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).

Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center
321 Golf Club Rd
Pleasant Hill, California, 94523
United States

Aitana Sahni

Aitana is a second-year student at DVC and President of Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honors Society, where she and her team bring industry leaders to community colleges to foster career success and peer-to-peer mentorship. Outside of DVC, she teaches violin and is dedicated to expanding access to music for young children across the bay.

Bryan Nguyen

Bryan Nguyen is a data science major with experience in software engineering and deep learning research. Although work in tech is essential, Bryan acknowledges the importance of student advocacy by leading movements to make higher education more accessible for students across community colleges. Bryan’s work emphasizes the need for creative thinking, and today in his talk, The Innovation Equation, he shares how STEM majors like him need creativity more than ever to succeed in their jobs and even save humanity.

Floris Brussaard

Floris Jan Philippe Brussaard is an international Dutch student who grew up in a single-parent household in Amsterdam, where money was tight and community meant everything. From a young age, he saw how easily families like his could fall through the cracks and how powerful it was when someone stepped in to help. That understanding led him to work with Single Supermom, a grassroots nonprofit supporting single parents across the Netherlands. There, he helped write grants, build programs, and navigate the uncomfortable truth that many nonprofits are celebrated more for being frugal than for being effective. In his TEDx talk, “The Nonprofit Paradox,” he invites us to rethink how we measure impact and why true generosity means allowing organizations to grow, take risks, and lead with vision. Through lived experience and hands-on work, he brings a grounded voice to one of the most urgent conversations in the world of giving.

Genevieve Bullio

Gena Bullio is a student at Diablo Valley College and a philosophy major on the Pre-Law track. She is the president of DVC’s Investment Society, and an English tutor dedicated to promoting financial literacy for Bay Area youth.

Juan Pablo (JP) Miranda

Juan Pablo (JP) Miranda is a former national fencer from Peru who moved to California in 2022. Having grown up across six countries, he brings a global, cross-cultural perspective to everything he does. JP is currently a student at Diablo Valley College and will transfer to UC Berkeley as a Political Economy major. A dedicated student leader and change-maker, he serves as Vice President of the DVC Wealth Management Club, Senator and Commissioner of Parliamentary Procedure in student government, and is deeply engaged in student life. He is also the co-founder of SPARK Academy, a nonprofit that provides free STEM education to underserved students in Lima. JP is passionate about innovation, global development, and education, and is driven by a commitment to building inclusive communities and expanding opportunity across borders.

Luismario Fernandez Hernandez

My name is Luismario Fernandez Hernandez, a 21-year-old son of Mexican immigrant parents, born on July 20, 2003. Growing up, I never saw college in my future—I thought I would go straight into work to support my family. But discovering leadership changed everything. I now serve as President of the Associated Students of Diablo Valley College, representing over 15,000 students, and I’ve advocated for immigrant rights at the National Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. I was also President of Toastmasters International, helping students build confidence. I’m majoring in Civil Engineering and passionate about creating stronger communities. Outside of school, I’ve been boxing since I was six and love swimming and soccer. I’m driven by service, and I believe that where you come from should never limit where you can go.

McKenzie Walleshauser

McKenzie is a first year community college student, business leader, and passionate advocate for economic empowerment. Growing up in a family that relied on public assistance, she experienced firsthand how support systems can change the trajectory of a life. Today, she’s using her voice to challenge the stigma around welfare and inspire others to break cycles of generational poverty.

Mohamed Alderei

Mohamed Alderei is a 21-year-old international student from the UAE who transformed his fear of speaking into a strength. After two years in the military, he moved to the U.S., where language was a major challenge. Through public speaking and leadership, he found his voice. At Diablo Valley College, he’s served as VP of Toastmasters, AGS Membership Chair, and Commissioner of Tech & Outreach. He’s represented 15,000+ students, spoken at the UN Mission of the UAE, and delivered a TEDx talk titled “Language as a Bridge.” For Mohamed, language is how we connect, belong, and lead.

Natalie Mae

Natalie-Mae is a full time college student. She was the Community Service Coordinator for the DVC club Toastmasters International in Spring 2025 and nominated as Best Storyteller Fall 2024 . In Spring 2024, she was part of a performance that translated “The National Anthem” in American Sign Language at graduation. Her passions include swimming, cardio HIIT, crafting, baking, and reading

Nicole Andrea Espinoza

Nicole Espinoza is a first-generation student from Lima, Peru who moved to California in 2023. She studies Business Marketing at Diablo Valley College and will soon transfer to UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Nicole holds multiple leadership roles and has used public speaking to overcome fear and advocate for others—most recently speaking at the 2024 National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. She’s passionate about creating impact through storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.

Nina Liu

Raised in the Philippines, Nina Liu is an ever-curious Business Administration student at DVC. She has supported global e-commerce and market research projects for small businesses at the World Trade Center Northern California, and manages operations while coordinating with diverse teams as a lead at Six Flags. She has also previously run a business of her own for purses and patches, showing her love for design and the expression it offers people to be themselves. Amidst caring for her grandfather and a low-income background, Nina’s passion for social impact and identity expression shows up in mental health advocacy as a co-lead at nonprofit K-Pop for Peace, and an active involvement in cultural clubs to become a supporter for others, showing that no one should be ashamed of who they are.

Taylor James (TJ) Dumlao

TJ Dumlao, a 21-year-old Filipino, spent much of his life playing American Football, earning honors like 1st Team All-League, Defensive MVP, and four years on varsity before a career-ending ACL tear ended his athletic journey. Shifting his focus to student leadership at Diablo Valley College, he now serves as VP of Education for Toastmasters, Student Ambassador for AGS Honor Society, and Commissioner of Activities for the Inter-Club Council, overseeing 70+ organizations and leading major events like Club Day. He also founded the now-statewide Club Olympics, blending friendly competition with club outreach. Drawing from his background in sports, teen counseling, and art instruction, TJ channels his creativity to inspire and empower others.