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).

Downingtown STEM Academy
335 Manor Avenue
Downingtown, Pennsylvania, 19335
United States

Ana Ladino

Senior Executive

Ana is the Director of Global Regulatory Affairs at West Pharmaceuticals and is looking forward to giving her first TED Talk!

Anoushka Parnerkar

Student

Anoushka plans to go to college to study neuroscience and research treatments and cures for brain disease. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing, which she has been doing for 14 years, as well as has a passion for cooking different foods.

Chloe Klingen

Student

Chloe is a student at the Downingtown STEM Academy who will be speaking about LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

Jonathan Childs

Financial Planner

Jonathan Childs was born in Trenton, NJ and raised by a single mother, along with his little sister, Jennifer, in Willingboro, NJ. Through influences from his family, martial arts instructor, and high school coaches, he has learned the values of honesty, tolerance, teamwork, and work ethic that served him well during his Army career and continue to do so today. As a member of many volunteer veteran groups - such as the Travis Manion Foundation, West Point Society of Philadelphia, VBRN, and numerous others – Jonathan is a believer of selfless service, and works well with individuals of various backgrounds; a valuable characteristic in his current role as an independent Financial Planner.

Mitch Blacher

Investigative Reporter

Mitch Blacher is an investigative reporter for NBC10 News and is excited to talk about the power of perspective in his own life!

Sophie Fromal

Student

Sophie loves to read, dance when she feels stressed, and spend time with her family and close friends. Today, she'd like to shed light on her triumphs and failures with her General Anxiety Disorder, and how that have affected her and the world around her.

Tomo Shinagawa

Student

Tomo can be recognized from his spontaneous bursts of music around school or his love for dogs! These are two things he enjoys dearly! But focusing on his love for music, this performer has been playing the violin since 3rd grade.

Zach Ng

Student

Zach Ng has worked at Dairy Queen since his freshman year. Outside of school he is a political advocate (if you're allowed to say that) and enjoys fixing and modifying cars and home improvement.