Our Story: TEDx Southlake

Founded in 2020 by Uma Devireddy, TEDxSouthlake started with a simple yet powerful mission: to help young individuals conquer their fear of public speaking. What began as a small initiative has grown into a transformative community event, where youth and adults alike find their voices, share their ideas, and become leaders. Over the past five years, we’ve created a platform that empowers individuals to step into their potential, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our community.

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Bridging Generational Gaps

One of the core elements of TEDxSouthlake is our commitment to intergenerational impact. Since 2021, we've expanded our focus to include not only brilliant young minds but also seasoned professionals, creating a dynamic space for collaboration, learning, and growth. The "Written Together: The Ideas Among Us" theme represents our belief that the best ideas are born when we come together across generations, sharing our knowledge and learning from each other.

• Youth Leadership and Achievement: Every year, TEDxSouthlake coaches 20 to 22 pre-collegiate speakers, with over 80% of our youth speakers gaining admission to Ivy League colleges. Our platform gives these young leaders the tools and confidence to present their ideas on a global stage and shape the future of their fields.

• Business Professionals Success Stories: TEDxSouthlake has also played a crucial role in professional growth for many adult speakers. Many of our past speakers have transitioned into professional speaking careers and achieved significant career milestones. The platform fosters an environment where individuals of all ages can share their ideas, connect with influential leaders, and grow together.

• Collaborative Learning: The magic of TEDxSouthlake happens when youthful energy meets the wisdom of seasoned professionals. Our intergenerational platform promotes a culture of collaborative learning, where every generation benefits from the exchange of ideas and perspectives, making us all stronger and more innovative together

 

Our Impact and Goals

TEDxSouthlake’s impact continues to expand, and we’re just getting started. In our most recent event in 2024, we featured global voices, representing a rich tapestry of cultural and professional diversity. This showcased our growing commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding the scope of the TEDx community

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As we prepare for TEDxSouthlake 2025, we are focused on expanding our influence and ensuring the continued success of our volunteer-driven, nonprofit efforts. Our goal is to continue transforming public speaking into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, empowering both youth and adults across generations to bring their ideas to life..

 

Our Values: The Foundation of TEDx Southlake

• Empowerment: We believe in the power of ideas to inspire change. TEDxSouthlake empowers speakers of all ages by helping them craft impactful messages that resonate with audiences. Whether preparing youth for prestigious educational opportunities or helping adults advance in their careers, we open doors for growth and success

• Inclusivity: At TEDxSouthlake, every voice matters. We prioritize diversity, inviting individuals from all walks of life—students, industry veterans, and community leaders—to share their unique ideas. Our inclusive approach ensures that the stage remains a platform for intergenerational dialogue, bringing varied perspectives together to create a richer, more dynamic conversation.

• Community: At the heart of TEDxSouthlake is our volunteer-driven commitment to our community. Our teams dedicate countless hours to mentoring and guiding our speakers, offering support and expertise to help them craft their messages and build their confidence. We are a community that comes together to create meaningful change, all while remaining focused on our mission of empowerment, without monetary gain.

 

Looking Ahead

TEDxSouthlake 2025 is more than an event — it’s a platform where generations connect, cultures intersect, and ideas spark real change.

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As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to create a space where meaningful conversations lead to bold thinking, and where the ideas among us shape what comes next.

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Whether you’re joining us as a speaker, attendee, partner, or supporter, we invite you to be part of this evolving story. The future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we create, together.