In schools across the country, Latino students often find themselves standing in front of doors that lead to advanced classes, dual-credit programs, and college opportunities yet too often those doors remain closed. This talk dives into the experience of a first-generation student who noticed that only 28% of AP enrollment in one district reflected Hispanic identity, a stark reminder of how inequities limit who gets to step forward. The journey unfolds through real moments: walking into classrooms where representation was scarce, gathering survey data to capture hidden stories, and pushing district leaders to acknowledge gaps that families had long felt but rarely voiced. Alongside grassroots advocacy, collaboration with state leaders and the Gates Foundation demonstrates how data and determination can shift entire systems. The message goes beyond statistics. It reveals the power of self-advocacy, the role of family and community voices, and the responsibility schools carry to make access visible and achievable. This talk challenges audiences to rethink how talent is recognized and nurtured and to act on a truth too often overlooked: opportunity should not depend on background, language, or zip code. Nahomi Sotelo Navarro is a passionate student advocate and education equity researcher committed to empowering Latino youth. As a first-generation college student, she has witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers—like low participation in Advanced Placement courses—undermine Latino students’ academic potential and college readiness. Drawing on data from Washington State and national education reports, Nahomi's TEDx talk explores how access gaps in rigorous coursework perpetuate educational inequities. She challenges educators, policymakers, and communities to reimagine support systems and broaden access to advanced learning opportunities. Nahomi’s work sheds light on the urgent need for inclusive academic pathways that uplift all students. 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

Whether you are a motorsport fan or not, the lessons covered in this speech are applicable for all. In discussions of endurance, Plan Bs, and expectations, this speech aims to build links from the motorsport industry into everyday life. As a student in my second to final year at Dulwich College Singapore, I’ve chosen to study Politics and Maths in the following steps of my education. 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

Olivia Henaire is a 13-year-old competitive swimmer known for taking on the longest and toughest races. Over the years, she has learned that swimming is about more than just speed. It's about patience, resilience, and breathing through the pressure. In her talk, More Than Air: Finding Balance Through Breathing, Olivia shares how the rhythm of breathing in the pool taught her to manage stress, embrace balance, and keep going even when goals feel just out of reach. Her reflections remind us all that sometimes the simplest act, taking a breath, can make the biggest difference. Olivia Henaire is a 13-year-old swimmer ranked among the top girls in Washington state. She’s been swimming since she was little, and over the years, she’s learned that it’s not just about being fast, it’s also about staying calm and focused. For her, swimming is more than just races, it’s where she learned how to handle stress, deal with pressure, and just breathe when things get stressful. When she’s not swimming, she enjoys reading, baking sweet treats, and hanging out with her cats. 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

In this deeply reflective talk, Dr. Sagar Pandya explores how the most powerful stories often hide within ordinary moments of our lives. Through examples ranging from Anne Frank to everyday acts of kindness, he reveals how writing transforms simple experiences into timeless connections. His message reminds us that we don’t need extraordinary events to inspire — we only need the courage to notice, feel, and share. Dr. Sagar Pandya is an educator and writer with 17 years of experience in English language and literature. He has published around 18 books, with more academic works under publication, covering spoken English, grammar in communication, short fiction, and poetry. He has taught students across a wide range of ages and is a certified IELTS trainer fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.Alongside teaching, he has explored blogging, short filmmaking, and literary collaborations, contributing book reviews and interviews with authors. His talks and media appearances reflect his interest in language, creativity, and lifelong learning. 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

Long before taking the stage, Ahan Singh noticed a subtle change in his classroom: students were outsourcing more, thinking less. In this powerful talk, he explores how over reliance on Artificial Intelligence threatens creativity, individuality, and the messy, meaningful process of learning. With humor, insight, and the unforgettable analogy of “cavemen with AI”, Ahan challenges us to rethink the role of technology in education and beyond. Instead of letting AI define how we think, he argues, we must preserve the struggle, curiosity, and discovery that fuel creativity. His timeless reminder: our greatest strength lies not in fast answers, but in daring to wonder and discover for ourselves. Ahan is a rising 10th grader with a strong passion for artificial intelligence and its ability to positively transform how people learn and interact with the world around them. From a young age, he has been curious about the relationship between technology and human. Ahan also enjoys art, writing, and finding ways to share ideas that spark thoughtful conversations within his community. He enjoys using his voice to advocate for responsible learning and he hopes to help build a future where AI is used to improve human potential. 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

The children of Nowon present a heartwarming musical stage inspired by “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music. They believe that music can be as powerful as words — connecting hearts, inspiring courage, and turning young voices into a harmony that fills the room with hope. 장예진 (Vocal Coach) - 한양대학교 성악과에 재학 중으로, 학생들의 뮤지컬 지도를 담당했습니다. 무대에도 함께 참여하여 음악적 완성도를 높였으며, 밝은 에너지와 따뜻한 격려로 아이들에게 자신감을 심어주었습니다.홍자경 (Co-Organizer / Coach) 서울예술고등학교와 이화여자대학교 음악대학을 졸업하였고, 대학 재학 중 교직 과정을 이수하며 교육에 대한 전문성을 쌓았습니다. 풍부한 학생 지도 경험을 바탕으로 이번 TEDxNowon Youth에서 뮤지컬 연습과 스피치 준비를 지도하며, 공동주최자로서 행사를 함께 이끌었습니다.손미소 (불암초 4) - 안녕하세요. 저는 여름 방학 동안 선생님 그리고 친구들과 열심히 무대를 준비한 손미소입니다. 노력하여 준비한 만큼 관객분들게 재미있는 무대가 되길 바랍니다. 감사합니다.송인영 (불암초 3) - 그림 그리기를 좋아하는 밝고 활기찬 인영이는 이번 뮤지컬을 준비하면서 무대에서 연기하고 노래하는 즐거움을 직접 경험하였고 그 과정을 통해 큰 보람과 행복을 느꼈습니다. 매일매일 반복되는 연습 속에서 조금씩 자신감을 키워가며, 새로운 도전이 얼마나 값진 경험이 될 수 있는지도 배웠습니다. 인영이의 꿈은 정의를 지키고 사람들의 마음에 따뜻함을 전하는 변호사가 되는 것입니다.정수빈 (을지초 2) - 끼가 많지만, 막상 부끄러움이 많은 수빈이는 이번 뮤지컬 수업을 통해 사람들 앞에서 용감하게 자신의 매력을 선보이게 되었습니다. 만화 그리기를 좋아하고 친구들과 함께라면 뭐든 행복한 낙천적인 성격의 수빈이는 미래에 의사가 되어 아픈 사람들과 동물들을 도와주고 싶습니다.조연수 (불암초 4) - 안녕하세요! 4학년 조연수입니다. 이번 TED 스피치와 함께 뮤지컬 공연에도 참여하게 되어 정말 기쁩니다. 여름방학 동안 친구들과 함께 뮤지컬을 준비하면서, 마음처럼 잘되지 않아 힘든 날도 있었지만, 점점 완성되어가는 과정이 재미있고 보람찼습니다. 저는 “Do-Re-Mi Song”에서 ‘Fa(Far)’ 역할을 맡았습니다. ‘파’는 영어로 ‘Far(멀리)’와 발음이 비슷해서, 노래 가사에도 그런 의미가 담겨 있다고 선생님께서 알려주셨어요. 제 목소리와 꿈이 ‘Far’라는 단어처럼 더멀리멀리 퍼져나가면 좋겠습니다. ‘파’ 부분이 나올 때 저를 꼭 봐주세요!최호정 (청원초 3) - 안녕하세요! 저는 3학년 최효정입니다. 저는 이야기를 쓰고 책 읽는 것을 좋아하며 친구들과 노는 것도 좋아합니다. 제 꿈은 모두를 웃게 만드는 친절한 치과의사가 되는 것입니다. 감사합니다! 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