Theme: Embrace Change. Ignite the Future.

The event is currently moved to August. August 16

Change is inevitable. It challenges us, pushes us out of our comfort zones, and forces us to think differently. But when we choose to embrace change, we unlock endless possibilities for innovation, progress, and impact. This theme encourages us to see change not as something to fear, but as a powerful force that drives growth and transformation.

In today’s world, technology is reshaping our lives faster than ever. From advancements in AI and sustainability to breakthroughs in healthcare and education, change is happening all around us. How we respond to this change will define the future we build.

This TEDx event will explore stories of resilience, adaptability, and creativity—showing how individuals and communities can harness change to solve problems, improve lives, and create meaningful impact. Whether it’s in technology, education, environment, or social change, embracing change is the first step toward igniting new possibilities.

Our theme is Embrace Change. Ignite the Future.

Nguyen Engineering, 1101, Jajodia Auditorium
4511 Patriot Circle
Fairfax, Virginia, 22030
United States

Aleya Harris

award-winning international speaker, strategic storytelling consultant, speaker mentor, and former chef.

Aleya Harris is an award-winning international speaker, strategic storytelling consultant, speaker mentor, and former chef who helps leaders break free from burnout by rewriting the internal narratives that hold them back. She is the CEO of The Evolution Collective and the creator of the Spark the Stage™ and Spark the Pitch™. With a background in marketing and a passion for transformational storytelling, Aleya blends practical insight with soulful strategy to inspire change from the inside out.

Ben Laugelli

Associate Professor of Engineering & Society

Ben Laugelli is an associate professor of engineering and society at the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science. His teaching and research emphases include STS (science, technology & society), engineering ethics, engineering education, sustainable design values, technology and science fiction, and the LEGO® Group’s design values and practices.

David Evans

Professor of Computer Science

David Evans is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia where he leads research on understanding and mitigating risks associated with machine learning. He is the author of an open computer science textbook (https://computingbook.org), a book on secure computation (https://securecomputation.org/), and a children's book on combinatorics and computability (https://dori-mic.org). He has SB, SM and PhD degrees in Computer Science from MIT and has been a faculty member at the University of Virginia since 1999.

Eric Hunsaker

Filmmaker, Content Strategist, Storyteller

Eric Hunsaker is a filmmaker specializing in content strategy and audience development. He not only creates compelling projects but also ensures they reach the audiences who will be most impacted. Without formal film school training, Eric built his career by working on sets with top directors, actors, and creative teams. His first job in film involved cleaning the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., for the famous Forrest Gump scene where Tom Hanks meets Jennie. He later transitioned into producing and directing, discovering the emotional power of real people sharing their stories through documentary filmmaking. Today, he leads a production company in Northern Virginia that focuses on short-form, documentary-style films for organizations, associations, and businesses looking to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling.

Gautam Ijoor

Founder and CEO of Alpha Omega

Gautam Ijoor is the founder and CEO of Alpha Omega, building mission-focused solutions that ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in national security, federal financial, health, space and science through AI, cybersecurity, digital modernization. A 2025 finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, Mid-Atlantic, he led the company's growth from $500,000 to $214M in 9 years and acquired two new businesses on the same day in January 2025. A humble leader and passionate advocate for education and service, he mentors students, women, and minority-owned small business owners. As a Board Member of ChildHelp, he is dedicated to actively combating and preventing child abuse and neglect worldwide.

James F. Groves

Engineering faculty member at the University of Virginia

Northern Virginia is a globally recognized internet and data center hub. Consequently, the region now faces a major energy system challenge. Can Virginia embrace AI’s prosperity promise while also tapping responsibly into larger energy supplies? The challenge is great and should inspire a bold stretch for innovative energy solutions. Let’s briefly consider the potential of enhanced geothermal systems to meet northern Virginia’s future electricity demand. Could geothermal be a devilishly disastrous or divinely inspired power source in northern Virginia for people and the planet?

Jason Balser

Executive - Digital Transformation

Jason Balser is a technology leader who has spent his career helping organizations solve complex problems and orchestrate meaningful change. He believes that asking the right questions is more powerful than having all the answers and that the best solutions are often the simplest ones.

Marlon BaCote

PhD Candidate, MA, CSAC-Supervisee, QMHP-A, RPRS

Marlon BaCote is a PhD Candidate in Psychology and Counseling, a published author, and an advocate for recovery and criminal justice reform. After overcoming decades of addiction and incarceration, he now uses his lived experience to transform systems from within—speaking in jails, leading statewide mental health initiatives, and mentoring future change-makers. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and community impact.

Mingrui Liu

Proffesor at GMU

Mingrui Liu is an assistant professor in the department of computer science at George Mason University. His research interests include machine learning, optimization, statistical learning theory and deep learning. He has published over 30 papers in leading AI venues such as NeurIPS/ICML/ICLR/JMLR.

Peter Norton

Professor in history of technology, social dimensions of engineering.

Peter Norton is an associate professor at the University of Virginia, specializing in the history of technology and transportation. He is the author of Fighting Traffic and Autonorama, and a leading voice on sustainable, equitable urban mobility. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, Norton frequently speaks on the social impacts of high-tech driving and car-centric city planning.

Saanvi Uppalapati

High School Student

Saanvi Uppalapati is a rising high school senior from Virginia with a passion for ethical AI, environmental health, and innovation. She has conducted research on sustainable machine learning, presented at national science fairs and energy conferences, and is currently building tools to connect pollution exposure to brain health using RNA data. Outside of school, she loves baking, playing the flute, and photography, as well as volunteering at nonprofit organizations that motivate young girls to pursue computer science.

Shalika Kothuri

Rising High School Student

Shalika Kothuri is a rising freshman with a fervent passion for sports medicine and soccer. As a patent holder and dedicated researcher, she is committed to pioneering advancements in athlete health and injury prevention. Shalika’s work bridges her love for science and sport, inspiring her to explore innovative solutions that support athletic performance and wellbeing. Beyond her research, she is an avid soccer player who embraces the sport’s teamwork and discipline, fueling her drive to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports medicine.

Sophie Fang

High School Student

I am a rising senior at Oakton High School working towards publishing my year-long research on Imposter Syndrome in Asian American families during the upcoming school year. I am aspiring to become a dental hygienist after studying General Biology in university.

Xuesu Xiao

Assistant Professor of Computer Science at George Mason University

Dr. Xuesu Xiao leads the RobotiXX Lab, where humans ("XX-Men"/"XX-Women") and robots ("XX-Bots") develop intelligent, real-world-ready mobile robots with minimal human supervision. His work has powered field missions in the Mexico City earthquake, Greece refugee crisis, Fukushima nuclear disaster, and U.S. search-and-rescue ops. Featured in The New York Times, Google AI Blog, IEEE Spectrum, and WIRED, Dr. Xiao has received the GMU Presidential Award for Research Excellence and the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award