Theme: Through Another Lens

Our mission: to build a platform where students inspire other students. By inviting curious young minds to share their insights, we strive to create a community based on inclusion, thoughtfulness, and open-mindedness.

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At TEDxAlliance Academy Youth, we are driven by the ambition to create a platform for Forsyth County students, educators, and alumni to express their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. Our goal is to inspire our community to think differently, shed light on notions hidden in plain sight, and analyze familiar concepts from novel perspectives.

Gone are the days of motionless speeches behind a podium and cliché anecdotes about success.

We value all presentation styles, including quiet and introspective talks that leverage the beauty of silence and slow movement. You don't have to be a super outgoing extrovert to command the stage. A great talk should engage and inspire the audience, and we welcome unconventional approaches that challenge the status quo!

FoCAL Center
1150 Dahlonega Hwy
Blackbox Theater
Cumming, Georgia, 30040
United States

Charvi Thanakanti

Student and De-Extinction Ethicist

It’s no secret that more and more animals have been going extinct as we humans develop. As a solution to this problem, scientists have mentioned de-extinction for quite a while now. Today, as companies like Colossal have taken on this challenge, we are on the brink of reviving extinct species like the wooly mammoth and passenger pigeon. But before we decide that de-extinction is our saving grace, we have to consider the ethical and ecological implications that it brings. Is de-extinction a way to restore ecosystems and advance scientific knowledge? Or is it a diversion from conservation efforts? The goal of this talk isn’t to impose on you a right way of thinking, but rather, allow you to ponder what view you take on this controversial topic, because the future of our planet is in our hands.

Diya Yadav

Student and Spoken Word Poet

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, Diya Yadav takes the TED stage to shed light on the profound impact of digital devices on our lives. In her powerful poem, "Oops, I forgot my phone," she delves into the addiction, isolation, and disconnection that technology can breed. With eloquent verses, she explores how we trade bright, human connections for the digital spotlight, where followers equate to popularity and personal connections become scarce. Diya's poem strikes a chord with her audience, challenging the ubiquitous presence of screens and the erosion of genuine interactions in a chronically online world. She encourages us to reclaim our lost time and reconnect with the beauty of reality, reminding us that our true experiences happen beyond the screen.

Paul Kim

SOC Analyst at Frigid Security Solutions

"Why pick a door lock when you could just take the hinges off?" In his talk, Paul Kim, an alumni from Alliance Academy's Cybersecurity Pathway will explore how the bad guys exploit physical vulnerabilities to break into everyday items, and what you can do to keep your stuff safe.

Ritisha Lingampally

Student, Wearables Researcher, and Mental Health Advocate

In a world where wearable technology is advancing rapidly, the rise in mental health challenges often leaves individuals seeking answers. What if the true solution doesn't rest solely with those affected? In this thrilling TED Talk, Ritisha takes you on an adventure into the future of the human mind and the boundless possibilities of wearable technology to transform mental health care. The audience is taken on a journey through the power of wearables to track, predict, and support individuals with mental health conditions. By shifting the focus to the role of technology, we can reduce stigma, offer early interventions, and create a more inclusive and supportive world for those facing mental health challenges.It's time to redefine the narrative on mental health. Join us for an eye-opening and empowering discussion that might just change the way you think about this important topic.

Sheil Dharan

Student and Former NASA Ames Research Intern

While the mainstream lens of space views it as something unimportant, Sheil’s speech takes you on a cosmic journey, urging you to rediscover the wonder, beauty, and profound meaning of space. From mind-boggling facts about the vastness of the universe to the mysteries of dark energy and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, you'll embark on a voyage that rekindles a fascination with the cosmos. By exploring the role of space in human history, mythology, and modern science, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for our place in the grand narrative of the universe, leaving you inspired to embrace the enduring mystery that connects us all.

Sritan Chiluka

Student and Longtermist Advocate

"An average mammalian species lives for 1 million years...Proportionally, considering an average human's lifespan, humanity is only 13 years old." Sritan Chiluka is an enthusiast dedicated to the longevity and prosperity of humanity. He believes that we are in a crucial time in history where we can have an extraordinary impact on billions of lives in the future, which drives him to share this insight with others.

Zain Khan

Student and Echo Chamber Investigator

Ever feel like you're caught in a digital bubble, surrounded by voices that only echo your own? Zain’s Talk unveils the enigmatic world of echo chamber paradoxes. Beyond the cliché of individual choices, he delves into the powerful, often unconscious impact of cognitive bias that isolates us in these chambers. Zain's talk uncovers the perils of echo chambers and how they jeopardize our collective ability to address global challenges. With actionable steps to shatter these confinements, Zain encourages curiosity and the embrace of diverse thought. Join him in this riveting exploration to redefine your perspective on "human error" while breaking free from the echo chamber's grip.