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).

Milpitas High School Theatre
1285 Escuela Pkwy
Milpitas, California, 95035
United States

Aaron Golub

First Legally Blind Division 1 Football Athlete

Aaron became the first legally blind athlete to play football in a Division 1 game when he was at Tulane University. He was a captain in his senior year, and went on to also become an NFL free agent. Aaron never let his limited vision get in the way of his success. Aaron’s grit, determination and effort enabled him to earn a spot on the Tulane team, and the respect of his teammates, coaches and fans. Aaron began playing football in seventh grade and worked extremely hard to get where he is today. His goal is to show others that it doesn’t matter what they are fighting or what their perceived limitations are; anything is achievable with hard work and tuning out the judgment of others. His planning, passion and perseverance enables him to be successful. Aaron has paved the way for others with disabilities, and shown that the impossible is possible.

Isabella He

Entrepreneur, Neurodiversity Advocate, and High School Junior

Isabella He is a high school junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, CA, and the founder and President of SN Inclusion, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training (career-technical education) to neurodiverse individuals to support them in the workforce. She is also a co-founder of AUesome, a social enterprise that provides at-home therapy kits to children with autism to provide support during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits in neurodiversity advocacy and support, she is an intern at the Stanford Neurodiversity Project and a dedicated volunteer and program coordinator at FCSN.

Sania Khiljee

Entrepreneur, Author and Influencer

Sania Khiljee is an entrepreneur, author, and influencer with over 1 million followers. More importantly, she is a Muslim, Pakistani-American wife, mother, daughter, and friend, and it is the intersectionality of these roles that fuel her voice as a storyteller @SaniaKhiljee.

Zina Patel

Bioengineering Major at UCSD

Zina Patel is a Bioengineering major at UC San Diego and has recently gotten into the plant-based movement. She is currently leading the Plant-based Community on campus and working with administrators to establish a residential space that focuses on environmentalism and sustainability. She also serves on the UC Green New Deal food policy committee to increase sustainable plant-based options on all UC campuses. Due to her found interest in public health policy and diet, she has become an international public health researcher at the University of Liverpool, and hopes to one day become a plant-based health physician.