Our main concern is how normalized and extreme Islamophobia is worldwide, as well as how harsh the consequences may be for hijabi women. Through this talk, we hope to inspire change and encourage people to educate themselves on important issues like this. Aishah Abbasi is a junior attending Jenks High School. She is involved in NHS, Key Club, Speech and Debate, Pre-Law Club, International Scholars Program, and is a co-founder of Jenks Muslim Student Association. Through TEDx, she wants to create a safe space where people can learn about what the Hijab truly means, along with the implications of wearing it. Misconceptions about the Hijab and Islam have real-life consequences. She believes that we can overcome stereotypes by fostering a collective understanding and education about topics such as these.Hi! My name is Alayna Kundi, and I’m a junior here at Jenks. I’m part of Speech and Debate, an officer in the Jenks MSA, and a member of the International Scholars Program and Pre-Law Club. Throughout my life, the Hijab has been a huge part of my identity. Through TEDx, I want to create a safe space where people can learn about what the Hijab truly means, along with the implications of wearing it. Misconceptions about the Hijab and Islam have real-life consequences. I believe we can overcome stereotypes by fostering a collective understanding and education about topics such as these. 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

Valentina is a senior at Mountain View High School. At school, she enjoys her involvement in Green Team and her tech internship, and outside of school, she’s a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation. As the first person in her family that will attend a four-year college in the U.S., Valentina has faced many obstacles, including a challenging period with her mental health. In this talk, she shares her journey of embracing mindfulness and discovering the transformative power of tools like yoga and meditation, which helped her find balance and the strength to move forward. Valentina hopes to inspire and help others by showing them ways to incorporate these transformative practices into their own lives. Valentina is a senior at Mountain View High School. At school, she enjoys her involvement in Green Team and her tech internship, and outside of school, she’s a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation. As the first person in her family that will attend a four-year college in the U.S., Valentina has faced many obstacles, including a challenging period with her mental health. In this talk, she shares her journey of embracing mindfulness and discovering the transformative power of tools like yoga and meditation, which helped her find balance and the strength to move forward. Valentina hopes to inspire and help others by showing them ways to incorporate these transformative practices into their own lives. 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

Saumya is a junior at MVHS. She is a passionate performer, who deeply cares about making music, songwriting, musical theater, recording, acting, and being an entrepreneur. She understands the fears and stigma surrounding the successes possible in the performing arts industries. Through her talk, she reconstructs the meaning of success, breaking false narratives to empower every person to pursue careers in the arts, no matter what their background may be. Saumya is a junior at MVHS. She is a passionate performer, who deeply cares about making music, songwriting, musical theater, recording, acting, and being an entrepreneur. She understands the fears and stigma surrounding the successes possible in the performing arts industries. Through her talk, she reconstructs the meaning of success, breaking false narratives to empower every person to pursue careers in the arts, no matter what their background may be. 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 my TEDx talk, I hope to not just initiate a conversation, but raise awareness and inspire action because I believe we all have a part to play in shaping the future. In other words, how can one ignore such reprehensible acts that happen right before their eyes? Hi! I’m Vung Lian, a senior at Jenks HS and I’m so beyond thrilled to share with you something that’s been poking my mind lately. Since 2021, lives were interrupted by senseless killings in the same place that those in positions of power have already caused lifelong emotional and physical scars. 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

Driven by his personal journey with Hinduism, Hrishi’s talk, titled "What Hinduism Really Teaches," aims to dispel common misconceptions about the faith. He will share how Hindu teachings have shaped his life, offering universally applicable lessons beyond traditional religious beliefs. Driven by his personal journey with Hinduism, Hrishi’s talk, titled "What Hinduism Really Teaches," aims to dispel common misconceptions about the faith. He will share how Hindu teachings have shaped his life, offering universally applicable lessons beyond traditional religious beliefs. 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

JC Laraya is a mother of a teenage boy and works for a tech company in Silicon Valley. Although she doesn’t have a formal dance background or training, she began attending dance classes in 2017 at the age of 35. Initially, her motivation was to use dance as a workout to achieve her fitness goals, which she reached by 2019. In 2020, JC started teaching dance fitness, and her classes have since gained popularity, often selling out and attracting a large number of students. Recently, she had the opportunity to perform as a backup dancer for an international artist and singer at an event in San Francisco on August 11, 2024. JC Laraya is a mother of a teenage boy and works for a tech company in Silicon Valley. Although she doesn’t have a formal dance background or training, she began attending dance classes in 2017 at the age of 35. Initially, her motivation was to use dance as a workout to achieve her fitness goals, which she reached by 2019. In 2020, JC started teaching dance fitness, and her classes have since gained popularity, often selling out and attracting a large number of students. Recently, she had the opportunity to perform as a backup dancer for an international artist and singer at an event in San Francisco on August 11, 2024. 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