Voices of Tomorrow
TED Talks are wonderful sources of information. Bite-sized snippets of fascinating facts and research, TED Talks have become popular for their approachable nature and engaging topics. Avon High School junior Jay Desai has always been fascinated by the platform and its possibilities. A current member of the debate team, Desai wanted to explore options for public speaking outside of a competitive forum. That journey led him to TEDx.
The TEDx Youth program, meant to showcase the voices of students and youth in the community alongside other leaders, follows the same mission and format of TED Talks and is intended to spark new discussion. It seemed to align with Desai’s goals and interests so he began researching the program with hopes of implementing it in the 2025-26 school year.
“I wanted a non-competitive platform where other people could join in. My real hope is that it would be more of a community and engagement opportunity, but also more open and constructive, and with more variability than the rules of speech and debate allow,” Desai says.
An ambitious undertaking, the process of approval required a teacher sponsor, which Desai found in his speech coach, Linda Langford. Together, along with friend and fellow club member Maxwell Hunter, they began the process of approval in May 2025. The club now has 20 members and has been planning for a panel event that will take place April 15, 2026.
The TEDx event will be hosted at the new Hendricks Live! center, located at 200 E. Main St. in Plainfield. The panel of speakers will consist of five adult community members and four students.
The list includes names such as Dr. Michelle Fenoughty, president and CEO of Hendricks Regional Health; Lori Ferzandi, associate director and HR business partner at Eli Lilly & Co.; Dean Westman, performing arts department chair and director of orchestras at Avon High School; Dr. Randy Brutkiewicz, professor of microbiology and immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine; and Jennifer Floyd, Olympian rower at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and owner of Plainfield Commons Fit Body Boot Camp.
Organizing an event of this size has been no small feat. The group has certainly had their work cut out for them. Outside of the licensing process, Desai and Hunter have dedicated countless hours to the business and marketing sides of putting on such an event, along with prep work for speaking and gathering sponsorships.
“I work more on the student side of things to help students build up to their speeches. I love seeing what each person brings to their topic. It’s been really cool to see how people’s interests have transformed since October and how they’re better able to communicate what they’re passionate about,” Hunter says.
Of course, the two students needed a supportive adult to help guide them through the obstacles and potential pitfalls of such a large project. Desai’s steadfast debate coach couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
“They’re very independent so I haven’t needed to help much. They’ve done so much this past year. As the debate coach, I’m always encouraging students to use their voice and spread awareness in the community. When Jay came to me about TEDx, I couldn’t say no,” Langford says.
The students are in the final stages of preparing for their speeches and the event itself. A significant amount of fundraising was required to secure Hendricks Live!, the signage and the tremendous amount of marketing that has been needed to generate interest in their event.
“I’ve learned so much about the business side of putting together an event of this scale. We needed money for a sign, the venue and so much more to make this an actual, polished event. We’re just so grateful to all of the businesses and organizations who have helped us along the way,” Desai says.
They’d like to thank the sponsors who have generously been a part of making this event become a reality. Special thanks to Hendricks County Community Fund, Hendricks Live!, Avon Greek’s Pizzeria, Avon La Hacienda, S&N Homecare, Avon Cash for Gold, Kim Woodward, Li Ruivo and Donna Curtis.
The event is free to attend, but you must have a ticket for entrance. You can obtain a ticket at purchase.hendrickslive.org/EventAvailability?EventId=8401.
