TEDxAmerican School of Warsaw

Speakers

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

• Ahmad Piraiee

  Ahmad Piraiee is an engineer, entrepreneur, and mentor who has spent years helping people turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Beginning his career in hardware engineering before transitioning into marketing and behavioral science, he realized that success isn’t just about how machines work—it’s about how people think, decide, and grow. His journey led him to explore behavioral science, uncovering the driving forces behind human motivation and happiness.

• Anastasiia Menshykova

  Experience creator, author of a book on behavioral economics, practical lecturer in marketing, communication and other practical courses at Lazarski University, soloist at IZZI, pop-rock band, founder of informal group 'Joymark&Co: Experience Department'

• Chris Skinner

  "Chris Skinner is known as one of the most influential people in technology and an independent commentator on the financial markets and fintech through his blog, thefinanser.com. He has written eighteen books about finance and technology, with bestselling books including the series Digital Bank, Digital Human, Doing Digital and Digital for Good. He has been recognised as one of the most influential figures in finance, fintech, technology and payments, receiving a lifetime achievement award from the UK payments association in 2023. This is why he has been an advisor to the United Nations, the White House, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, as well as governments and firms across the world. Chris Skinner is very much into mentoring children and runs a not-for-profit, the Portrait Foundation (https://portrait-foundation.com/), has written many books for children (https://captaincake.com/) including a free book, Fintech for Kids, you can share: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/fin-tech4kids/249917914"

• Henrique Peixoto Godoi

  CEO of SAGA, former CEO of Merzenich Corporation and former president of Merzenich Institute. I have impacted over 600 neurodivergent students internationally, I was selected as one of the 50 most prominent social entrepreneurs in the World by the Varkey Foundation, winner of the Global Good Awards and finalist of the Big Ideas Competition by Slyngshot. Published two articles - one nationally and other internationally - on neurodiversity and Alzheimer's disease. The center of mt work has been around the intersection of technology tools and brain development.

• Justin Walker

  After running nearly 100 marathons and multiple ultramarathons, Justin has his share of endurance stories. As a 2-time Ironman triathlete and mountaineer, his experience ranges from road to trail and to great heights. In April/May of 2025, he will attempt to summit Mt. Everest. When not seeking adventure he coaches running, plays hockey, and works in international schools.

• Kevin Allen

  Kevin J. Allen is the Refugee Coordinator for the Ukraine Situation and the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Republic of Poland.

• Mike Zawadzki

  I am a Partner at Lightcraft responsible for raising funds for new film and TV series projects. I was born in Warsaw, Poland before moving to Kuwait in 1984 with my family. Upon graduating high school in 1998 I moved to Cyprus where I graduated with a bachelors of science in hospitality in 2002. I started my career in the events industry before leaving for the USA in 2002 to pursue an MBA. Upon graduation I moved to Poland. For many years I was responsible for bringing some of the worlds most prolific events to sposoby including the UEFA CUP.. Upon joining Lightcraft as a parent I have produced several movies for Netflix and Prime Video. In addition to my business forays another part of my life includes the martial arts and security work. I am a martial artists with over 35 years of experience and have worked as a bouncer for over 20 years in nightclubs around the world including Poland, Cyprus and the US.

• Shaomin Kee

  Shaomin Kee is a freshman at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a concentration in Finance and Business Analytics. She previously co-chaired the 4th Cohort of the UN Ocean Decade Youth Advisory Council, working with a group of motivated young climate activists in various initiatives, including co-organizing a satellite event at the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference. Additionally, Shaomin's lifelong mission has been to experiment. Whether it's starting a business (or multiple) in high school, attempting to engineer, or making a short film, she believes that trial and error is essential to personal growth and development. Overall, Shaomin's passions lie in finance/economics, entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, and art.

• Ugnė Gilytė

  As someone who didn’t always have an easy time forming friendships, I’ve learned over time how to build friendships and realised just how impactful they can be in one’s life. In addition to improving our sense of belonging, forming deep connections gives us the tools we need to influence our future. My experiences, including organizing a festival and currently the role of assistant director, have allowed me to see how building relationships can better resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

• Val Andrášová

  Val Andrášová is a 10th grader at ASW, having been born in Slovakia and lived in Warsaw for the past 7 years. Over the past few years, she has been deeply interested in film—exploring the elements that shape a movie and how they impact the audience. Recently, she has taken her passion a step further by experimenting with filmmaking and directing her own short films that highlight her unique perspective of how to use colors and music in film. Her latest project, a concept music video released in January, showcases her storytelling skills and growing creativity in those areas. She is excited to share her viewpoint on film this April.