TEDxHarmony Science Academy Dallas High

Speakers

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

• A.D. Jenkins

  Coach A.D. Jenkins is a dedicated community leader, educator, and basketball official with a passion for service and youth development. He currently serves as President of the Irving Independent School District Board of Trustees and is a Master Trustee through the Texas Association of School Boards. He is the founder of Authentic Drive and B.I.G. D.O.G.S. Youth Organization, both focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. A.D. also serves as a Youth180 Board Member, All Pro Dads Ambassador, and ordained Elder at Awaken Church in Irving, Texas. In addition to his leadership roles, he is a collegiate and high school basketball official committed to upholding the integrity of the game. He is on a mission to eliminate violence in youth sports, advocating for a culture rooted in discipline, respect, and accountability for future generations. His work and impact have been recognized with the NAACP Irving Community Leadership Award, and he is a Lifetime Member of the PTA.

• Ace Rondina

  Ace Rondina is a strategist who builds at the intersection of logic and imagination. A 2017 Harmony Science Academy North Austin salutatorian, Ace fast-tracked a Biotechnology degree while quadruple minoring in Fashion, Information Systems, Supply Chains, and Retail Science and eventually becoming the youngest-ever Manager at top health system in the country. Currently balancing a career as a Financial Analyst with founding (W)here, a creative think tank, Ace views their diverse background in healthcare and design not as a list of titles, but as a toolkit for navigating an unpredictable future.

• Aisha Williams

  Aisha is a dental executive and multi-unit operations leader specializing in building systems that drive sustainable growth and high-performing teams. She has led organizations through expansion by replacing hustle-driven environments with clear processes, accountability, and structure. As a Black woman in leadership, Aisha brings a powerful perspective on resilience, equity, and intentional growth. Through her work and speaking, she empowers the next generation to rethink success, showing that lasting achievement comes not from overworking, but from designing systems that allow you and others to thrive.

• Diego Bernal

  Diego Bernal is a senior at Harmony Science Academy Dallas, where he has been a dedicated student since 6th grade. Since 10th grade, he has actively participated in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), contributing to community service initiatives and competing in Life Support Skills events. Passionate about learning and personal growth, Diego enjoys reading and spending time with his dog. He plans to attend Dallas College after graduation and pursue a career as a veterinary assistant, dedicated to supporting animals in need. As a TEDx speaker, Diego shares his talk “The Challenger’s Life”, aiming to inspire and motivate others to overcome challenges and pursue their goals with resilience and determination.

• Maya Maliakal

  Maya Maliakal is a pre-med honors student at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Healthcare Studies with a minor in Public Health. She is a 2025 Presidential Scholar and a Congressional Youth Award Gold Medal recipient. She has demonstrated leadership at both the school and state levels, serving as Student Council President for three terms and as Vice President of the largest district in the Texas Association of Student Councils. She was also selected for the Rising Leaders Initiative and spoke at the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston. She is passionate about using leadership to create meaningful change and empower others.

• Meliha Celik

  I am a current high school senior on track to become a medical professional. Passionate and empathetic, Meliha is committed to helping others and uplifting the oppressed.

• Prashanth Marthand Kumar

  Prashanth is a founder and CEO with a focus on building innovative, scalable solutions that address real-world challenges. His work centers on leveraging technology and strategic thinking to drive growth, efficiency, and meaningful impact across industries. He is passionate about turning ideas into sustainable ventures that create long-term value.

• Sevtap Cevirgen

  I am the CEO of a meat manufacturing company, leading in one of the most traditionally male-dominated industries. Through years of navigating high-pressure environments, I have developed a perspective shaped by firsthand experience with the unspoken rules that define authority and leadership. My work focuses on challenging gendered expectations, particularly around emotional expression, and redefining what strength and effective leadership truly look like today.

• Silvana Pimentel

  Silvana Pimentel is a bilingual Chief AI Officer and sales leader who guides professionals and businesses to use AI with clarity to increase visibility, accelerate growth, and reclaim their time. She champions authentic leadership and the responsible use of technology to create lasting, meaningful impact, inspiring others to embrace AI ethically and effectively