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).

Dixon Hall
Newcomb Cir
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
United States

Advaith Subramanian

Advaith is a student at Tulane University from Dallas, Texas, double majoring in Political Economy and Asian Studies on the pre-med track. His passions bridge science, policy, and global health—with research ranging from computational chemistry to cilia’s role in stress response and improving tuberculosis diagnosis abroad. Outside the lab and classroom, he empowers young students through local STEM initiatives, and somehow still finds time to train for a half marathon. When he’s not studying or running, you might find him playing frisbee or exploring the streets of New Orleans. Please join me in welcoming Advaith.

Amy C. Sims

Amy is the President and Executive Director of Fill the Needs, a disaster relief organization that has mobilized volunteers and resources across the country for nearly two decades. A proud graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, Amy has worn many hats: entrepreneur, radio host, culinary storyteller—but perhaps her most defining role is that of a relentless doer in times of crisis. Today, she brings us a powerful message about what it means to start over, and how the most disruptive moments in life can also reveal our deepest strength.

Hannah Bajaj

Hannah Bajaj is a student at Tulane University, double majoring in Neuroscience and Computer Science on the pre-medical track. She is the co-founder of Sundara, an AI-powered menstrual health platform that integrates machine learning and holistic wellness to improve healthcare accessibility. At Tulane’s Brain Institute, Hannah researches neural reprogramming for ALS to restore motor function in affected neurons, aiming to unlock new treatment avenues for this debilitating disease. With a keen interest in maternal health, she also leads clinical research studying heart rate variability in pregnant mothers as a biomarker for pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, leveraging technologies to analyze patient health data. Passionate about healthcare innovation, Hannah is dedicated to integrating technology with patient-centered medical solutions to transform healthcare delivery.

Jillian Zambon

Dr. Jillian Zambon is a healthcare executive with experience at Dartmouth, Fresenius, and Mercy Hospital. She holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, specializing in healthcare administration, and has expertise in product and project management in healthcare IT. She is a U.S. Navy veteran who won Season 6 of The Blox entrepreneurial competition and is a two-time best-selling author. Dr. Zambon enjoys fitness, traveling, and volunteering for the Uyeno Foundation, which supports mental health and education. She has shared stages with notable figures like Dave Seymour (Flipping Boston) and collaborated with entrepreneurs like Wes Bergmann (The Challenge).

Nick Nickolson

Dr. Nicholson opened the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery in North Texas more than 20 years ago. Today, the Nicholson Clinic is the country’s premier destination for weight loss. Dr. Nicholson has helped over 25,000 patients from all 50 states and 11 countries. But his impact goes beyond his patients and their successful outcomes. His contributions to bariatrics make him one of the most prominent figures in the field.

Nysa Bhat

Nysa Bhat is from Palo Alto, California, pursuing a double major in Cellular And molecular biology and computer science on the pre-medical track. She is actively involved in research at Tulane, working in the Kolls Lab to develop a vaccine aimed at protecting against pneumonia. She also works at the University Medical Center as a clinical assistant on trauma research, contributing to one of the largest Department of Defense-funded clinical trials. Nysa is the president of the Tulane chapter of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, where she leads outreach efforts to raise awareness about lung health and early detection.

Patrick Kalenzi

Born to Rwandese refugee parents and raised amid war, segregation, and hardship in Uganda, Dr. Patrick Kalenzi’s life has been defined by resilience. Guided by his grandfather's wisdom and a shared love for animals, he pursued veterinary medicine at Makerere University—one of Africa’s top institutions. After relocating to the U.S., he earned his American licensure and now owns Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Colorado. But Dr. Kalenzi’s journey doesn’t end in the exam room—he is a passionate storyteller, advocate for human rights, and voice for the voiceless.