TEDxFairview

Speakers

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

• Dr. John Roberts

  Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Gannon University

  Dr. John Roberts serves as the Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program at Gannon University. With a background in healthcare education and research, he has contributed to national publications and presented at conferences across the state, region, and country. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Roberts is a father, husband, coach, and Scoutmaster—roles that reflect his deep commitment to mentorship and community. His journey has been shaped not just by success, but by persistence through failure, learning to get back up each time and keep moving forward. He is excited to share that perspective with the Fairview community at TEDxFairview.

• Kashyap Aaluri

  Student at Fairview High School

  Kashyap Aaluri is a senior at Fairview High School. Born in India and raised in Fairview, he has navigated the experience of being part of what he humorously calls “Beigeistan”— a term coined by comedian Hasan Minhaj — referring to the experience of living in the space between identities, where people are often seen but not fully heard. He has been involved in speech and debate, as well as community and civic initiatives in the Erie area, including work with refugee populations. Through these experiences, he has gained perspective on how institutions and communities shape who is heard and included.

• Matthew Froehlich

  Broker/Owner at Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors

  Matthew Froehlich is a Fairview native whose journey has been shaped by both opportunity and adversity. Growing up in Erie as a teenager, he navigated academic struggles, personal responsibility, and uncertainty at home, experiences that deeply influenced his perspective on resilience and growth. Over time, he forged his own path—pursuing higher education, exploring opportunities across the country and abroad, and ultimately returning to Erie to build a career and contribute to his community. Today, he is a business leader, problem-solver, and lifelong learner who values hard work, adaptability, and purpose. Through his story, he reflects on the idea that life is rarely a straight line, and that the challenges we face often become the foundation for who we are.

• Paul Schlabach

  Cybersecurity Professional

  A Fairview High School graduate (Class of 2019), Paul Schlabach has remained deeply connected to the community that helped shape him. Now based in Pittsburgh, he works in the field of cybersecurity, focusing on protecting medical devices and improving patient safety through technology. Beyond his professional work, Paul is someone who values growth, resilience, and giving back. His journey has been shaped as much by personal challenges as by professional success, and he is passionate about sharing those experiences in a way that connects with and inspires others. He is excited to return to Fairview and speak at TEDxFairview, sharing his story with the community he still calls home.

• Saeedullah Taraky

  Advocate for Inclusion, President of Afghan Community of Erie Pennsylvania

  Saeed Taraky is an Afghan immigrant and community leader whose journey to the United States began during the fall of Kabul in 2021. After working closely with U.S. and NATO partners in Afghanistan, he and his family spent months navigating danger, displacement, and uncertainty before ultimately arriving in Erie in 2022. Since then, Saeed has dedicated himself to helping others build new lives. He has worked directly with immigrant and refugee communities, founded initiatives to support Afghan families, and now serves in a leadership role within the City of Erie, advocating for inclusion, opportunity, and belonging. A father of three and a passionate advocate for the American Dream, Saeed brings a deeply personal perspective shaped by resilience, service, and hope.