TEDxPalm Desert High School

Speakers

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

• Chloe Garcia

  PDHS Student

  Chloe Garcia is a talented musician, athlete, and student leader who is passionate about performance, service, and mentorship. As a three-year varsity tennis player and accomplished clarinetist, Chloe has earned recognition through the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and the California Band Directors Association while also taking on leadership roles in her marching band program. Beyond music, Chloe has volunteered hundreds of hours supporting underserved students, coaching youth tennis, and hosting free clarinet clinics for young musicians. She has also founded and continues to run her own cookie business alongside her academic career. Through her performance at TEDx, she hopes to share the power of music and tell a story beyond words.

• Farah Issa

  PDHS Student

  Farah Issa is a driven student leader whose love for academics, advocacy, and service has taken shape in a range of accomplishments. From serving as Co-President as Calculus Collective to competing in Science Olympiad and earning 2nd place at the Riverside County High School Math Competition, she consistently pushes herself in and out of the classroom. Beyond school, Farah has worked as a Ken Calvert campaign intern for 100+ hours, an AVID tutor, and a volunteer on the Palm Desert Library Planning Committee, showing her dedication to leadership and making an impact in her community. She will also be participating in UCI’s High School Summer Healthcare Experience on scholarship.

• Liya Kakar

  PDHS Student

  Liya Kakar is a committed student leader and advocate who is passionate about community impact and cultural connection. She is the founder of both the South Asian Cultural Association and Aztec Consulting Club on campus, while also serving as the Vice President of the Fantasy Investment Club. Outside of school, Liya has been actively involved in service through Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, and Youth Town Hall where she has served multiple leadership roles. She also created Fairways for the Future Charity Golf Event, combining leadership and philanthropy to give back to her community. Liya’s accomplishments include earning the AP Scholar with Honor Award.

• Nicaela Hordista

  PDHS Student

  Nicaela Hordista is a dedicated student leader and aspiring healthcare professional who is passionate about advocacy and community impact. She serves as the President of the National Charity League, Rotary Interact Club, and Health Academy Club, while simultaneously acting as Chairman of the FIND Youth Advisory Commission which supports local outreach and anti-hunger initiatives. Alongside her leadership roles, Nicaela volunteers at Eisenhower Medical Center, competes in varsity track and field, and works as a Certified AVID Tutor. Her accomplishments includes earning the AP Scholar award and the CollegeBoard AP School Recognition Award, and multiple healthcare certifications, showcasing her commitment to leadership and compassionate service.

• Rifa Iyoob

  PDHS Student

  Rifa Iyoob is a student leader and advocate who is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and creating positive changes within her community. As the founder and president of the Minority Voices Club, she has worked to foster inclusivity and authentic dialogue on campus while also serving as secretary of Health Academy Club, and Feminism in Action Club, as well as Treasurer for Skills USA. Rifa is a two-time SkillsUSA Regional medalist, AP Scholar Award recipient, a Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference, and volunteer at Palm Desert Urgent Care. Through her leadership and commitment to service, she hopes to inspire others to lead with empathy and use their voices to make an impact.

• Siddu Jakkaraju

  PDHS Student

  Siddu Jakkaraju is a driven student leader and STEM enthusiast whose dedication to science, academics, and competition is clear. He is the founder and president of the Chemistry Club, a member of the PDHS Science Bowl team, and part of the New York Academy of Sciences. Outside of class, Siddu competes on the varsity swim team, where he became DEL Champion in the 100 butterfly, and is also a member of the PDHS Academic WorldQuest team, earning 2nd place at the local competition. His passion for learning and leadership continues to shape the impact he makes both academically and within his community.