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).

Chandler Downtown Library
22 S Delaware St.
Chandler, Arizona, 85225
United States

Bhavya Makkar

Nonprofit Founder, Activist

Bhavya Makkar is a senior at BASIS Scottsdale. She is passionate about education equity, healthcare advocacy, and suicide prevention. She is the founder of the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, A Dream And A Pencil, which aims to provide resources to Arizona’s Title I schools. She also volunteers with Teen Lifeline, a peer crisis hotline for teenagers. She is a recipient of the Congressional Award Silver Medal and was named one of the JA 18 Under 18. She is looking forward to speaking for the Arizona Diabetes Association’s Community Spotlight to advocate for insulin price caps. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, singing, and watching video essays.

Devan Amin

Nonprofit Founder, Activist

Devan is a soon-to-be freshman at Dartmouth College. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kids Inspire Difference (aka KID), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to use their privilege to bring attention to larger social justice issues. For the past six years, Devan has competed in Speech and Debate, primarily competing in Original Oratory and Impromptu Speaking. He has spent the last six years advocating for social justice issues that are important to him (immigration reform, mental health among children of immigrants, stereotypes marginalizing vulnerable groups, etc). He is also the leader of his band, Making Treble, and plays alto saxophone and piano. In his free time, Devan enjoys competing in golf tournaments, hiking, biking, and skiing.

Felipe Garcia

Advocate, Activist

Felipe Garcia is an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. He has served as the Vice President of the Governor's Youth Commission, where he reported and advocated for youth mental health at the state and local levels. Garcia is a past recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award and is passionate about service and civic engagement. Occasionally, he can be spotted eating his way through Tucson's food scene.

Georgia Bukata

Researcher, Activist

Georgia, a high school senior from Arizona, is deeply involved in youth preparedness, mental health initiatives, and community service. As a member of Region 9 YPC, she helps plan disaster preparedness events. She led the Mental Health Workgroup project in the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission, introducing mental health clubs to schools. As vice president of her city’s Mayor’s Youth Council, she hosted a youth town hall. Georgia also serves on the National Charity League’s youth advisory council. She volunteers with a local organization supporting children with Down syndrome and is a district governor of Interact District 5495. She aspires to be a physician. In her free time, Georgia enjoys soccer, golf, and baking. She's a dedicated Phoenix Suns fan and was even featured on their Instagram page.

Molly Budhiraja

Nonprofit Founder, Philanthropist

Molly Budhiraja is a 17-year-old senior in high school with a mission - to connect the youth to their community. She created the platform “My Wish for My Community” in an effort to make volunteering equitable and accessible for all. Outside of her community service endeavors, Molly enjoys public policy and history. She is a congressional intern, serves as the Community Impact Officer for Arizona’s Govorner’s Youth Commission, and creates historical documentaries in her free time. Her documentaries have been featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History, Art, and Culture. Molly has been named Arizona’s Junior Achievement 18 under 18 and is a George H.W. Bush Point of Light recipient for her work in the community.

Nathaniel George

Social Entrepreneur, Activist

Nathaniel George is a senior at Brophy College Preparatory who is passionate about business, public policy, and creative writing. He is honored to serve as the Director of The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship and as the recently selected inaugural Maricopa County Youth Poet Laureate, two positions he utilizes to advocate for greater representation of youth entrepreneurs and youth poets across Arizona. Among his awards, Nathaniel has been selected as a Bank of America Student Leader, Junior Achievement of Arizona's 18 Under 18, and School Connect AZ's Student Champion. He is looking forward to his first year on the distinguished Governor's Youth Commission, and in his free time, he enjoys cooking, reading and writing poetry, and binge-watching shows like Suits and Derry Girls.