TEDxDVHS

Speakers

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

• Aadvik Kesharwani

  Aadvik is a junior/dual enrolled student at DVHS, planning on studying Applied Mathematics and Computer Science in undergrad. He is a part of Dougherty's Leadership team, organizing and helping to create campus-wide experiences. He has multiple years of public speaking experience, with Public Forum debate, speech writing and essay competitions, and performance competitions like Odyssey of the Mind. In his free time, Aadvik can be found making videos on his channels, playing video games, and playing volleyball.

• Aashika Cheruvu

  Aashika is a freshman at Dougherty Valley High School and a passionate youth leader, researcher, and public speaker. She is a member of the school’s Congressional Debate team, where she explores how policy decisions shape healthcare systems and access. As founder of the Debate and Educate Foundation and other student-led initiatives, she provides mentorship and resources to expand communication skills for underserved communities. In her TEDx talk, she explores the historical and cultural boundaries between Western and Eastern medicine and how integrating these approaches can improve patient outcomes and healthcare innovation. Outside of school, Aashika enjoys mentoring peers in effective public speaking and communication strategies, researching healthcare innovations, and finding creative ways to translate complex ideas into meaningful conversations. She looks forward to inspiring others to bridge divides and contribute to more inclusive and effective healthcare systems.

• Aasiya Juneja

  Aasiya Juneja is a sophomore dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale. She balances a rigorous academic schedule with active leadership in multiple campus organizations. Her involvement allows her to bridge the gap between STEM disciplines and business applications, staying ahead of market trends while advocating for sustainable, tech-driven solutions. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Aasiya believes strongly in the power of community, often found exploring current events or collaborating with peers . In her free time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through music and hanging out with friends at Starbucks. Aasiya believes in the idea that small actions lead to lasting impact. She enters every interaction with empathy and an open mind. She is eager to contribute her unique perspective to the entrepreneurial world, constantly looking for opportunities to learn from others while sharing her own vision for a more innovative future.

• Arshia Ghatak

  Arshia Ghatak is a junior at Dougherty Valley High School with a passion for computer science and exploring ways technology can solve real-world problems. She's especially interested in how artificial intelligence can create accessible solutions for people who face barriers to traditional resources. Through her projects, she has focused on building tools and workflows that allow complex problems to be understood by younger audiences, emphasizing curiosity and creative problem-solving. In her TEDx talk, Arshia examines how AI can revolutionize healthcare, highlighting how noticing gaps can lead to meaningful innovation. Beyond her work in computer science, Arshia participates in leadership and mentoring initiatives, encouraging peers tackle problems collaboratively. She also pursues artistic outlets, such as dance. Through her talk and projects, Arshia aims to demonstrate the impact innovative approaches can have in addressing complex problems.

• Haigu Sriram

  Haigu Sriram is a student in Dougherty Valley High School's class of 2027. He's been interested in astronomy and space from a young age, finding comfort in stargazing as a child. He has volunteered at the Hiller Aviation Museum in the past. In the summer of 2025, he also completed a credited course at Berkeley on using Python in astronomy. He has participated in his school's NASA STEM club, in which he worked with a team on NASA's annual TechRise challenge. He has also participated in real lab research, doing materials science research about the properties of 3D-PLA plastic under a professor at the Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program. Outside of academics, Haigu plays the drums in his school's Jazz Band and plays the guitar in his own time with tutoring. He often records and makes music using applications such as GarageBand. Additionally, he is also involved at his school's Speech and Debate. He enjoys participating in debate tournaments alongside his teammates.

• Meera Jajal

  Meera Jajal is a sophomore at Dougherty Valley High School interested in mental health, immigration, and the AAPI experience. As a lifelong reader, she has always used stories as a lens to understand the world. Listening to her own family’s immigration stories helped her recognize how deeply experiences shape the way people understand themselves and the world around them. Through these conversations, Meera became aware of a widespread reluctance within immigrant communities to acknowledge mental health challenges. Her talk examines how immigration-related stress and structural barriers to care contribute to mental health disparities in AAPI communities. Guided by interests in social neuroscience, mental health, and public health, Meera focuses on informing others about the roots of these disparities so competent care can become more accessible in the mental health space. Outside of her work, Meera enjoys singing, reading and writing, and spending time with family and friends.

• Navya Ramanan

  Navya Ramanan is a freshman at Dougherty Valley High School and a member of the varsity tennis team, where she has developed discipline, focus, and resilience. She is deeply interested in pursuing business and computer science and hopes to start her own business one day, motivated by curiosity about leadership, innovation, and problem-solving. She enjoys understanding how ideas turn into real-world impact and how technology can be used to connect people and communities. Outside of school, she loves to travel and explore new places, experiences that have shaped her global perspective and appreciation for different cultures. She is also an accomplished dancer who performs on different stages around the world and enjoys expressing creativity through piano, art, and baking, using these outlets to reflect, grow, and connect with others. In her TED talk, she explores the experience of growing up between cultures and bridging the gap while finding a sense of belonging.

• Neil Naidu

  Neil Naidu is a sophomore studying Computer Science at San José State University. He has a strong interest in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. He is actively involved in student organizations, where he helps organize events, build communities, and create opportunities for connection. He's especially interested in how young people develop their identities and make decisions in a world filled with rapid change, social pressure, and constant comparison. Through his academic work and personal projects, he looks into how individuals can gain discipline, confidence, and independent thinking while staying true to their values, focuses between authenticity, responsibility, and long-term success. Through his efforts, Neil hopes to inspire others to take initiative, establish strong personal foundations, and seek meaningful growth in both their personal and professional lives.

• Zachary Cheng

  Zachary Cheng is a junior at Dougherty Valley High School. He is characterized, first and foremost, by his love for boba. The beautifully diverse food, music, and traditions of the world have fostered his deep appreciation for the cultures of the world. After all, a world without dosa chaat and Japanese rock would be no world at all. Zachary loves to research how people’s journeys interact and intertwine throughout history to create the beautiful tapestry of global heritage we have today. Outside of exploring the world, Zachary plays jazz on the bass and is a member of VEX Robotics team 5776K. He hopes to share his passion for humanity’s beauty with his listeners and hopes that he can foster a more accepting world for all.