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

The truth is, we’re all being manipulated. Mark is a Senior at Mountain View High School, reveals the subtle psychological tricks marketers and politicians use to influence our choices. From advertising through fear, to the social psychology used in political speeches, to what makes IKEA furniture so satisfying to build, Mark will show how to spot common psychological tactics and control of your purchases and opinions. The truth is, we’re all being manipulated. Mark is a Senior at Mountain View High School, reveals the subtle psychological tricks marketers and politicians use to influence our choices. From advertising through fear, to the social psychology used in political speeches, to what makes IKEA furniture so satisfying to build, Mark will show how to spot common psychological tactics and control of your purchases and opinions. 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

Vivaan is a junior at mountain view high school. As someone who moved to the other side of the world when he was only nine years old, life changed very quickly for Vivaan, in ways he could not imagine. But to others, these changes were normal and sometimes meaningless. In his talk, Vivaan outlines through his own experience, how the world seems different from the perspective of an immigrant. Vivaan is a junior at mountain view high school. As someone who moved to the other side of the world when he was only nine years old, life changed very quickly for Vivaan, in ways he could not imagine. But to others, these changes were normal and sometimes meaningless. In his talk, Vivaan outlines through his own experience, how the world seems different from the perspective of an immigrant. 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

A victim of his own expectations, sophomore Ryan Lee had once walked the same path trodden with the footsteps of nationwide high schoolers all grasping at the fleeting ideal of perfection. Now, having broken free from the constant struggle to be flawless, he speaks on the fear of failure and the pain of always falling short of your ambitions. Join him in his talk as he discusses his love, hate, and journey with perfectionism. A victim of his own expectations, sophomore Ryan Lee had once walked the same path trodden with the footsteps of nationwide high schoolers all grasping at the fleeting ideal of perfection. Now, having broken free from the constant struggle to be flawless, he speaks on the fear of failure and the pain of always falling short of your ambitions. Join him in his talk as he discusses his love, hate, and journey with perfectionism. 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

A dedicated advocate for understanding and inclusion, Amanda is a junior in highschool who navigates life with a unique perspective on hidden challenges. Having experienced firsthand the impact of unseen disabilities, she is passionate about raising awareness around the value of compassion in everyday interactions. In her talk, Amanda sheds light on the subtle ways people with invisible struggles can feel excluded and the powerful effect of small, thoughtful actions. She encourages listeners to approach each person with patience and empathy, building a world where everyone feels understood and included. A dedicated advocate for understanding and inclusion, Amanda is a junior in highschool who navigates life with a unique perspective on hidden challenges. Having experienced firsthand the impact of unseen disabilities, she is passionate about raising awareness around the value of compassion in everyday interactions. In her talk, Amanda sheds light on the subtle ways people with invisible struggles can feel excluded and the powerful effect of small, thoughtful actions. She encourages listeners to approach each person with patience and empathy, building a world where everyone feels understood and included. 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

Tanya Sheckley is an Entrepreneur, Founder of UP Academy and Co-Founder of Project UP. UP Academy is a non-traditional elementary school which values respect, innovation, empathy and strength. Project UP brings a fully integrated Literacy and project based learning curriculum for K-5 schools as well as building a community of founders and leaders. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, change what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education. She is author of Rebel Educator’s podcast and book, Create Classrooms of Imagination and Impact. Speaking frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship, Tanya works with founders and leaders to launch innovative school models, question the status quo, and develop engaging student experiences through inclusion and project based learning. Tanya Sheckley is an Entrepreneur, Founder of UP Academy and Co-Founder of Project UP. UP Academy is a non-traditional elementary school which values respect, innovation, empathy and strength. Project UP brings a fully integrated Literacy and project based learning curriculum for K-5 schools as well as building a community of founders and leaders. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, change what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education. She is author of Rebel Educator’s podcast and book, Create Classrooms of Imagination and Impact. Speaking frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship, Tanya works with founders and leaders to launch innovative school models, question the status quo, and develop engaging student experiences through inclusion and project based 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