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).

Rancho Cordova City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Dr
Rancho Cordova, California, 95670
United States

Aishwarya Annamalai

Aishwarya Annamalai is a hardworking, ambitious, caring freshman at Folsom High School. She performed her solo Indian classical Bharatanatyam Arangetram at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom when she was thirteen. She is a rising speech and debate star and has won several middle school and novice level high school tournaments, and a finalist at state level. She’s taken a keen liking to tutoring and conducting summer camps for young kids. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting for friends and plays tennis.

Connor Doherty

Connor Doherty is a history buff who closely follows current events, turning his interest in today’s drug landscape into an educational book, The Teen Drug Guide: What? Why? … and Why Not? Through public speaking, sharing the joy of music with piano performance, or simply learning the language of new countries that he visits, Connor is passionate about fostering human connection and helping others do the same. Connor is a freshman at Granite Bay High School and is an avid traveler, tennis player, and speech & debate participant, taking home the gavel for Top Overall Speaker at his last debate tournament. He is honored to be a part of the TEDx community and hopes his message can motivate people to type less and talk more!

Dr. Meena Julapalli

Dr. Meena Julapalli is a pediatric dermatologist in Houston, TX, and a joyologist in the school of life — one whose calling is to help people discover, cultivate, and share the joy of their unique gifts. She is also a mindset coach for kids, Reiki master, world explorer (she has been to all 7 continents, all 50 states), avid hiker, meditator, sound healer/instrumentalist, and amateur swing dancer.

Ganeev Kaur

Ganeev Kaur is a talented 12 year old girl attending 7th grade at Rolling Hills Middle school. She helps her community through volunteering, and donating. Outside of school she enjoys volleyball, speech and debate, extra math curriculums and is reaching for her silver award in Girl Scouts. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her brother and her dog. She loves creating new friendships, meeting new people, and learning new things.

Heidi Spantzel

Heidi, a dedicated sophomore, goes beyond her own passion for STEM to inspire, and teach children through her classes. Her love for STEM is evident from her top placements in international competitions such as Cyberpatriot, National Cyber League(5/600), Space Grand Challenge(1st), and California Mayors Cup(2nd). Since 2020 Heidi has devoted countless hours to teaching over 8 online STEM classes to diverse students worldwide, sometimes targeting those with disabilities, and those in underserved communities. Class sizes reached an average of 80 students per session! More recently, Heidi has focused on bringing STEM to her school by establishing the first STEM afterschool program, on competitive robotics.

Maile Zeng

Maile Zeng is a rising senior at Granite Bay High-school. She is passionate about advocacy especially in the realm of women empowerment and collaboration amongst the youth, a huge part of the our goal with this TEDx event. She is a well established speaker serving numerous leadership positions on her speech and debate team and winning the CA state championship for her original oratory in 2023. Aside from all her academic endeavors she enjoys a renaissance of activities including dance, basketball and flag football.

Manya Maddi

Manya Maddi is a talented dancer, and National ranked debate speaker. She is currently 14 years old, and loves being creative and expressive. Whether by choreographing dances, or writing speeches! Manya also enjoys teaching her passions to others. She likes meeting new people and learning new things!

Meher Mathur

Meher Mathur is a 7th grader at Winston Churchill Middle School who loves writing stories. She currently is an author who has three of her own published books, two part of her own series, and maintains a website for all her stories called m-tales.com. She loves swimming (On Broadstone Barracudas Team), dancing, playing basketball and is excited to deliver her speech on being the hero of your own story.

Mihir Singla

Mihir Singla is a freshman at Granite Bay High School. Mihir has had a natural inclination towards speech writing and public speaking since childhood. His interest in this area has led him to win the Young Sharks competition grant for his school in grade 4, become a member of the National Youth Leadership Forum in grade 5, win multiple district STEAM fairs, and receive the Kiwanis Hope of America award in grade 8. Mihir is also a Davidson Young scholar and had the privilege to deliver the graduation speech at Cavitt Jr. high school. Outside of school, Mihir enjoys cross-country running, and horse riding. But, his favorite pastime is spending time with his family.

Mythri Santosh

Mythri Santosh is an energetic 8th grader whose commitment to artistic expression and personal growth shines through her diverse interests. As an engaged member of the Sutter Middle School speech club, she hones her public speaking skills and participates in thought-provoking discussions. On the volleyball court, since she was 7yrs old, she demonstrates her teamwork and agility through competitive play. Her passion for the arts is evident in her dedication to playing the piano and her exploration of the rich cultural tradition of Bharatanatyam dance, which she has pursued for the past 8 years. Additionally, Mythri's love for traveling and baking for friends and family underscores her creative spirit and desire to connect with others. This blend of activities reflects her multifaceted talents and her dedication to enriching both her own life and the lives of those around her.

Sanvika Pasumarthi

Sanvika Pasumarthi, grade 6, is an enthusiastic and talented individual with a strong passion for speech and debate. She shines in speech and debate, impressing people with her eloquence, sharp wit, and compelling arguments. Outside of these interests, her hobbies include playing tennis and reading.

Varenya Cheruku

Varenya Cheruku is an empathetic and confident 8th grader with a passion for making a positive impact. She loves singing and has been doing so for 8 years. Her dedication extends to speech and debate, where her team has achieved national recognition. Varenya is part of a small summer business that supports local charities and has recently started teaching children to debate for free. She is eager to spread her message and open her mind to new perspectives!