Too young? Too different? Too limited? Zoya Kalinsky proves otherwise. From being bullied as a child with Tourette syndrome to becoming a global advocate for education reform, she shows why youth voices aren’t just important—they’re essential. Zoya calls out tokenism, challenges outdated systems, and shares how kids worldwide are rewriting the future of learning. Her message is clear: the future doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Zoya is a 14-year-old global youth advocate and founder of the UnitEd Youth Council, using her voice to champion education and empower the next generation of leaders. She collaborates with global organizations to drive meaningful policy change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Every teen has a double life—the version at school and the version at home. In this powerful and deeply relatable talk, Sonia Katara Suthar exposes the gap between what parents think their teens feel and what teens actually experience. With stories from her own family and insights from research, Sonia makes the case for “collaboration over control.” She offers practical tools to transform silence into trust, conflict into connection, and families into places where teens feel truly seen. Sonia is an 18-year-old business owner who is passionate about educating teens & parents and cultivating communities around understanding and a sense of belonging. She’s developed a deep expertise in teenage psychology, motivational styles, & the nuance of parent-teen relationships. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can small choices really change the world? Shepperd Pfiester thinks so. In this inspiring talk, she shares how a trip to study coral reefs opened her eyes to the power of tiny actions—like reducing plastic or starting a conversation—that ripple outward and inspire others. From classrooms to oceans, Shepperd shows that change doesn’t begin with celebrities or scientists. It begins with one person daring to believe their actions matter. What ripple will you start? Shepperd is a 12-year-old 7th grader who loves gymnastics and exploring the wonders of the ocean and coral reefs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We all send “LOL” or “JK” when we don’t really mean it—but what are we hiding behind those emojis? In this honest and heartfelt talk, Penelope Marty uncovers the secret language of pretending to be okay, and how it keeps us from real connection. Sharing her own experiences, she challenges us to drop the mask, speak the truth—even when it’s scary—and make honesty the new normal. Because our real voices are far too powerful to hide. Penelope is a 7th grader and a passionate public speaker. She is bubbly, talkative, optimistic, enthusiastic—she loves being social, staying loyal to her friends, and texting them to keep the good vibes going! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We love stories of lone heroes—but what if real power lies in community? In this moving talk, Love Lalla-Pagan shows how mangroves, often overlooked trees, protect coastlines, feed millions, and even save billions in storm damage. More importantly, they remind us that strength comes from working together. From Texas to the Philippines, Love shares how grassroots communities are restoring ecosystems and why collaboration—not individual heroism—is the engine of true change. Love is a 7th grader who enjoys reading, archery, and learning about the world of mangroves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Ishaan Ghosh shows how the tabla and Indian classical music stay relevant today by offering emotional connection, mindfulness, and cultural roots in a fast-paced digital world. He highlights that this music isn’t stuck in the past but is evolving, blending tradition with modern sounds to bring depth and balance to our lives. Ishaan Ghosh is one of the brightest young tabla virtuosos of his generation. The son of maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh, grandson of Padma Bhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh, and grand-nephew of the iconic flautist Pandit Pannalal Ghosh, Ishaan carries forward a legendary musical lineage.He made his tabla debut at the tender age of two, and has since performed in over 1,500 concerts across 160+ cities in more than 25 countries, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Kaushiki Chakraborty.A trailblazer at just 24, Ishaan, not only preserves classical tabla but also reinterprets forgotten forms of Indian rhythm. He leads the neoclassical ensemble ARAJ, and experiments with rhythm beyond conventional boundaries, most notably in his techno‑tabla track Euphoria, where he places Indian rhythm at the heart of contemporary soundscapes. Ishaan revives traditional music forms, making them resonate with modern audiences while honoring their roots. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx