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).

Avery Coonley School
1400 Maple Ave
Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515
United States

Bennett Haried

Student at the Avery Coonley School

Bennett Haried is an active 4-year-old who attends preschool at the Avery Coonley School located in Downers Grove, IL. Outside of school, Bennett participates in swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and piano. Bennett is a curious boy who loves reading books with his dad, imagining fantastic things with his mom, and playing pretend with his two sisters, Juliette & Zoe. But more than anything, Bennett loves to build towers with his toys! Bennett wishes to inspire everyone to value early childhood education and wants every kid like him to have an imagination that builds big dreams.

Jaime Surdynski

Music Teacher & Fine Arts Department Chair at the Avery Coonley School

Mrs. Surdynski joined the ACS family in 2014, having previously taught gifted music and performing arts in both private and public schools. She teaches music to Lower School & Middle School as well as directs both Choir & Treble Makers. Mrs. Surdynski continues her professional development as an active musician and as a participating member of the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) & National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). She continues to receive the SMMA award from The NAMM Foundation, deeming The Avery Coonley School as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" since the 2018-2019 school year!

Kayla Schubmehl

Student at the Avery Coonley School

Kayla is a student at The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL. She is new to the TEDx stage. Kayla loves all things math and science. Some of her favorite math experiences have been competing with her Avery Coonley teammates in the MathCounts competition at the Latin School of Chicago and participating as an individual in the 2023 MathCon national finals. As a brand new middle school student, Kayla is looking forward to joining the school's STEAM Club and serving as a staff member of its digital literary magazine, in addition to continuing her role as a violist in the school's orchestra. Kayla is an avid reader and will devour anything she can get her hands on, though OYLA magazines are her absolute favorite. She also loves to rock climb, write, and spend time with her younger sister/best friend, Allie.

Michael Dixon

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Avery Coonley School

Michael Dixon received a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in college student affairs leadership from Grand Valley State University. Michael is a former higher education administrator with more than 18 years in that industry. He has several research interests and his brief study in philosophy causes him to ask lots of question. In his free time, you can catch Michael playing a round of disc golf or competing in sports and/or board games.

Priyanka Rupani

Assistant Principal at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago

Priyanka served as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, where she is an alum. Previously, she served as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice at the Friends School of Baltimore. Priyanka completed her B.A. from Northwestern University and her M.S.Ed from the University of Pennsylvania. She has taught High School math and African-American History and was a member of the 2010 Teach for America Corps in Philadelphia. Priyanka is a board member for the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS) and serves on the Advisory Council for One Schoolhouse's Association for Academic Leaders. Priyanka is also a faculty member for the National Association of Independent Schools’ annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference and a Principal Consultant for the Glasgow Group. Through this work, she consults on topics of DEIB and education for organizations nationwide. Priyanka is a proud ACS Alum, class of 2002.