Past TEDx event
TEDxAl Diyafah High School
Between Here and Becoming
This independently organized TEDx event brings the community together to share ideas worth spreading.
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Ayyoob Ahamed
Hi, I’m Ayyoob Ahamed, a high school student, international-level swimmer, and aspiring technologist with a passion for coding and innovation. As a multiple medal-winning swimmer, I’ve spent years training with discipline and consistency, experiences that have taught me a lot about growth, resilience, and the power of effort. Balancing academics, sport, and technology, I’m fascinated by how focus, habit, and dedication shape long-term success. In this talk, I share my perspective on the moments between starting and succeeding, and how those often overlooked experiences are what truly shape who we become.
Dhriti Salian
Hello everyone! I’m Dhriti, a curious and motivated learner with a passion for Accounting, Finance, and Economics. In my TEDx talk, “The Subtle Trade-Offs of Convenience,” I explore why sometimes choosing the harder path can help us grow and think more critically. I love taking on new challenges through leadership, competitions, and community initiatives, and I’m happy to share my perspective on how today’s world relies on technology and AI, subtly influencing the decisions we make every day, often before we even realise it.
Ethan Xander Fernandes
I am a 17-year-old high school student passionate about chemistry and physics, with a keen interest in exploring how science can shape the way we think. I actively participate in MUNs and debate, where I enjoy expressing my ideas and engaging with perspectives that challenge my own. Through this opportunity, I aim to share a new way of viewing life’s journey, one that blends personal experience with a scientific twist.
Fareena Zaheer
Hello! I’m Fareena Zaheer – an astrophysics enthusiast on a lifelong mission to understanding the secrets of our universe! As someone who also loves to read and make art, I’m constantly searching for the deeper meaning in everything, from complex and intricate story plots to the most mysterious phenomena of the cosmos. My fascination for our universe is endless, and shapes how I carry myself through the world: always learning, questioning, and imagining.
Hessa Siraj
Hi, I’m Hessa. I’m an A-Level student who enjoys debate, MUN, and questioning the way we think and live. Working on this talk pushed me to move beyond my comfort zone and explore a different kind of idea, one that’s quieter, but just as powerful. I’ll be sharing why slowing down can change the way we experience life, and why it might be exactly what we need.
Jeshna Suvarna
What if the moments we resist, hesitate, or pause are actually the ones that define us? Hi, I’m Jeshna Suvarna, and the lessons I’ve picked up from the water about handling fear, finding balance, and moving forward even when the current pushes back. Whether you’re a swimmer, a student, or someone figuring out your next step, there’s something in the space Between the Surface and the Breath that can teach us all about moving forward. I’m honored to be speaking at this TEDx conference and can’t wait to dive into these ideas with you.
Rania Adil
Hi! I’m Rania, a current Year 13 student at Al Diyafah High School with a strong interest in economics and its role in shaping everyday life. I have pursued this interest through various business and finance competitions, such as the Peter Jones Tycoon. Along the way, I have developed a global perspective on decision-making and human behaviour. I am particularly interested in how attention, choice, and value interact in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Rhianna Nicole Rosario
I’m Rhianna—a Pearson Excellence Awardee, a national football player, and now a TEDx speaker exploring change and resilience. After an ACL injury took me off the field for over a year, my setback became a journey of growth and self-discovery. In “The Fear–Growth Paradox,” I share how we can move from resisting change to embracing it, using my “ACL” framework: Acceptance, Conversion, and Learning.
Sherwin Pereira
Hi, I'm Sherwin Pereira, a dedicated and driven student-athlete, and a three-time individual track champion for my school. Competing at this level has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of consistently pushing beyond my limits. Through my experiences on the track, I have built strong confidence and a mindset focused on growth. I bring this same determination and self-belief into everything I do, aiming to inspire others to pursue their goals with confidence and commitment.
Tarun Abraham
Hi there! I’m an A Level student at Al Diyafah High School with a strong passion for technology. I’m always keen and aware of new and emerging technologies, fascinated by how they evolve and influence the way we think, make decisions, and interact with the world around us. My curiosity drives me to explore not just the technical side of innovation, but also its broader impact on society, culture, and daily life. I enjoy learning how rapidly advancing systems—from AI to digital security—can create both opportunities and challenges, and I’m constantly thinking about how we can harness these technologies responsibly.
William Jeff Jacob
Hi, I’m William. I’m passionate about exploring a wide range of interests: from game development and digital art to animation, music, and design. I enjoy creating things that bring different ideas together, even if it means learning through trial and error along the way. I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself, stay curious, and keep growing, both creatively and personally.
Yashra Ahmed
Hey everyone! I’m Yashra Ahmed. A student driven by growth and purpose, seeking to live life to the fullest. My journey towards becoming who I am today has shown me that courage isn’t about certainty but taking that one step. I believe our roots ground us, but our willingness to reach, is what moves us forward. I hope to spark movement, guided by what truly matters, in the chaos of life.

