TEDx event
TEDxThe Village School
Many Voices, One Village
This event is invite-only.
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Aadvi Yatagiri
Speaker
My name is Aadvika Yatagiri, a freshman passionate about research, writing, science, and public speaking. As an experienced Speech & Debate competitor and writer, I’m especially drawn to topics surrounding psychology and human behavior. My speech, “The Pressure to Be Unique,” explores how the constant pressure to stand out can ironically make us more alike. When we’re constantly told to be different, we can end up following the same trends, expectations, and ideas of what it means to be “unique.”
Aaliya Ghoge
Speaker
Aaliya Ghoge is an Indian-American 8th-grade student at Village International School of Houston. She is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, an achievement that reflects her discipline and perseverance. Aaliya has also trained in Indian classical dance for eight years, developing a strong appreciation for her culture and the arts. Outside of these activities, she enjoys reading and playing a variety of sports. Aaliya is always eager to learn new things and explore her interests. Her TEDx Talk “From Tiffin to Table” explores the extraordinary Mumbai Dabbawala system - a community that turns a simple homemade meal into a remarkable journey from tiffin to table.
Aria Kottaka Raj
Speaker
Aria Kottaka Raj is a student author, young advocate, and aspiring changemaker with a deep passion for inclusion, diversity, and equity. At just nine years old, she wrote and published a children's book on inclusion, diversity, and equity awareness - donating all proceeds to Save the Children - because she believed every child deserved a book that spoke directly to them about belonging. Alongside her writing, Aria served as a Cultural Acclimation Leader at her school, working directly with new international students to help them feel genuinely welcomed and supported. Through her work, she hopes to show that meaningful change doesn't have a minimum age - and that one voice, used with courage and intention, can make an entire community feel like home.
Barbara Silva Bastidas
Speaker
Barbara is a Grade 11 student at The Village School who is interested in the ways education, creativity, and community can shape people's futures. Through academics, music, creative projects, clubs, and service, Barbara has explored many different sides of student life. Their TEDx talk, “What Are We Actually Preparing For?”, examines whether education should focus less on preparing students for one specific career and more on helping them become adaptable, curious, and lifelong learners.
Ice Venkatesh
Speaker
Ice Venkatesh is a student entrepreneur, author, and aspiring finance major with a passion for education, business, and problem-solving. As the founder of Vibba LLC, she creates mathematics and mental math books aimed at helping students strengthen their analytical thinking and academic confidence. Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Ice is interested in economics, investing, and business competitions, combining creativity with leadership to pursue innovative opportunities. Through her dedication to learning and growth, she hopes to make a meaningful impact in both education and finance.
Kabir Rai
Speaker
Kabir Rai is a 10th Grader at the Village High School. He’s a writer, athlete, and national-level competitor in Speech and Debate. Through his academic record and his desire to express ideas beyond the surface level, he’s contributed to making his community connect deeper than surface-level togetherness and asking questions about our fundamental principles and our unique perspectives. Kabir believes that it takes a community to aid our search within ourselves for mindfulness, progress, and improvement, and it takes curiosity and intellect to build that community. His speech, “The Past Looks Better in Black and White” explores our natural tendency to romanticize what has been—in a way that hinders what can be.
Katherine Chan
Speaker
Katherine Chan is an entrepreneurial student, cellist, and aspiring changemaker who is passionate about business, innovation, music, and opening doors for others. Through entrepreneurship, Katherine seeks to create ideas and inventions that will real world issues, especially those faced by individuals with special needs. As a cellist, Katherine is equally passionate about making music a part of everyone's lives, because she believes that music can bring people together. Katherine is most passionate about motivating young women to take on entrepreneurship and leadership in their lives with confidence. Through her work and ideas, Katherine wants to motivate our generation to dream big and speak out.
Pariza Zoya Punjwani
Speaker
Pariza Zoya Punjwani is an eighth-grade student at The Village Middle School, where she serves as a Speech & Debate captain and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. A lifelong performer, she made her musical theatre debut in kindergarten and has been dancing since she could walk, a passion she now shares with her little brother. Pariza thrives on challenges and brings determination and creativity to everything she pursues. Her entrepreneurial spirit has even earned her a feature on KPRC Channel 2 News. Compassionate and community-minded, she volunteers at community events and religious centers. Whether on stage, behind a microphone, or pursuing a new idea, Pariza uses her voice, creativity, and leadership to advocate for herself and others.
Rishik Pandey
Speaker
Rishik Pandey is a student, athlete, and aspiring physician with a passion for science, fitness, and helping others. A student at The Village School in Houston with a strong academic record, he is known for his empathy, kindness, and willingness to support those around him. An avid basketball player and fitness enthusiast, Rishik believes that staying physically active can help teenagers build confidence, resilience, discipline, and a healthier mindset. Alongside his interests in sports and wellness, he is fascinated by medicine and hopes to pursue a future career as a physician. Through continued learning, compassion, and service, Rishik aspires to make a meaningful contribution toward building a healthier and safer society.
Sahaj Patel
Speaker
Sahaj Patel is a nationally competitive Congressional Debate speaker and finalist at the National Speech & Debate Tournament, where he has competed on one of the largest stages in student speech and debate. Beyond competition, Sahaj has spoken at major community events and helped plan and emcee large-scale programs, including events surrounding the opening of Hindu temples in North America and Europe. These experiences have taken him from the pressure of a debate round to the responsibility of speaking to audiences far beyond a classroom, shaping his perspective on what it really means to find and use your voice. Sahaj is particularly interested in the moments when ordinary people discover that their experiences can become something meaningful when they are willing to share them. Outside of speaking, he enjoys basketball, meeting new people, and constantly finding something new to be curious about.
Viz Venkatesh
Speaker
Hi, my name is Viz Venkatesh. I’m a student interested in medicine, science, technology, and leadership, with a passion for learning and sharing ideas. I enjoy turning the things I’m curious about into projects and exploring how they can make a real-world impact. I’m also involved in speech and debate, where I’ve developed a love for public speaking, research, and communicating ideas in ways that connect with people. Outside of academics, I enjoy golf, creating content, and taking on new challenges that help me grow.
