Paula Geraldina Avila Sasvín

Educator/Teacher

I am an educator and academic leader with 24 years of experience in teaching and a strong commitment to lifelong learning, educational innovation, and human development. I hold a degree in English Language Teaching, a bachelor's degree in Applied Linguistics with a specialization in Language Teaching Methodology, and a Master's degree in Leadership and Management of Educational Institutions. Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary people, witnessing their growth, and helping them discover the power of communicating in a second language. These experiences have taught me that every student who enters a classroom has unique potential, valuable perspectives, and a promising future. Eight years ago, I began my journey in educational leadership, serving as an assistant, coordinator, and vice principal before becoming an Academic Director. Today, I lead educational teams with the conviction that leadership is not simply about directing others, but about inspiring, empowering, and creating opportunities for people to grow. I believe that education goes beyond academic achievement. It is about nurturing empathy, building confidence, and helping people discover what they are capable of becoming. My purpose is to be a positive light in the lives of those I lead and to contribute, one person at a time, to a more compassionate and inspiring world.

I am passionate about teaching, empowering teenagers, and leading educational teams that believe in the transformative power of education. One of the things I enjoy most is creating opportunities for young people to discover their voices, develop their confidence, and express their ideas. As an educational leader, I find great fulfillment in guiding teams, encouraging collaboration, and helping teachers discover new ways to make learning meaningful. I believe that when educators feel supported, inspired, and valued, they are better equipped to make a lasting difference in their students' lives. I enjoy exploring how people think, learn, and grow, and how we can create environments where everyone feels empowered to become a better version of themselves. Ultimately, I am passionate about making a difference, whether by inspiring a student to believe in their abilities, helping a teacher discover new possibilities, or supporting a colleague through a challenge. For me, the greatest achievement is seeing people realize that they are capable of more than they imagined.

Empathy and leadership can change the future, one young person at a time. I believe that the future of our world depends not only on what young people know, but also on who they become. We need a generation of leaders who can listen before judging, understand perspectives different from their own, and make decisions guided by empathy, integrity, and purpose. Empathy is not a weakness; it is a strength that allows us to build meaningful connections, resolve conflicts, and recognize the humanity in others. Leadership, in turn, is not about having power over people, but about using our influence to help others grow. When we teach young people to understand themselves, value others, think critically, and lead with compassion, we give them the tools to transform their communities and shape a better future. My idea worth spreading is simple: "We do not need to wait for young people to become adults to prepare them to change the world. We can empower them today to become the empathetic, courageous, and purposeful leaders our world needs tomorrow."

Educational Leadership and Management Empathy and Human-Centered Leadership Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development English Language Teaching

My TED journey began with curiosity and inspiration. I discovered TED Talks through social media, where I watched speakers explore topics such as leadership, empathy, metacognition, and personality. I was fascinated by the power of ideas to challenge perspectives, spark reflection, and inspire people to see the world differently. Several years ago, the school I lead introduced a Public Speaking course. As students developed their communication skills and gained confidence in expressing their ideas, their enthusiasm for sharing meaningful messages continued to grow. This interest eventually led our English Coordinator to bring the school into the TED-Ed program in 2021, opening a new door for our students to explore their passions and share ideas worth spreading. This is the second year we host our TED event at the Dick Smith theater, and every edition fills me with pride. Listening to our students speak about topics that matter to them, share their personal perspectives, and communicate their ideas in a second language reminds me why I chose education as my life's work. What makes this experience especially meaningful is watching young people discover that their voices matter. They are not simply learning how to speak in public; they are learning to think critically, question assumptions, express their identities, and connect with others through ideas. Being part of this journey has strengthened my belief that schools should be places where curiosity is encouraged, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and young people are empowered to become agents of positive change. My TED story is still being written. As an educator and academic leader, I hope to continue creating opportunities for students to find their voices, for teachers to inspire new possibilities, and for ideas to become the starting point of meaningful change. Because when we give young people the confidence to speak, the courage to think differently, and the opportunity to be heard, we do more than prepare them for the future. We empower them to shape it. And that is an idea worth spreading.

listening beyond words and helping people see things from a different perspective. I enjoy creating a safe space where people feel heard, understood, and valued. Sometimes, people do not need someone to give them all the answers; they need someone who will listen without judgment, ask the right questions, and help them discover their own answers. I believe that a thoughtful conversation can open doors to new possibilities, challenge limiting beliefs, and inspire meaningful change. One of the most rewarding experiences is helping someone recognize their strengths, reconsider a situation, and find the motivation to become the best version of themselves. For me, listening is more than a skill. It is an act of empathy and one of the most powerful ways we can lead, support, and transform lives.