Theme: The Real Me

In a world that often tells us who to be, The Real Me invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover our authentic selves. This year’s TEDxPine Lake Youth theme celebrates the courage it takes to embrace your true identity, beyond beauty standards, labels, filters, or expectations.
Our speakers will explore how they’ve navigated identity, values, self-expression, and belonging. Through personal stories and powerful ideas, they’ll challenge the pressure to fit in and inspire others to stand out, by simply being who they are.

Join us as we celebrate vulnerability, voice, and the transformational power of living as The Real Me.

Meydenbauer Theater
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Bellevue, Washington, 98004
United States

Aalya Tandon

Student

Aalya Tandon, a thirteen-year-old Eastside Prep student, has played piano since age five and has composed and recorded three pieces, with a fourth in progress. Her literary interests span fiction by authors such as J.K. Rowling, Enid Blyton, and Chris Colfer, as well as motivational works like "Chicken Soup for the Soul". Academically, Aalya is engaged in writing a research paper and actively participates in debate, having qualified for nationals three times. Her extracurricular activities also include piano, dance, and serving as a student ambassador for her school. A passionate traveler, Aalya has visited nineteen countries around the world.

Ahan Singh

Student

Ahan is a rising 10th grader with a strong passion for artificial intelligence and its ability to positively transform how people learn and interact with the world around them. From a young age, he has been curious about the relationship between technology and human. Ahan also enjoys art, writing, and finding ways to share ideas that spark thoughtful conversations within his community. He enjoys using his voice to advocate for responsible learning and he hopes to help build a future where AI is used to improve human potential.

Karys Fan

Student

Karys is a rising 8th grader with a deep passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Deeply empathetic and a seasoned communicator, she believes in the power of personal connection and uplifting others. Karys is an active volunteer, always seeking ways to help her community and spread kindness. With a strong sense of self and a non-conforming spirit, she stands confidently in her values and encourages others to do the same. Karys believes there is kindness in everyone and through compassion and connection, she hopes to inspire positive change in the world around her.

Nahomi Sotelo

Student

Nahomi Sotelo Navarro is a passionate student advocate and education equity researcher committed to empowering Latino youth. As a first-generation college student, she has witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers—like low participation in Advanced Placement courses—undermine Latino students’ academic potential and college readiness. Drawing on data from Washington State and national education reports, Nahomi's TEDx talk explores how access gaps in rigorous coursework perpetuate educational inequities. She challenges educators, policymakers, and communities to reimagine support systems and broaden access to advanced learning opportunities. Nahomi’s work sheds light on the urgent need for inclusive academic pathways that uplift all students.

Olivia Henaire

Student

Olivia Henaire is a 13-year-old swimmer ranked among the top girls in Washington state. She’s been swimming since she was little, and over the years, she’s learned that it’s not just about being fast, it’s also about staying calm and focused. For her, swimming is more than just races, it’s where she learned how to handle stress, deal with pressure, and just breathe when things get stressful. When she’s not swimming, she enjoys reading, baking sweet treats, and hanging out with her cats.

Riana Kumar

Student

Riana Kumar is an eighth-grade student at The Overlake School in Redmond, Washington. She is passionate about lacrosse, dance, and debate. She plays on Overlake School’s lacrosse team and competes with her club team in the fall. Riana trains in ethnic dance at PCIPA and will begin learning new styles at the Premier Dance Center. As a member of the Overlake debate team, she regularly participates in tournaments. She also serves as a student ambassador, representing her school at open houses and interviews. Riana is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to grow through every experience.

Tanushri Sriram

Student

Tanushri Sriram is a thoughtful and confident young speaker who inspires others to step outside their comfort zones. Once a shy student who hesitated in raising her hand in class, Tanushri learned that true growth begins with stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Her TEDx talk shares relatable personal moments of placing herself in unfamiliar situations, facing fears with a mindshift change and her subsequent growth. Guided by the mantra, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she encourages friends and family to try new experiences, make venturesome choices, and find hidden capabilities within themselves.

Uma Bambroo

Student

Uma is a passionate teen speaker advocating for authentic self-care and self-worth in a world influenced by beauty standards and social media. Her journey began when she struggled with eczema and insecurity, leading her to secretly buy makeup to feel prettier. But over time, she discovered that no product could change how she felt inside. Now, Uma focuses on true self-care—hydration, skincare, and self-acceptance—and shares her message with honesty and heart. With her younger sister already feeling pressure from online trends, Uma is committed to helping the next generation understand that beauty starts from within.

Vihaan Reddy

Student

Vihaan is a driven young athlete who has learned that success in sportsand in life comes from controlling your mindset, not just your skills. A dedicated tennis player and duathlete, he’s competed in over 18 races and regularly finishes on the podium. After struggling with frustration and impulsive reactions, Vihaan discovered the power of PACE: Pause, Assess, Choose, Engage. This simple yet powerful method has helped him stay calm under pressure, focus his energy, and make smarter decisions. Now, he inspires others to “set their pace” in the heat of the chase and lead with intention instead of reaction.