ADULT SPEAKERS

BIOS:

I’m Aarnav Chopra, a senior and proud lifer at Carrollwood Day School. I believe in breaking free from limitations—labels, expectations, and boxes that confine us. To me, TED represents a space where ideas transcend boundaries, where voices echo and inspire change. Ideas are the currency of the future, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share mine on this platform. My goal is simple: to challenge perspectives, spark curiosity, and encourage others to embrace the unexpected.

I'm Swara Patel, a 15-year-old researcher deeply passionate about creating a better habitat for all living things. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world through conservation efforts, advocacy, and research. Currently, I am a sophomore at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa Bay, Florida, where I strive to motivate my peers and younger students to engage in STEM fields. In my free time, I enjoy scuba diving. As an AAUS-certified advanced scientific scuba diver, I work on restoring coral reefs and have helped restore and out-plant over 500 coral reefs in the Florida Keys. I also serve on the youth advisory board and write blogs for Reef Renewal.

Hello! I am Anika Iyer, a junior at Carrollwood Day school. My passion for neuroscience, specifically neurodivergence conditions began when I started tutoring individuals with down syndrome a few years ago. Working with these individuals made me realize a lot of things, but most prominently, how underrepresented and stereotyped against they are. Whether its autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or any other neurodivergent condition, these individuals see our world from a different perspective; and I want to bring light to that perspective.

Hi I am Avery Wallace, a current junior at CDS and I am interested all things space and physics. Physics has been one of my passions for 3 years now and I grow to love it more every day. Modern physics and the nature of our universe have had me captivated these last few years and I truly believe the negative associations people make with physics as a subject- either because its "too hard" or its "boring"- are undeserved. I want people to see the beauty in physics like I do and appreciate how physics has altered humanity and our understanding of our place in the cosmos.

I'm Owen, and I'm a freshman here at CDS. I think we all know what it feels like to be committed to something that our heart is just not in. I've noticed this in myself and my classmates, where external pressures such as looming college applications, parents, or peers, can push us into doing activities that we're not passionate about. This not only obscures what really matters to us in our lives, but also makes it harder to know what to invest our time in. As someone who has been running from activity to activity for the past few years, I'm grateful to be able to share my perspective on this issue and I hope you can take something away from it.

Hello! I’m Denah Linderman, a 9th grader who has been performing for as long as I can remember. I started singing at just 2 years old, and when I discovered theater, I knew I had found my passion. Being on stage has always felt like home—it’s where I’ve learned confidence, creativity, and the power of connection. So, when I had the chance to give a TED Talk, I knew I wanted to share how theater has shaped the way I see the world. My talk focuses on the improv technique of saying “yes, and” and how these two simple words can break down stereotypes, open minds, and transform the way we connect with each other in everyday life. 

I’m Ayaan Bhadouria, a student at Carrollwood Day School, and a 16-year old student athlete. Balancing athletics, and the workload I receive at school taught me about the importance of sleep, and how it impacts my everyday life. The proper amount of rest is not only wanted by everybody, it is essential for people incorporate in their daily schedule. My goal is to inspire others to get more sleep and improve their life, school, mental health, and athletics. Conquering the morning is not luck, it’s a skill - that you will learn to unlock today.

My name is Alice Sutton and I am a junior at Carrollwood Day School. In the world we live in today, 30 million individuals suffer a life with Ed. Except, this isn't referring to your typical neighbor or cousin whose name is Ed. Instead, it refers to the deadliest mental illness that's rates are currently at an all time high: eating disorders. After realizing the severity of the issue, I became dedicated to finding a way to help those who are suffering in silence. And what I found? A rather simple solution. 

I’m Jen Dosher, and I am so proud to have spent most of my 33 years of teaching at Carrollwood Day School.  I am fascinated by how people overcome challenges and inspired by their stories.  I believe that having a vision for the future is what drives us forward and I want to share the power of such dreams with others.  

Hi, my name is Léa-Rose D’Ambra and I am a 10th grader at CDS. I have been a fervent musical theatre practitioner since my early childhood and being part of the musical theatre world is what truly inspired me to do this talk. We have all heard the expression “The Show Must Go On”. We hear this phrase not only before shows or athletic competitions, but also in almost every aspect of life that requires us to overcome challenges. It is instilled in our minds through popular culture. But what about the “mindset” implications of drilling a “Show Must Go On” approach to everything we do?   Join me in exploring whether this is a sane and healthy approach to motivating and instilling a sense of responsibility towards ourselves, our teams, and our audiences?  Is our popular culture abusing, misusing and shaping this phrase out of context? Our minds have a way of twisting popular phrases and that idea has stayed with me since a recent trip.  By the end of my talk, you might find the meaning of that phrase shifting for you too… 

Entrepreneurs spot opportunities everywhere—even during a Sunday shopping trip! Paul Caplan, owner of Go Outdoors, turned a visit to Sheffield’s Camping and Caravanning Centre into one of the best deals of his life. From a chance encounter to building a thriving business, his journey includes bankruptcy, losing homes, and resilience. Now, Go Outdoors has expanded with over 1,200 employees and is adapting to digital growth, proving that success comes from determination and learning every step of the way.