Future-proof yourself: AI skills that will make you irreplaceable | Ayanna Varma | TEDxNewarkAcademy
We live in a time where machines, powered by AI, can do more than we ever imagined. Success isn’t about resisting that shift, but learning how to harness it to your advantage. This talk reveals how to build the mindset and skills that keep you ahead of the curve.
Ayanna Varma is a senior at Newark Academy with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. As a nationally ranked tennis player and co-founder of Rally for Tennis Eastern, Ayanna has combined her love for tennis and entrepreneurship to support a nationwide initiative that has raised over $300,000 to increase access to tennis for underserved youth. Her interest in technology led her to explore emerging markets in the metaverse through a BCG-led initiative, while also driving her research into the transformative potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies in wealth distribution. Ayanna also played a key role in launching NOX AI’s next-gen assistant, RPLY, focusing on user engagement and outreach strategies. At Newark Academy, she serves as a CIA, is varsity tennis captain, and is a member of EIT. In her talk, Ayanna is excited to explore how AI augments human decision-making, showcasing the power of education, adaptability, and humanity in shaping our future. 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
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