TEDxGIIS Abu Dhabi

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aaron Jacob

  Some of the most unforgettable lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks. They came in unpredictable moments, watching people make quick decisions, adapt under pressure, and stay grounded in chaos. That’s when I realized I’m drawn to real life learning, the kind that makes you think fast, feel deeply, and grow through experience.I’m Aaron Jacob, a grade 12 PCMB student at Global Indian International School, Dubai, and I’m drawn to the kind of learning that happens when life gets real and the stakes are high. Outside the world of Academics, I spend my time dabbling in the music industry,whether it’s practicing guitar, piano, and drums, or teaching them to others. I also love being on stage as an emcee or host for school events. I enjoy thinking deeply, speaking freely, and finding creative ways to connect ideas that don’t always seem connected at first. I’m passionate about medicine, fascinated by the unknown, and always looking for ways to turn confusion into clarity, whether through science, sound, or simply starting a conversation.

• Adam El Rafey

  Adam El Rafey is a 15-year-old change advocate, youth innovator, university student, and public speaker who’s redefining what people can achieve. At just 12, Adam became the youngest university student in the UAE, and at 8, he gave his first TEDx talk, making him one of the youngest TEDx speakers in the world. Powered by his curiosity, he has since spoken at dozens of global conferences and podcasts, shattering many age barriers in the process. He is also the youngest alum of the 3 human accelerators: The Knowledge Society, School of Humanity and awecademy.

• Advika Choudhury

  Hi, I am Advika Choudhury, a seventeen-year-old girl navigating through the uncertainties of life. Ex-nihilo, from nothing, but do we start from nothing, was my question? I answer this question through my talk. We live in a world of eight billion people, many of whom lack the basic necessities of life, but I have those basic amenities. So, that's my headstart, right? I start from a position of opportunity, strength and passion. Six years of constant rejections, not being that gifted dancer, nor being that confident girl. But hey, now that little girl would be proud to see herself on a global stage, talking and inspiring people around her. From being the two left feet, from listening to the ‘No’s’ and the ‘You're almost there!’. She has paved her way, brick by brick. Earlier this year, I was accepted into Morgan Stanley’s Women in STEM – Step In, Step Up program, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of finance, from research and analysis to understanding the financial needs of global clients. In parallel, I’ve worked on a social impact initiative based in India, sharing my passion for economics, math, and dance with the youth, and serving as a volunteer on social media to share the stories of women who create beautiful handicrafts. And after six years of constant rejection, I am proud to be appointed as the Head Girl of my school, a role that has deepened my passion for leadership and community building. A saying I keep close to me is, ‘ Trust the process and wait for the bigger picture.’

• Hakanshaa Diwakar

  Hakanshaa is a passionate public speaker and avid reader who believes in the power of language to inspire and connect. As president of the Public Speaking Club at GIIS Abu Dhabi, she has championed a culture of confidence, clarity, and bold self-expression. Known for her articulate delivery and reflective storytelling, Hakanshaa brings emotional depth and authenticity to every speech. Whether addressing a crowd or mentoring peers, she speaks with purpose; drawing from books, personal experiences, and a deep desire to make her words matter.

• Jayden John Jacob

  Jayden John Jacob is the teenage founder and CEO of Menorah, The World’s First Free Mental Health App Exclusively for Men. Featured in Khaleej Times and recognized by platforms like the YMCA, Achievers World and more, Jayden leads global conversations around emotional well-being, youth entrepreneurship, and social innovation. At TEDxYouth@GIISAbuDhabi, he shares the raw, personal story behind creating something meaningful—ex nihilo.

• Jouhayna AlMheiri

  My name is Jouhayna AlMheiri, and I serve as a Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Center located in Abu Dhabi. At the age of 21, I became one of the youngest and among the very few Emirati women to complete the rigorous air traffic control training program. Since that time, I have taken pride in my role of safeguarding the airspace of the UAE and currently also mentor the upcoming generation of air traffic controllers. In addition to my work in aviation, I have a strong passion for mental health and storytelling, which inspired me to launch my podcast, Press Pause with Jouhayna, where I engage in candid discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• KK Bhagchandani

  KKB is a global business leader turned executive coach, with 33+ years of experience leading diverse teams, building businesses across Asia, and mentoring future-ready leaders. Having spoken on 100+ stages worldwide, KKB now coaches leaders on Impactful leadership, executive presence, strategic clarity, and effective communication. He leads KKB.works & Empyrian Lifesciences Inc as CEO, and helps Axcess.io as their CBO. #UnlearnToGrow #LeadershipMyths #KKBhagchandani #TEDxGIIS #ExecutivePresence #MindsetShift

• Manasvi Sharma

  Manasvi is a teenage girl with an artistic heart and a grounded soul. Injured as a classical dancer from the age of 10, she found her way back to it after 2 years of struggle. She seeks to be bold and confident and pursue her skill of speaking and communication.

• Michelle Mariam Jerry

  Michelle, a Grade 9 student, is a confident and engaging speaker who has anchored multiple major school events, bringing energy and clarity to every stage she steps on. She excels not only in academic pursuits but also as an inspiring leader. Alongside anchoring, Michelle has also earned recognition in various competitions. With every opportunity, she continues to grow as an impactful communicator.

• Subharna Suruthi

  Subharna Suruthi is a 12th-grade student and the Sports Captain at Global Indian International School, Abu Dhabi. Once a quiet, shy girl who often felt invisible in classrooms and conversations, she learned to build her voice — not by waiting for the perfect moment, but by taking small, brave steps forward. An athlete and emerging speaker, Subharna believes that strength isn’t always loud; sometimes, it starts in silence. She understands that confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you create through action, especially when it’s uncomfortable. From leading her basketball team to stepping onto new stages to share her story, Subharna is passionate about helping others see that growth doesn’t come from certainty but from showing up and trying anyway. Her journey is a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start making an impact — sometimes, the most important thing is simply to begin.