In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Harmony Science Academy - Dallas High
12005 Forestgate Dr
Dallas, Texas, 75243
United States

Angel Hernandez

Student

Angel G. Hernandez Sanchez is an aspiring TEDx motivational speaker known for his curiosity, resilience, and drive for success. A high-achieving high school student, Angel is an A Honor Roll recipient, CyberPatriot Semifinalist, and HOSA leader who helped mentor a peer to state-level success. He’s also certified in First Aid and plans to pursue computer science with a minor in entrepreneurship. Beyond academics, Angel actively serves his community through TANGO Charities and energizes school events as lead DJ. Recognized by Dallas College for excellence in AP and Dual Enrollment courses, he balances his life with reading, fitness, and meditation. As an only child, Angel has faced personal challenges with strength and vision—proving that with dedication, anything is possible.

Brandon Wu

Student

Brandon Wu is a 16-year-old junior at St. John’s School. A passionate advocate for humane education, he has worked closely with the Texas Humane Legislation Network to promote animal welfare initiatives across Texas. Brandon believes that creating a more compassionate society starts with recognizing the essential role animals play in our lives. Outside of his advocacy work, he enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, and volunteering in his community.

Brook Tadesse

Student

I’m a high school senior at Harmony Science Academy Dallas with a strong interest in computer science and machine learning. I plan to pursue these fields at the University of Texas at Dallas, with the goal of advancing AI technologies to solve real-world problems.

Cody Cavenaugh

Business Owner

Cody Cavenaugh is a Baylor University graduate, entrepreneur, and the founder of a marketing agency dedicated to helping blue-collar and home service businesses grow. With a deep belief that the best businesses aren’t always the loudest, Cody is passionate about ensuring hardworking professionals receive the recognition and revenue they deserve. He founded his agency after witnessing firsthand how many skilled contractors and service professionals were misled by overpriced, generic marketing solutions. With years of experience in digital marketing, Cody has developed proven strategies that have helped countless businesses thrive. His journey has been shaped by hard work and a commitment to delivering real results for his clients.

Debra Montalvo

Speaker, Author, Dance and Acting Coach

Award-winning and Bestselling Author, Dance and Acting Coach, Debra Montalvo is an enthusiastic advocate for the arts and a keynote speaker sharing her inspiring story of resilience and body acceptance on stages around the world. With a degree in Fine Arts from Lamar University, for over 35 years, an entrepreneur for over 25 years, and founder of several dance studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, she aims to inspire others to recapture their power through the arts. Debra’s mission is to help people harness the transformative power of the arts for health, happiness, family connection, student engagement and academic success, corporate culture, and work performance. Her work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, Hispanic News Today, Google, Yahoo!, Entertainment Daily Texas, The Entrepreneurship Reporter, Corporate Social Responsibility News Today, and Global Wellness Times

Ekaksh Bansal

High School Student

Ekaksh Bansal is a high school junior who is passionate about empowering young minds through education, dialogue, and community engagement. An Eagle Scout and three-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, he brings a strong commitment to service and scholarship. He is also the founder of Xito, a business that creates educational placemats designed to spark curiosity and foster social interactions among children and families. Ekaksh is dedicated to using knowledge as a tool for global impact.

Eliana Fernández

Student, Author, Artist

Eliana Fernández is an 11-year-old speaker, artist, author, and creative entrepreneur. She’s spoken and performed on stages around the world about Your 12 Superpowers, including to 700,000 people in India. Every day, she continues the "not-so-top-secret" mission to help others discover and activate their superpowers to make the world a better place.

Jaanvi Goyal

Student

Jaanvi is a middle schooler in Frisco ISD and a twin sister. Some of her hobbies include learning about health and wellness, singing classical music, playing the flute, volunteering in her community, and traveling with her family! She also runs a non-profit that helps teach students about the importance of physical and mental health.

Jiya Goyal

Student

Jiya is a middle schooler at Frisco ISD, an older twin, and a passionate advocate for mental health. She’s a keen writer and has always been interested in music. Some of her hobbies include playing the flute & saxophone, photography, and spending time with her family. Outside of school—you could find her reading or working on Mindful Bites, a nonprofit she co-founded with her sister!

Rufeda Ali

Product Manager

Rufeda Ali is a Product Manager, and Personal Branding Advocate who went from feeling invisible in classrooms to being invited into rooms she once dreamed of. After starting her career in a non-tech background, she successfully transitioned into tech - without connections, privilege, or a roadmap. She recently completed her Master’s in Business Analytics from Southern Methodist University (SMU) while building a personal brand that now speaks for her even when she’s not in the room. At TEDx, Rufeda shares how young people can take control of their reputation and turn their story into their greatest asset.

Sai Balaji

STEM High School Student & Intern at Heart Math Institute

Sai Balaji is a high school stem advocate from Houston, Texas, dedicated to transforming medical diagnostics and enhancing well-being through the integration of science, technology, and holistic health. She developed a machine learning model using heart rate variability (HRV) to enable early detection of sepsis, with the goal of saving lives. This work was recognized at major science fairs and published at the 21st IEEE Conference on Computational Intelligence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. She also presented her research at the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) 2024 Conference

Sandy Gledhill

Business Consultant/Executive Advisor

Sandy Gledhill is a thought leader & business consultant who has researched fearlessness for 20 years. After overcoming her own debilitating fears and discovering the 7 secrets to fearlessness, she now empowers leaders to lead, even as they are still in the process of becoming. Sandy helps high-performers achieve outrageous success by teaching them how to totally eradicate fear. A keynote speaker & author of The Fearless Revolution, she loves to share her unique message of Living Beyond Courage.

Thomas Kuchenbrod

Business Professional

Dr. Kuchenbrod is a Doctor of Chiropractic and business consultant whose mindset shifts saved his own life. Leaning the power of the mind while personally overcoming a chronic disease, he began applying the same principles to personal and business growth—with powerful results. Today, he helps people around the world rewire their thinking and locate their interferences to unlock potential and live with purpose. Dr. Kuchenbrod has worked with hundreds of clients globally, combining science, strategy, and personal transformation to drive lasting change.