TEDxUTA

Speakers

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

• Agustín Marín

  Communication Strategist and Researcher

  Agustín Rosa Marín is a communication strategist and researcher exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the way humans think, learn, and lead. With a PhD in Social Communication from the Complutense University of Madrid, he has spent more than 20 years studying how communication influences decision-making, leadership, and collective intelligence. He has worked with global organizations including BBVA, Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and leading universities across Europe and Latin America. Today, Agustín focuses on how AI can amplify human thinking — helping leaders communicate complex ideas, make better decisions, and navigate an increasingly intelligent world.

• Annelise Soonyadeth

  Computer Science Major

  Navigating her many passions, Annelise Soonyadeth, a computer science major at the University of Texas at Arlington, writes code by day, helps organize campus events by night, and still finds time to pursue her love for dance. Growing up as one of only four Asian students in her graduating class of 400 people, when she attended college and was surrounded by students who shared similar backgrounds as her, it was an unexpected cultural shift. Although exciting, it also challenged her to redefine where she belonged and how she connected with her identity and community. She used to view "code-switching" as something negative, but now sees it as a superpower and encourages others to embrace their differences as strengths.

• Ashley Khuon

  Software Engineer At JPMC

  Two-time Tedx speaker, software engineer, and award-winning artist 22-year old Ashley Khuon is the American-born daughter of Monica Bunyay and Tupa Khuon, two Khmer refugees that escaped one of the largest genocides of the twentieth century. Her parents' underrepresented hard-working and kind nature inspired her to embody the traits of a good person. Ashley speaks about her pursuit in improving every aspect of her life—physically and mentally—facing adversity when losing 30 lbs and highlighting the importance of kindness along the way.

• Huey Vu

  Technology Sales Professional

  Huey Vu is a technology sales professional at Microsoft,where he partners with organizations to solve complex business challenges through enterprise software solutions. A University of Texas at Arlington alumnus with a degree in Business, Huey built his career the hard way through grit, real-world experience, and an ability to connect with people that no classroom could teach. Before Microsoft, he honed his craft at Zimperium, a leading mobile security firm, and Tyler Technologies,a pioneer in government software developing a rare combination of technical fluency and human-centered selling that defines the best in the industry. Huey believes the most powerful competitive advantage in business isn’t credentials or pedigree it’s the ability to walk into any room, understand what someone truly needs, and earn their trust. A proud Maverick and TEDx speaker, he is committed to giving back to the next generation of business and tech professionals by sharing the lessons that mattered most.

• Jyima Ofori-Atta

  Fitness Personal Coach

  Coach Jyima is a certified personal trainer, strength & conditioning coach, corrective exercise specialist, holistic health coach, and founder of The Jyim fitness studio in Downtown Los Angeles With over a decade of experience helping clients transform their health, he combines evidence-based wellness strategies with a deeply human approach to coaching.

• Kevin Sakamoto

  Adjunct Professor at California State University College of Business

  Dr. Kevin Sakamoto is a scholar practitioner who bridges the gap between e-commerce innovation and academic rigor. With over 15 years of experience building and leading digital product teams at iconic brands including Zappos, Target, lululemon, and Dollar Shave Club, Kevin has spent his career navigating the intersection of technology and human connection. Beyond his corporate leadership, Kevin is an Adjunct Professor at California State University College of Business, teaching capstone undergraduate and MBA classes. As a post-doctoral research fellow at Pepperdine University, Kevin continues to share his research having presented at the 2025 Academy of Management annual conference in Denmark, and the Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders annual meeting in Arizona. His latest article, The Crisis of Dignity at Work: Dehumanization during Digital Transformation, Societal Upheaval, and Workforce Uncertainty, was published in the Academy of Management Discoveries in December of 2025.

• Mei Lin

  Innovation Strategist at the University of Texas at Arlington

  A PMP, Microsoft Copilot 365 Most Valuable Professionals(MVP), and AI-certified professional, Mei turns chaos into clarity, building human-centered solutions that boost productivity, digital equity, and operational excellence. Mei Lin is a dynamic Innovation Strategist at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where she drives digital transformation in higher education, project management, and public sector innovation. With 15+ years of experience across technology, education, and program leadership, she’s known for making complex innovation practical—always rooted in empathy and change management. She is also the Amazon Bestselling author of AI Project Power. When she’s not designing AI playbooks or presenting on stage, Mei mentors youth, supports her Project Management Community, and empowers everyone to be an AI champion.

• Muhammad Khurram

  Computer Science Senior at the University of Texas at Arlington

  Muhammad Khurram is a senior Computer Science student at the University of Texas at Arlington who once believed success was just luck. After a viral video of his rejections made him the university’s accidental face of unemployment, he chose to own it instead of hide it. That moment shaped his philosophy that luck isn’t something that finds you, it’s something you build by failing publicly and showing up anyway. Today he serves as President of ACM and Dastaan, Vice President of the Engineering Student Council, Technical Director of HackUTA, board member of the Computer Science Student Council, and Recruitment Officer of ColorStack. His talk speaks to anyone who’s collected more rejections than callbacks and wondered if luck skipped their name. It didn’t, you just haven’t learned to use the rejections yet.

• Muhieddine Mneimne

  Marketing Major

  Muhieddine “Marcel” Mneimne is an entrepreneur, marketer, and public speaker based in Dallas, Texas. Having started working at the age of 12, he developed an early curiosity for business, storytelling, and growth. With over half a decade of experience behind the camera, he has worked with motorsports drivers and businesses to capture compelling stories and build powerful personal brands that reach audiences around the world. Marcel landed his first corporate job at the age of 16 and today helps businesses and rising drivers on the path to Formula 1 expand their digital presence and global visibility. Passionate about personal development, he believes in embracing mistakes and sharing the lessons behind them through stories that help others avoid the same pitfalls when it is their turn—encouraging them to think bigger, learn faster, and grow through their own journey.

• Nhut Phung

  Electrical Engineering Major

  Originally from Vietnam, Nhut "Tommy" Phung moved to the United States at the age of five. Entering a new world with unknown possibilities, Tommy grew up navigating life without a traditional mentor to provide a blueprint for success. While his sister served as his early guide, her departure for medical school challenged him to become his own compass. Balancing the responsibility of caring for his non-English speaking parents with his own ambitions, Tommy learned to cultivate his own inspiration and discipline. Today, he leverages his experience as a self-made guide to empower others who are navigating similar paths, proving that the right mindset can turn isolation into a foundation for leadership.

• Salem Alonge

  Computer Science Student

  Salem Alonge is a computer science student at the University of Texas at Arlington building a life at the intersection of technology, creativity, and impact. She designs websites, develops digital experiences, and creates visually compelling content for organizations and brands with a focus on clarity, aesthetics, and connection. Beyond her technical work, she is involved in creative direction and storytelling, contributing to social media and media content that strengthen community and communication, especially within her church. Starting college early pushed her to adapt quickly, build confidence, and take initiative in unfamiliar spaces. These experiences have shaped her perspective on identity, discipline, and creating meaningful, impactful work.

• Simon Wang

  AI Business Solutions Engineering at Microsoft

  Originally from Taiwan, Simon moved to the United States at age 6, raised by his single mother from Thailand. Her courage to start a new life in a foreign country without speaking the language, her relentless work ethic, and the quiet sacrifices became the blueprint for Simon’s own life instilling in him perseverance, grit, and a deep sense of gratitude. Despite coming from a nontraditional background, a non-target school, navigating immigrant struggles, visa challenges, and learning English, Simon was able to land roles at Apple, Salesforce, and Microsoft. He now aims to inspires others to leverage rejection to create opportunities. Showing that with effort, discipline, consistency, and the right environment, anything is possible. Thankful for those who helped him along the way, he is passionate about helping others create the systems and mindset to do the same.

• Sophia Khuon

  Biology Sophomore at University of Texas at Arlington

  Sophia Khuon (she/her) is a sophomore Biology major with a minor in Spanish pursing the pre-physician assistant path. She is a SASE and Mavericks for Medical Humanities member and works as a scribe part-time. She practices imbuing compassion in every action she takes which translates into her speech topic revolving around self-improvement by looking inwards in a positive light despite societal and cultural expectations to oftentimes diminish oneself. In her free time, she likes to write stories, develop her visual novel, and online shop.

• Tyler Le

  Finance and Business Student at the University of Texas at Arlington

  Tyler Le is a finance and business student at the University of Texas at Arlington, a Dean’s List scholar, and a emerging voice on leadership, intentional growth, and building a life of purpose before you’re told you’re ready. At an age when most students are still finding their footing, Tyler has held leadership roles across some of the most demanding environments in business from managing financial operations at Lockheed Martin and Fidelity Investments, to serving as President for the Asian Business Student Association.But Tyler’s most compelling story isn’t found on his résumé. It’s in the philosophy that drives it: that leadership is not a title you receive, it’s a discipline you practice daily.