Ava Etminan

Activist, Concerned citizen, Explorer, Idea generator, Student

Ava Etminan is an undergraduate student at the University of Tehran, pursuing a degree in Customs Management. With a distinguished academic background in mathematics, science, and international competitions, she brings analytical thinking to complex global issues. Beyond academics, Ava is passionate about sustainability, youth empowerment, and intercultural exchange. As the Executive Coordinator and Head of Public Relations at TEDxTehranUniversity, she oversees strategic communication, event execution, and audience engagement—ensuring the TEDx platform inspires meaningful conversations. Her leadership extends to managing her university's student council and actively volunteering with NGOs focused on environmental action and social impact. Driven by curiosity and purpose, Ava has served as an interpreter at international expos, participated in elite programs like Kashef under Iran’s National Elites Foundation, and represented youth voices in platforms such as UNICEF’s Junior Ambassador initiative. She thrives at the intersection of ethics, innovation, and global cooperation—working to challenge discrimination and encourage civic responsibility.

I’m really passionate about connecting people and ideas in a way that feels real and meaningful. I care a lot about fairness and making sure everyone, especially young people, gets a chance to be heard and make a difference. Sustainability isn’t just something I talk about — it’s something I try to live every day, by respecting nature and the people around me. I love being involved in projects that help people feel seen and understood. Whether that’s organizing events like TEDx, volunteering for causes I believe in, or just being there for someone who needs to talk — for me, those connections matter the most. At the end of the day, what drives me is turning kindness and care into real action, and helping build communities that are more open, inclusive, and just plain kinder.

My name is Ava Etminan. I’m a 20-year-old student from Tehran, but more than anything else, I see myself as a listener, a connector, and someone who deeply cares. I’ve always believed that kindness is not a weakness — it’s a form of wisdom. It’s the kind of wisdom that listens before it speaks, that notices what others walk past, and that dares to remain soft in a world that can feel too sharp. I'm currently studying Customs Management at the University of Tehran, but the most important lessons I’ve learned haven’t been from textbooks — they’ve come from people. From walking through student dorms and hearing untold stories. From organizing events that gave others a stage to speak their truths. From watching how young voices can shape real conversations when someone finally listens. Whether I’m interpreting at an international expo, leading the student council, or helping clean a jungle trail with an NGO, I show up with the same intention: to bring humanity back to the center of every system — whether it’s trade, education, or leadership. I want to make spaces softer. Fairer. More open. I care deeply about sustainability, inclusion, and the future of our planet — not as hashtags or headlines, but as everyday realities. I’ve seen how small acts of awareness can change a community, how honest conversations about race, gender, and age can shift hearts. And I’ve learned that young people aren’t just the future — we are the *now*. We carry ideas that matter, voices that shake walls, and questions that deserve to be heard. My idea worth spreading? That being kind is a revolutionary act. That empathy can be a form of leadership. That change starts with the courage to care — really care. So here I am — still learning, still growing, still hoping — and forever committed to leaving every space warmer than I found it.

Adaptability & Multitasking, Cross-Cultural & Multilingual Communication, Ethical Advocacy & Social Impact, Public Relations & Event Management, Public Speaking & Persuasive Communication, Youth Leadership & Peer Engagement

My TED story is about challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone. Being part of TEDxTehranUniversity introduced me to a completely new environment — one full of inspiring ideas, passionate people, and the excitement of sharing meaningful stories. It wasn’t always easy; organizing events and speaking in front of a crowd pushed me to grow in confidence and improve my communication skills. This experience taught me the importance of preparation, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. I also learned how powerful it is to connect with others who care deeply about making a positive impact. TED opened a door to new perspectives and helped me find my own voice in a supportive and creative space. Overall, it was a rewarding journey of personal growth, new friendships, and discovering how sharing ideas can truly inspire change.

People don’t always realize this about me, but one thing I’m really good at — maybe better than I get credit for — is noticing those tiny, quiet details that most people don’t even think about. It’s not about being perfect or obsessive, honestly. It’s more like this gentle care I have inside, this deep need to make things feel right and meaningful. Whether I’m organizing an event, working on a project, or just trying to help someone out, I naturally pay attention to the little things — the way a space feels, how people are interacting, if something might be missing or out of place. I think that’s because I care so much about the people and the outcome, and I want everything to feel connected and thoughtful. Those small details might seem tiny, but to me, they hold the power to change the whole experience — to make people feel more comfortable, seen, and valued. I don’t always say it out loud, but that’s the part of me that quietly works behind the scenes. Another thing people might not notice right away is how well I juggle a million things at once. Life gets so messy sometimes — classes, student council, volunteering, family, friends, trying to learn new things, taking care of myself — and honestly, it feels like I’m spinning plates all the time. But even in the chaos, I somehow find this strange rhythm, this way to keep everything moving forward. It’s not that I’m a superhero or anything, it’s just that I don’t give up easily. When things get tough, I don’t just stop — I find ways to adjust, to prioritize, to keep going even when I’m exhausted or overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a bit of stubbornness, but I think it’s mostly because I really care about what I’m doing and the people I’m doing it for. So yeah, multitasking isn’t just a skill for me — it’s a survival tool, a way to stay grounded when everything else feels unpredictable. And then, there’s this part of me that not everyone sees — the part that’s really good at standing up for what I believe in. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it means speaking up when no one else will, or pushing for things that aren’t popular or comfortable. But I’ve learned that if I don’t stand up, if I don’t try to make things better, then I’m letting down not just myself but everyone who’s counting on change. I’m not saying I’m perfect at it or that I never doubt myself, but I know that being true to my values — fairness, equality, respect, kindness — is what keeps me going. And even when it’s scary or exhausting, I try to be brave, because I believe that’s how real change starts: by having the courage to speak your truth, even when it’s hard. Finally, people don’t always realize how much I care about bringing people together and making sure everyone feels heard. It’s more than just organizing or leading — for me, it’s about creating spaces where people can be themselves without fear, where their voices matter, and where connection happens naturally. I believe that connection is the heart of everything — it’s how we understand each other, how we build trust, and how we find the courage to face challenges together. I want to be someone who helps build that kind of community — where no one feels invisible or alone, where kindness and respect aren’t just words but ways of living. That’s what drives me every day, and it’s why I do what I do.