Theme: Breakthrough

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).

North Creek High School
3613 191st Pl SE, Bothell, WA 98012
Bothell, Washington, 98021
United States

Aayushi Kumar

Singer

Aayushi Kumar is a sophomore at Interlake High School with a passion for music. This includes singing, writing, producing, and playing the piano. As she continues to work on her music, Aayushi is planning to release her first single. Along with this, she will be performing at Carnegie Hall this June and is working on a nonprofit music project. Her major goal is to pursue contemporary music as a career and really get her music to be heard.

Akash Gujjar

Student of Technology

Akash Gujjar is a 17 year old student at North Creek High School in Bothell, Washington. His passion is exploring the role technology plays in our current society as well as how to increase its outreach in more isolated parts of the world. He is the president of his school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter and is involved in clubs including Technology Student Association. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, and posting pictures of the food he cooks on his @OriginalIndianFood instagram account. After high school, he plans on pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Estella Xu

Bassoonist

Estella Xu is a sophomore at Interlake High School and is passionate about learning different instruments and genres. She plays bassoon, piano, saxophone, and clarinet. In addition, she participates in the Interlake High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, and various solo festivals. In the community, Estella helps build music projects and volunteers for music education organizations. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in bassoon performance and create connections to music through film and social media.

Sarah Raza

Founder and CEO of Aware

Sarah Raza founded a nonprofit called Aware to support students with special needs through the formation of genuine friendships among students of all neurodiversity. Aware does the much-needed work of advocating for students with special needs through high school and middle school chapters and workshops for elementary school students. In addition, Sarah has been a Bank of America Student Leader, volunteer for the U.S. Special Olympics, Ashoka Young Changemaker, and Coca Cola Scholar.

Savitha Srinivasan

CEO of Art You and She Codes Art

Savitha Srinivasan is a student at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington. She cofounded Art You with her sister to showcase and raise awareness about classical and cultural art forms. Through Art You, she runs lecture-demonstrations and annual art showcases and supports underprivileged students with art kits. Recently, she created a nonprofit called She Codes Art, which strives to empower minorities in STEM using art. She is also involved in classical Indian dance and robotics/intelligent machines research.

Tess Zhao

Entrepreneur & Fashion Executive

Tess Zhao is an entrepreneur and expert on the luxury industry and high net worth clients. She has been an executive in fashion e-commerce, head of global client development at Harry Winston Diamond, media spokesperson for Jaguar Cars China, and a financial news reporter at China's largest TV network, CCTV. Tess completed her undergraduate studies at Shanghai's Fudan University and her MBA at Columbia Business School. She has traveled to 28 countries in 5 continents (and counting) for business, leisure, and delicious seafood. Tess founded HNW Academy to guide businesspeople that sell to high net worth clients. In everything, Tess seeks to empower doers and travelers to embrace their unique nature and make dreams happen.

Tiya Proctor-Floyd

Writer and Student Leader

Tiya Proctor-Floyd is passionate about using writing to make people stop and think about what she has to say – essentially using the power of writing for social justice. She is currently working on a full-length novel. In addition, she is heavily involved in student government. Over the years, she has learned that true leadership means having your ear to the ground and listening to the people through service instead of grand projects with specific direction or supported purpose. She will study at Yale University in the fall.

Ton Nguyen

Motivator of People

Ton is an experienced Program Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organization industry. He is a strong community and social services professional with an unending drive to see others succeed. His specialities are related to nonprofit organizations, social services, and leadership/community development.

Yvette Kraft

Violinist

16-year-old Yvette Kraft is a homeschooled 10th-grader violinist striving for beauty and excellence through her art. She has distinguished herself at numerous music competitions and opportunities, including performing at Interlochen's Collage, playing with the Spokane Symphony, and receiving the festival medal at Seattle Young Artist Music Festival to perform with Philharmonia Northwest. She has had lessons with renowned violinists Augustin Hadelich, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Shlomo Mintz, Vadim Gluzman, and Ilya Kaler among others. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing with her dog, baking vegan desserts, and researching Christianity. She hopes to play violin professionally and to add an oasis of beauty through classical music to a world of utilitarianism.