Theme: Innovators of Tomorrow: Education for a Changing World

"Innovators of Tomorrow: Strength-Based Learning and the Power of Potential" is a groundbreaking TEDx event designed to spotlight the extraordinary achievements that can emerge from a strength-based approach to education. This event celebrates the remarkable ways in which children and young adults, especially those identified as twice-exceptional, harness their unique talents and interests to innovate, create, and lead in their communities and beyond.

By focusing on what students do best, we unlock a treasure trove of creativity, problem-solving, and leadership that traditional education models often overlook. "Innovators of Tomorrow" brings together forward-thinking educators, students who are breaking the mold, psychologists, and advocates for cognitive diversity, all sharing their insights and stories of triumph and innovation.

Attendees will leave inspired by tales of young inventors, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs who, through the support of a strength-based learning environment, have not only excelled academically but have also made significant contributions to their fields of interest. This TEDx event is not just a celebration of achievements; it's a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to rethink the way we educate our children, ensuring a future where every student's potential is recognized and nurtured.

Join us to discover how focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators. Witness firsthand the incredible things our kids can do when their education aligns with their passions and strengths. "Innovators of Tomorrow" is more than an event; it's the beginning of a movement towards a more inclusive, empowering, and innovative educational landscape.

Bridges Academy Seattle
2706 S Jackson St
Theater
Seattle, Washington, 98144
United States

Alice Barton

Animal Psychologist

My name is Alice Barton, and I’m a tenth-grade student at Bridges Academy. With over 100 hours of volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, I've developed a deep passion for animal care and welfare. As I prepare for college next year, I plan to study biology and statistics, driven by my commitment to improving the treatment of animals, particularly in scientific research.

Elara Horwood

Student

Bridges Academy Seattle Student

Harry Stevenson

Finance Expert

Harry Stevenson is a 9th grade student at Oakwood Friends School and founder of the school’s finance club. As well as a Young Expert Program badge recipient and 2-time TEDxYouth speaker, he is a devoted distance runner, mathlete, stocktrader, and represented his school at Model United Nations as well as the Academic WorldQuest competition. He is learning several programming languages through Harvard’s CS50 courses, and is passionate about technology and education. This summer, Harry will be headed to Philadelphia to partake in the Wharton Global Youth program. Follow him on Twitter @Harrys_Insight

Rose Gatins

Education Inclusion Advocate

Rose Gatins is an 8th-grade student at Bridges Academy's Seattle. Her diverse interests and passion for understanding intelligence shine through in her TED Talk, which explores the concept of Multiple Intelligences and the varied strengths people possess. In her talk, Rose challenges the conventional educational focus on academic skills, often termed "book smarts." She argues that intelligence is multifaceted and extends far beyond traditional academic achievements. Rose provides a fresh perspective on how individuals have unique strengths and face distinct challenges, asserting that struggles within the traditional education system do not equate to a lack of intelligence. Rose's presentation aims to expand the audience's understanding of twice-exceptionality and the limitations of the current education system. She highlights how the system often caters to a narrow segment of students

Sidney Welsh

Artist and Amateur Linguist

Sidney Welsh is an artist and amateur linguist from Seattle, WA. They have worked on immersive, otherworldly worldbuilding projects through a variety of media, and have experience in history, language creation, technology, art, religion, writing, music, and more. They previously presented their constructed language Khơlīvh Ɯr at the 10th biennial Language Creation Conference, the world’s foremost gathering of language creators. They are actively contributing to the revitalization of Lushootseed, a Critically Endangered language of the Pacific Northwest, by writing the language’s first modern reference grammar. Through countless lenses—artistic and scientific, amateur and professional—they are able to describe their work in an insightful and engaging manner that encourages the audience to try their hand at worldbuilding. As one of the field’s experts, Sidney is someone who is as passionate to inspire others as for their own work.