TEDxLake Mary

Speakers

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

• Advik Dhand

  Student

  Advik Dhand doesn’t really fit the mold of your typical 12-year-old. He’s got this unstoppable energy, whether he’s writing stories, diving into finance, or just trying to shake things up. He’s already a published author—not just in fiction, but in financial literacy too—and he’s all about making money sense exciting for kids his age. Step away from his books, and you might catch him tearing up the soccer field, strumming his guitar or violin, or even breaking down stock charts like a pro. That last one isn’t just for fun—he actually took first place in his state and ranked tenth in the nation in a tough stock market competition. Advik isn’t shy, either. He’s spoken at big nonprofit events, where he fires up audiences about humanity, wellness, and the power of a good story. Sure, he’s young, but you can hear it in his words—he’s got ideas that reach way past his years.

• Akshay Nanavati

  USMC Veteran, Explorer and Author of Fearvana

  Akshay Nanavati is a Marine veteran who has overcome PTSD, depression and addiction that pushed him to the brink of suicide. He's since built a global business, run ultramarathons, spent 17 days in darkness and isolation, and survived 100 days alone in the polar regions, including a 60 day solo expedition in Antarctica dragging a 420 pound sled for 500 miles. Combining lived experience with neuroscience, psychology and spirituality, he wrote the book “Fearvana," which was endorsed by the Dalai Lama. Akshay is a speaker who helps people reach the heights of peak performance and the depths of inner peace.

• Cathy Heighter

  Gold Star Mother, Author, Veterans Advocate

  Cathy Heighter, Gold Star Mother, inspirational speaker, author, and veteran advocate. After losing her son Cpl. Raheen Tyson Heighter in Iraq, 2003 she endured the tragic loss and chose to turn pain into power, reinventing herself and her life, honoring the memory of her son and all those who have served, through her selfless service, testifying before Congress on behalf of military families, Founded Remembering VETS Inc. d/b/a Remembering HEROES. Helped to pass legislation increasing military death benefits. Patriot of the Year Award 2021. Her story featured in HBO’s Last Letters Home 2004. Graduate of Empire State College, 2013.

• Daniel Glazier

  Owner and Founder – Glazier Appraisals

  Daniel Glazier is a Certified Personal Property Appraiser with over 25 years of experience evaluating fine art, antiques, decorative arts, household contents and unique collectibles. He works with private collectors, estates, attorneys, and institutions to provide accurate appraisals for insurance, estate planning, donation, and equitable distribution. Daniel combines deep market knowledge with a passion for storytelling, revealing the hidden narratives behind the objects we own. His work bridges history and value, helping clients understand not just what their possessions are worth, but why they matter. Daniel brings insight, integrity, and a deep respect for personal heritage to every appraisal he conducts.

• Keith Kong

  Mentalist

  Award-winning mentalist Keith Kong is one of the few performers to have fooled Penn & Teller on their hit show Fool Us. For more than two decades, he has amazed audiences at corporate events, conferences, and private gatherings across the country with his unique blend of psychology, showmanship, and strategy. Beyond the stage, Keith teaches practical tools for success, including memory systems, body language, and human behavior. His mission is simple: to help people unlock their own hidden potential and achieve extraordinary results, in the most entertaining ways possible.

• Kendra Cooke

  Best Selling Author & Empowerment Coach

  A trailblazer in the real estate industry since 1988, Kendra began as an entry level receptionist and from there, she rose to become the owner of a boutique brokerage, filling every role along the way. This hands-on experience has given her an unparalleled perspective on building a profitable and sustainable business. Kendra is not just an industry expert; she’s a sought-after speaker and consultant. Kendra has helped countless professionals streamline operations, implement effective processes and build winning teams. Kendra is also a best-selling author and the founder of E3 Women’s Empowerment Retreats.

• Lancelot Theobald Jr

  Actor, Dancer

  Lancelot E. Theobald Jr. — an actor, author, fitness innovator, and former professional athlete whose remarkable story exemplifies resilience, mindset, and reinvention. A survivor of both a plane crash and near-drowning, Lancelot E. Theobald Jr. turned life-altering adversity into his greatest strength. He's the creator of AB-Solute-Fusion®, a dance-driven athletic training system that enhances balance, coordination, and explosive performance, blending fitness innovation with movement mastery. As an actor, he's appeared in films such as Hilo 3 (2023), Oculus (2024), and The Security Guard (2025), and as the author of They Haven't Made an Ax That Can Chop Down a Dream, he shares his five keys to personal growth, self-discipline, and reinvention.

• Latisha Howard

  Law Enforcement Leader and Founder of She Was Me Inc.

  Latisha Howard is a seasoned law enforcement professional with nearly 30 years of experience and over two decades in leadership. A native of Sanford, Florida, she holds a master’s degree in leadership and is a graduate of several local, state, and national leadership programs, including Leadership Seminole. From teenage mother to respected leader in criminal justice, Latisha’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. She is the author of ROAR: Rising Over Adversity Resiliently and the founder of She Was Me Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting single mothers.

• Marissa Zwetow

  Author, Licensed Therapist, Owner of Postpartum Happiness

  Marissa Zwetow, is a licensed therapist, author, and coach who supports mothers and parents navigate the complex emotions that often come with the transition into motherhood. With empathy and firsthand experience, Marissa helps those who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or disillusioned by the realities of parenthood. She intimately understands the shame, guilt, and disappointment that can arise when the parenting journey doesn’t match expectations. Driven by her own experience, Marissa goes beyond the typical labels of postpartum depression to explore the broader emotional landscape of new parenthood, offering validation, compassion, and practical support to those who need it most.

• Melissa Nanavati

  Author and Relationship Architect

  Melissa Nanavati helps high performers build thriving, peaceful relationships without sacrificing ambition. As a speaker, author, and Relationship Architect, she blends neuroscience, biology, and lived experience to teach high achievers how to apply the skills that make them successful in business to love. Despite success as a textbook author and Fortune 100 consultant, Melissa struggled with anxious attachment and went on over 100 first dates before meeting her husband. In their first year together, they raised $1.1 million while running two businesses. Through that journey, Melissa developed actionable frameworks and tools that help people build relationships that power peak performance.

• Pardeep Kumar Vedi

  Founder of Feed Hunger Now

  A Rotarian whose passion is helping establish sustainable local food gardens utilizing recirculating water farming methods such as Aquaponics, Aeroponics, and Hydroponics. He is a maverick in the food growing system designs that he incorporates in his quest for “More Crop Per Drop.” He is a strong advocate of increasing locally grown food while utilizing the smallest carbon footprint while increasing food security, reducing hunger, and improving overall health. He strongly believes in inspiring, educating and encouraging others to join him in this mission.

• Ravi Prakash

  Author and Founder of RP Global Consulting Inc.

  Ravi Prakash is a global keynote speaker, author, and founder of RP Global Consulting Inc., and a founding team member at CompanyInsights.AI. An immigrant from India and naturalized U.S. citizen, Ravi arrived with just $20 and a fire to prove what's possible. He has led global teams from over 80 countries across multiple industries and held executive roles at companies such as Salesforce. His book Safar shares that journey from village roots shaped by revolutionary grandparents to leadership on global stages. A former marathon runner, father, and advocate for inner leadership, Ravi speaks from lived experience on resilience, reinvention, and the power of leading from within.

• Sam Sorbo

  Founder, They’re YOUR Kids Foundation | Founder/Lead Spokeswoman, Parents Demanding Justice Alliance | Author of Parents’ Guide to Homeschool | Advocate for Education Freedom & Parental Authority

  Sam Sorbo is a filmmaker, actress, and author of Parents’ Guide to Homeschool. A homeschooling mother of three, she left Hollywood to pursue truth through storytelling and founded the They’re YOUR Kids Foundation to restore parental authority and strengthen family. As lead spokeswoman for Parents Demanding Justice Alliance, she fights government overreach and champions parental rights. Sam’s podcast, The Sam Sorbo Show, empowers parents with clarity, courage, and practical tools. Known for her fierce advocacy and unwavering faith, Sam inspires families to love sacrificially and take bold action to protect their children’s future.