Nasida Babayeva

Student

I’m a student leader from the Bay Area passionate about neuroscience, medicine, and building spaces where young people feel confident sharing bold ideas. At Design Tech High School, I lead several student organizations and love creating events that bring students together, spark curiosity, and celebrate creativity. Reintroducing TEDx at my school is my next step in creating a platform where students can showcase their stories, discoveries, and passions.

I’m passionate about neuroscience, medicine, and youth-led innovation. I focus on creating inclusive educational environments, developing student-centered events, and weaving STEM with design thinking. I’m committed to mentorship, research, and helping young people discover their potential through meaningful experiences.

Young people can build real change when they are trusted with leadership and given platforms to share their ideas. Empowering youth to create, organize, and take intellectual risks transforms schools and communities. I believe that environments led by students, from scientific research programs to local events to TEDx stages, unlock innovation, confidence, and a deeper sense of global citizenship.

Chess, Design Thinking, Leadership, Neuroscience, Youth Empowerment

I first discovered TED-Ed videos in elementary school, and they became one of the ways I learned to understand the world. During middle school, especially when the pandemic began, I started watching full TED Talks and found so much comfort and inspiration in seeing people share ideas with honesty, clarity, and excitement. Now, as a high school student, I want to take action and bring that same sense of curiosity and possibility to my own community. I’m passionate about reintroducing and revitalizing the TEDx program at my school so students can share their stories, showcase their ideas, and experience the power of a platform built for young voices.

I’m skilled at connecting skills from different worlds: strategic thinking from chess, analytical insight from neuroscience, and speaking multiple languages, including Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian, English, and Spanish. These strengths help me understand people and ideas from many perspectives.