Ritika Malik

TedNext Staff, Student at Columbia University Contact me at info@ritikamalik.com

My name is Ritika, and I’m a student at Columbia University based in New York City as well as the founder of Digital Access Now, a youth-led nonprofit focused on closing the digital divide in education. Through Digital Access Now, I work with schools and global partners to ensure that students are not excluded from learning simply because they lack access to technology. Most recently, in collaboration with WHEELS Global Foundation and SchoolInABox, and with the guidance of Viji Narayanan, we supported the students and teachers of Shri Ramjilal Memorial Public School with critical technology resources. In a rural setting where reliable internet access is often a challenge, this support became more than just equipment—it became a gateway to learning, creativity, and opportunity. Seeing students and teachers actively use these tools reinforced a larger truth for me: while we talk extensively about AI, innovation, and the future of work, millions of students around the world are still unable to participate because they cannot even log in. Digital access is the foundation upon which all future innovation rests. Based on this work, I’m interested in proposing a TEDx talk titled “Digital Access Now: Who Gets Left Behind?” The talk would explore digital inequity through real human stories, global examples, and a forward-looking framework for how access to technology can transform education and opportunity at scale. I would love the opportunity to briefly connect with you to learn more about your TEDx programming and to see whether this topic might be a good fit for your audience. If possible, I’d really appreciate the chance to schedule a 20-minute call at your convenience. I am also happy to travel internationally at my own expense if there is an opportunity to participate in a TEDx event.

Attended TEDNext 2025 in Altanta, Georgia. Attended TEDxLakeMary 2025 in Florida. TEDX in The Greater Philadelphia