Theme: From Roots to Branches

At the end of May 2025, the Amsterdam International Community school will organise the 12th edition of TEDxYouth@AICS, with this years theme "From Roots to Branches". The theme acts as a metaphor for growth and transformation whether it be in one’s personal life or the natural world. Therein, it represents the balance of staying rooted in foundational values, and using them to branch out toward innovation, change and new possibilities.
Expect to see insightful talks about the past, present and future. Come and be inspired!

OBA Theater
Oosterdokskade 143
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1011 DL
Netherlands

Juan Pablo Barea

Physical & Health Teacher at AICS

JP Barea is an experienced physical educator, scholar (holding two specialized post-graduate degrees in School Management and Inclusive Education for Students with Physical Disabilities), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and coach passionate about the intersection of movement and cognitive development. With a background in sports science and extensive coaching experience, he has also served as an Athletic Director, overseeing and managing multiple sports programs throughout his career. He explores how physical activity enhances brain function, memory, and mental resilience.

Maddison Turner

Educator and Deputy Head of Campus at AICS South

From roots in the Isle of Man to branches stretching across the world, Maddison has grown through shifting perspectives. As Deputy Head of Campus at AICS South, she champions the IB Learner Profile, fostering curiosity, open-mindedness, and reflection. In her TEDx talk, she shares her journey—from a close-minded seed to embracing diverse viewpoints—highlighting how perspective shapes our understanding and growth. Join her as she explores how we can all stretch beyond our roots and see the world through new lenses from different branches.

Mahi Deshpande

AICS Student

Mahi is a 16-year-old student at the AICS who advocates for equal digital access for all. After witnessing the stark contrast between those who have access to technology and those who do not, she realised how a lack of internet access could limit education, opportunities, and even participation in global conversations. Her talk explores what the digital divide is, along with where it formed. Mahi aims to spark meaningful conversations about bridging the gap by educating audiences about the past and creating a more connected world. She believes that after all, the only way that the future can be shaped is by understanding our past.

Mérida Miller

Founder & CEO of Project Fearless

Founder & CEO at Project Fearless, public speaker and professional hype-girl. Building for people, with people, and creating empowering solutions is what gives me energy. I left the corporate world to build Project Fearless, a switch shaped by wiring for human-centric design. We’re creating what parents wish they’d had growing up, and want for their girls and kids now: a place where they can step inside, shed who they “should be”, and have the space, time and tools to figure out who they are instead. Since 2019, we’ve welcomed 2090 kids and teens to our programs, and seen how what they learn at Project Fearless impacts their friends, families and communities in a ripple effect. It’s also helped me step into leadership roles in inclusive cycling, joining the board of No Ordinary Women Cycling Club.

Palmis Yahoo

First Year Dentistry Student

“Palmis is a first year dentistry student studying at the Academic Centrum for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). Her passion for studying dentistry came from her interests in the medical world (the anatomy/physiology, the diagnosis process, and the social aspects of patient care) and her love for the practical work that goes into being a dentist (drilling tooth decay, filling, you name it!). Palmis is energetic, hardworking, and a critical thinker. She loves problem solving in the medical field. She is especially curious why certain endemic diseases occur, what their consequences are, and what can we to do stop or prevent the disease progression. Her talk will focus on the increasing importance of preventative care, specifically in the field of dentistry.”

Samar Adarous

Educator

I am an educator, resilience trainer, and speaker passionate about breaking the cycle of survival mode. Growing up in unstable circumstances, I learned to equate strength with endurance. However, through my personal and professional growth, I discovered that true resilience is about healing, not just pushing through. Now, as a teacher and mentor, I help others move beyond survival towards meaningful growth. At TEDx, I will share my journey from survival to thriving, challenging the audience to redefine resilience and embrace a new path forward.

Satyam Arora

Finance and Analytics leader

Satyam Arora is a seasoned Finance and Analytics leader with over 18 years of experience in Investment Banking, Economics, Strategy, and Analytics. Passionate about eliminating human bias in decision-making, he champions fact-based strategies that drive efficiency and innovation. A CFA charterholder, Satyam began his journey in India, mastering financial acumen before accelerating his career in the US as Vice President in an Investment Banking firm. Now, as a global analytics leader at Royal Philips in the Netherlands, he reshapes decision-making processes through data-driven insights. Known for his unconventional leadership style, he continuously challenges traditional norms. A dedicated educator, Satyam has been teaching since the age of 16, offering him unique perspectives on evolving mindsets. An avid traveler and cultural enthusiast, he thrives on exploring new ideas and experiences across the world.

Spencer Waldron

Founder and Trainer at Cenrox

As a teenager, Spencer Waldron was terrified of public speaking. Today, he teaches people around the world how to own the stage. A LinkedIn Learning instructor and public speaking coach, he has helped thousands of professionals—from startup founders to corporate leaders—become confident, persuasive speakers. During his nine years at Prezi, he helped pioneer Conversational Presenting, trained top executives, and spoke at global conferences like Gartner’s CIO event. Now, as the founder of Cenrox, he helps people turn their fear into their greatest strength—because great speakers aren’t born, they’re made.

Svetlana Patil

AICS Student

Svetlana is an 18 year old student at AICS. Being from an Indian background, she talks about how culture can both shape and limit one’s self identity and how hard it can be for youth who come from conservative backgrounds to actually express themselves balancing the tightrope between societal, familial and personal expectations. Svetlana aims to make the audience understand that while culture is important it also has some deep rooted stereotypes that are harmful and should not be followed in the present day as they can lead to detrimental effects in society. She believes that change and breaking the norm is not only a bad thing and aims to discuss it from another perspective.