TEDxYouth@JumeirahCollege

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aarnavi Rewani

  Aarnavi is a 17-year-old who is a hardworking and curious Year 12/13 student. She is drawn to big questions and approaches them with both analytical thinking and empathy. With a strong interest in science, psychology, and the human experience, she enjoys exploring the intersection between data and meaning, logic and emotion. This mindset shapes her approach to learning and fuels her desire to understand not just how things work, but why they matter. Aarnavi examines the evolution of happiness through the lens of anthropology, psychology, and modern life.

• Aditi Karode

  Aditi Karode is a 17-year-old student with an intrinsic passion for computer science, cybersecurity, and digital ethics. A strong advocate for gender equality, she is driven by a necessity to challenge systemic norms.

• Aisha Mahtani

  Aisha Mahtani is a Year 9 student at JC with a deep interest in the effects of technology, media, and AI on the human mind.

• Ali Zain Vakil

  Ali Zain is a Year 7 student at Jumeirah College with a passion for public speaking and storytelling. He believes that meaningful change doesn’t always come from dramatic moments, but from the quiet, consistent efforts we make every day.

• Anika Monga

  Anika Monga is a determined and analytical student at JC. She drives multiple initiatives with factors such as creativity that constantly fuel her to dig deeper on our perspective of life. Always striving to embrace undertakings and extended understanding. Hobbies such as singing, dancing, arts, tennis, debates, writing, as well as academic challenges, are constantly fueling her mind with insightful viewpoints along with vibrant interests from others. She deeply values and is open-minded to everyones' viewpoints and their undertakings. Anika has been tutoring younger kids since Year 5 because she believes success is sweeter when shared.

• Anya Atif

  Anya is an A-Level student who’s passionate about the overlap in economics and ethics. Who also aspires to have a career in finance. In the talk she will be exploring the inherent drive in humans of always wanting more by utilising the 2008 financial crisis as an example. She views morality around money as a concept and dives into the meta-ethics of the justification of profiting from economic downturns.

• Celmira Shaikh

  Celmira Shaikh is a 17 year old aspiring human rights lawyer who interned at Legal Aid Ghana, witnessing how colonial-era laws limit justice for marginalised communities.

• Erin O’Reilly

  Erin O’Reilly is a Year 12 student at JC with a deep interest in economics, leadership, and the systems that shape decision-making at both individual and institutional levels. In her work, she explores how incentives, policies, and models interact to influence behaviour, whether in markets, governments, or global organisations. Erin is particularly interested in the intersection of economic theory and real-world impact, with a focus on development and sustainability. Her research spans topics from financial inclusion to environmental economics, and she brings this lens to her broader involvement in debate, academic writing, and international programs.

• Poorvi Dayal

  Poorvi Dayal explores the blurred boundary between identity and technology in a future where our digital twins may outlive us. Weaving together real-world AI developments and ethical questions. Her talk encourages us to move beyond curated online personas and shape our digital legacy with authenticity. As a student passionate about computer science and the human side of innovation, Poorvi brings a thoughtful, next-generation perspective to the intersection of tech and identity.

• Pritish Jaria

  Pritish Jaria is a 17 year old JC student who is incredibly passionate about public speaking and the Law. He is an aspiring Corporate Lawyer and is interested in how corporate law quietly impacts and influences our lives as consumers and workers.

• Swastikaa Issar

  Swastikaa is a proud Year 10 student at JC, born and brought up in Dubai and is driven by a passion for innovation, sustainability, and making a difference. A natural leader, she has embraced 7 leadership roles aimed at enhancing wellbeing, supporting charitable causes and enriching environmental & cultural awareness, demonstrating her ability to inspire and drive change. Beyond academics, Swastikaa is deeply committed to giving back to her community. As a passionate philanthropist, she not only supports charitable initiatives but also takes meaningful action by teaching the school’s support staff essential skills like English and computer literacy, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

• Xiao Zhang

  Xiao Zhang is a student with a strong interest in economics and technology, particularly where the two intersect to propel real world decisions and future innovation. Outside the classroom, whether it is the pulse of economic trends, the beat of a drum solo or the fast paced bounce of a basketball, Xiao fosters curiosity and an avid passion for the rhythm of ideas.