Rishi Kamdar

Business leader, Entrepreneur, Life mentor, Student

My name is Rishi Kamdar and I am the founder and advisor of TedXRobinson HS. I am passionate about the power of public speaking and I believe that confidence is a superpower that can transform each and every one of our lives. Everyone - regardless of background - deserves the opportunity to share their voice, tell their story, and make an impact. As the founder and CEO of Terrific Teens, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I work to equip young people, especially in underserved communities, with the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. My own journey as a speaker, from placing 4th at the Princeton Classic national speech competition to leading workshops that empower others, has shown me how a single voice can spark change. Through my passion for entrepreneurship, I am committed to creating spaces where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual is empowered to take on the world with confidence.

Communication Skills, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Public Speaking, Youth Empowerment

Public speaking wasn’t always second nature to me. I still remember the first time I stepped onto a stage - heart pounding, palms sweating, voice shaking. But as I spoke, I realized something powerful: my words had weight. They could inspire, challenge, and connect. That moment ignited my passion for public speaking, and I dedicated myself to mastering the craft. From speech and debate competitions to workshops, I saw firsthand how confidence wasn’t just a skill - it was a superpower. As I worked with students through Terrific Teens, the nonprofit I founded to help young people build confidence and communication skills, I noticed a deeper issue. Many students weren’t just struggling with how to speak - they lacked a place to speak. They had ideas, experiences, and perspectives worth sharing, but no platform to amplify their voices. That’s when I founded TEDxRobinson, creating a stage where students could step up, share their stories, and realize the power of their own voices. For me, public speaking isn’t just about speaking - it’s about being heard. It’s about giving people the confidence to take up space, to tell their stories, and to shape the world with their words. That’s the mission I carry forward every day, and what led me to founding TedXRobinson HS