Council Member Former Mayor, City of Saratoga

Tina Walia was elected to the Saratoga City Council in November 2020 and served as vice mayor for one year before being named Mayor in December 2021. Prior to that, she was appointed to serve on Saratoga’s Planning Commission for more than 10 years, including twice as Chair. She also worked as a volunteer on the City’s Government Operations Climate Action Plan. Tina holds an MBA, MS in Architecture and MS in Strategic Management, all three from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She taught Business Strategy at the university level. She has a diverse professional background, having worked as a Business Analyst in the semiconductor industry and as a Market Researcher in the tech industry. She also worked as an architect and is trained in building economics and feasibility analysis. Saratoga has been home to Tina and her husband, Lakhinder, since 2001. They love walking in the neighborhood, meeting families and their pets.