Theme: This Is My Year!

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).

Indepence High School Auditorium
10555 Independence Pkwy
Enter through the auditorium doors
Frisco, Texas, 75035
United States

Anika Sumeet

IHS Student

Anika Sumeet is currently a junior at Independence HS. She sought to become a TEDx speaker because she’s deeply passionate about computer science and AI, TEDx being the ideal platform to share her passion with a wider audience. She wants to challenge assumptions and spark deeper conversations about technology and our future. At this event she will be speaking on “The Invisible Influence of AI” – how algorithms subtly guide people’s choices without them realizing. Her goal is to spark greater awareness of AI, encourage intentional decision making, and inspire curiosity about the systems within each of our lives. In her personal life, she’s passionate about business, music, debate, and computer science. After high school she plans on pursuing a career in business and computer science, where she can apply technology to real-world challenges.

Avika Changede

IHS Student

Avika Changede is a freshman at Independence. She was inspired by previous TEDx talks as she believes they spread important messages and became a TEDx speaker to be part of a platform where she could do the same. Her speech is about Greek Mythology and how they connect to stereotypes and tropes often seen in modern media and literature. She found it interesting how these tropes are similar, if not the same, as the ones reflected in mythology. She seeks to explain how the usage of stereotypes in media has affected people’s perceptions of others. Avika is passionate about understanding and connecting with people. She also enjoys music. After high school she dreams of majoring in Psychology or Political science and, from there, go on to law school.

Cameron Buen-Haroon

IHS Student

Cameron Buen-Haroon is a senior here at Independence HS. She became a TEDx speaker because she truly believes that one’s voice is a powerful weapon of information. Over the past few months, TEDx has given her the confidence to speak out loud to groups of people all the while keeping them informed. She will be speaking about “How Love Has Changed Since British Literature” as she loves discussing morals, societal views, and how authors present roles within relationships. She is passionate about performing on stage, whether it be dancing, color guard, acting, or even just speaking in front of an audience. After graduation, she plans on going to Texas State University to study Criminology as well as Pre-Law. There, she still plans on continuing her passion by joining their color guard team.

Mehek Saini

IHS Student

Mehek Saini is currently a sophomore at Independence HS. She wanted to become a TEDx speaker to learn how to initiate change through speaking. She saw IndyTEDx as an incredible opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and explore her potential as a public speaker. At this event, she will be speaking about manifestation and how to achieve things in one’s life. She seeks to debunk the misrepresentation about manifestation within the media and simplify this topic, making it applicable to diverse audiences. Mehek is passionate about driving people towards change and hopes people keep an open mind in order to mold the world into a better place. After high school, she hopes to attend university and explore a career in international law and politics.

Siva Lalasa Tumuluru

IHS Student

Lalasa Tumuluru is a sophomore at Independence HS. She became a TEDx speaker because she believes in the power of sharing ideas that can change lives. She’s always admired how TEDx talks inspire people, giving her the chance to step out of her comfort zone and speak about something meaningful to her. The topic of her speech is “Quieting the Mind: A Path to Better Mental Health”. She chose this topic because she’s personally experienced how overwhelming thoughts and stress can be, especially as a teenager in today’s fast-paced world. She wants to show others that, through meditation, quieting the mind is an important and accessible way to care for mental health. In her own life, she is passionate about books, art, and mental health awareness. After high school, she plans to attend college and later pursue medical school, where she hopes to specialize in cardiology. Her ultimate goal is to become a cardiologist.

Sreshta Kotti

IHS Student

Sreshta Kotti is a sophomore at Independence HS. She has always found it meaningful to share her words with the world, especially on a stage, leading her to become a TEDx speaker. She wishes to create a space for audiences to think differently or go home with a new lesson learned. Through TEDx, she’s been able to step outside of her comfort zone and thrive in unimaginable ways. At this event, she will be speaking about the “10,000 Hour Myth: What Mastery Really Takes”. She decided to speak about this topic because she wants the audience to know that anything is achievable with true effort. She’s passionate about tennis, which she’s been playing for 8 years, and plans on pursuing a career in Computer Science after high school.