What if the world’s most creative problem-solvers are being overlooked simply because they’re too polite to interrupt? In this witty, sharp, and heartfelt talk, 12-year-old Kaia Vernon-Oliveira challenges our assumptions about what giftedness looks like, especially in girls. With humor, research, and lived experience, Kaia unpacks how gender bias in education sidelines gifted girls and why it’s time to change the narrative.Equal parts personal story and powerful call to action, this talk is a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about unlocking human potential.About the Speaker:
Kaia Vernon-Oliveira is a profoundly gifted student, writer, and performing artist who attends Nasri Academy in Las Vegas and the Davidson Young Scholars program. Known for her bold curiosity, emotional depth, and comedic timing, Kaia uses her platform to advocate for equity in gifted education, especially for girls. Her TEDxLasVegas talk marks one of the few public talks addressing giftedness through the lens of gender and neurodiversity. Kaia is a multiracial 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. A student at Nasri Academy for Gifted Children and a Davidson Young Scholar, she started watching TED Talks in kindergarten and is thrilled to give one of her own.When she’s not deep in debate, reading, writing, or building a prototype for her next big idea, she can be found on stage. From dancing to acting, she loves putting on a good show. She has performed with Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Dynamic Performing Arts Center, Drama Kids of Las Vegas, and Bright Star Acting Academy.Kaia also loves comedy. Whether delivering a monologue or cracking a joke (the bluer, the better!), she believes her words have the power to move people—to action, to laughter, and if she’s lucky, both. Whatever she chooses to do with her life, Kaia plans to use her creativity and talents to empower girls and make the world a better place for everyone. 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
More from TED
- 9:12Before the Jump | Titus Lim | TEDxITE College WestA story about taking leaps of faith—trying the unfamiliar, facing fears and discovering freedom through curiosity and courage. An adventurous learner who went from coding Roblox games to conquering stage fright — one leap of faith (and parkour jump) at a time. 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
- 8:53Foundations | Laetitia Ruoyun Lim | TEDxITE College WestA reflection on slowing down in a fast-paced world and how unseen people and unnoticed moments can shape who we become. A former straight-A chaser turned quiet observer, she now finds power in stillness, honouring the unseen people and sacred moments that shaped her. 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
- 11:12Empower, Aspire and Inspire | Aditi Nandy | TEDxSDMIMD MysuruEmpower yourself with knowledge, courage, and resilience. The journey of life begins when you take control of your choices and believe in your inner strength.Aspire to dream beyond boundaries. Set your sights high, for it is aspiration that fuels progress and gives direction to every step of your path.Inspire others through your actions, values, and perseverance. A life well-lived is not only about reaching your own destination but also lighting the way for those who walk beside or after you.Together, Empower, Aspire, Inspire form the essence of a meaningful journey—one where we grow, achieve, and leave a legacy of hope and strength. Aditi Nandy, a rising star in Indian powerlifting, began her journey without formal coaching and quickly made her mark by winning silver at her debut National Championship. Hailing from West Bengal, she soon claimed gold at the Federation Cup Nationals and silver at the 2025 Open Asian Powerlifting Championship. Balancing her role as Assistant General Manager (HR) and pursuing an Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta, Aditi embodies grit and determination. Under coach Jason Martin’s guidance, she continues to break barriers in strength sports, aiming to represent India globally and inspire more women to pursue powerlifting with confidence and courage. 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
- 15:30A Journey from Pain to Pride | Padma Shri Dr. Malathi Holla | TEDxSDMIMD MysuruPadma Shri awardee and celebrated Para Olympian Dr. Malathi Holla shared the extraordinary journey of her life—one that stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Struck by polio at a very tender age, she faced immense physical pain and countless challenges at every step. Yet, with unwavering courage and relentless effort, she transformed adversity into achievement. Rising above limitations, she carved a name for herself as one of India’s most accomplished para-athletes, inspiring millions with her spirit and success. Padmashree Dr. Malathi Holla is a trailblazing para-athlete and tireless advocate for the differently-abled. Struck by polio at 14 months, she underwent 33 surgeries but never let adversity define her. Wheelchair-bound, she earned a Psychology degree and rose to global acclaim in para-sports, winning 393 gold, 27 silver, and 7 bronze medals. She represented India in four Paralympics and various international events, once ranked World No. 3 in shot put (Wheelchair Class 55). Honored with the Padmashree, Arjuna, and Ekalavya Awards, she also founded Mathru Foundation to support disabled children. Her story is a beacon of resilience, dignity, and inspiration. 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
- 9:56From Scarcity to Abundance: How AI Can Build a Fairer World | Eng.Tariq Amin | TEDxRiyadhFrom Scarcity to Abundance: How AI Can Build a Fairer World is rooted in a simple but urgent realization: some of the most pressing scarcities we face today aren’t physical they’re digital. Access to data, quality education, and real opportunity remains out of reach for billions. As someone who has worked across the U.S., India, Japan, and now Saudi Arabia, I’ve seen how innovation, scale, precision, and vision each play a role in shaping technological futures. In this talk, I explore how we’ve shifted from a commodity-based economy to a knowledge-based one where data is the new resource and AI is the engine of transformation. But unless we intentionally design AI to reflect diverse realities, we risk reinforcing the very gaps we seek to close. At HUMAIN, we’re not importing existing AI models we’re building them from scratch, aligned with local context and global responsibility. With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to offer not only ambition, but accessible infrastructure to the Global South. Scarcity, I argue, is a design flaw one we can fix. And when we build AI to serve humanity, not just productivity, we don’t just fill gaps we create abundance. Tariq Amin is a technology expert, strategic business leader, and CEO of HUMAIN, with over twenty years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience in the technology and telecommunications sector. He is recognized as an influential figure in the field of technology, known for his forward-thinking vision and commitment to expanding access to modern technologies on a broad scale. He dedicates his efforts to redefining the ways we work, innovate, and collaborate aligned with the global shift toward the age of artificial intelligence. 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
- 8:52Energized by Imagination: The Art of Visualization | Ziyad AlMaayouf | TEDxRiyadhThe Art Of Visualization. “ How Thoughts Shape Destiny” As a history making professional athlete, I’ve learned that victory isn’t earned on fight night, it’s shaped in the quiet moments before, through the mind. This talk explores the powerful connection between visualization, positive self-talk, and belief. I’ll share how vividly imagining success and speaking to myself with intention have become essential tools, not just for performance, but for identity. Visualization is more than daydreaming; it’s mental rehearsal that programs the body to respond with confidence under pressure. And the words we speak to ourselves become the blueprint for what we believe we’re capable of. This isn’t just for athletes, it’s for anyone striving to overcome doubt, fear, or challenge. By learning to see it before we do it, and to speak to ourselves like someone we’re responsible for supporting, we can build a bulletproof successful mindset in any field. The real fight is internal, and the mind, when trained, never stops working in our favor. The first professional boxer from Saudi Arabia, and he remains undefeated. He achieved the first victory for Saudi Arabia in the history of professional boxing. He embodies the ambitions of Vision 2030 and inspires a new generation of Saudi athletes. 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
