In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Fine Art Auditorium
607 SW 34th
San Antonio, Texas, 78237
United States

Alberto Hernandez-Ontiveros

Alberto Hernandez-Ontiveros is currently a Sophomore attending Texas A&M University- San Antonio. Originally an El Paso native, he moved to San Antonio in order to pursue his college education. At TAMUSA, Albert is a member of the Honors Program and the President's Leadership Class, as well as the Pre-Health Club and Jaguar Strings Ensemble. Albert is currently pursuing a Biology degree planning on attending medical school for post-grad education. Outside of school, Albert particularly enjoys the outdoors, fishing, and playing violin.

Anthony Casas

Anthony Casas Jr. is an imaginative and energetic 8-year-old with a passion for exploration and discovery. Anthony is constantly learning about historical events and fascinating figures. He loves diving into math, science, and reading and enjoys adding new songs to his music playlist. Outside of school, he plays center back in soccer, practices martial arts, and takes care of his pet tortoise, Mikey. With dreams of becoming a scientist, Anthony hopes to contribute to curing diseases and cancer through data science. He’s part of a close-knit family with his big sister, Lorena, dad, Anthony, and mom, Lizet. Together, they love to travel, binge-watch television shows, and share family dinners.

Dilmer Lopez

My name is Dilmer Lopez, and I'm 10 years old. I was born in Jazmines, Honduras, a beautiful and peaceful town close to Tocoa. I lived with my mom, dad, and 3 siblings until the age of 6. I loved playing outside with my friends and relatives. I would spend hours under the shadows of the trees around the neighborhood. When I was 6 years old, I embarked on a journey with my dad to the United States. The only thing I knew about the reason for our adventure was that my father was looking for a better life for me and our family. We encountered many challenges with patience and courage until we got to our destination. Now, I’m proud to say that I am a bilingual and bicultural student at the IB World School Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys. I’m a leader, I’m a fighter, I am ME.

Ernesto Rodriguez

Ernesto Rodriguez III is the Senior Curator, Historian, and Alamo Lecturer at the Alamo. He is a San Antonio native and has devoted over 25 years to historical research at this incredible site. His deep knowledge and love for the Alamo’s story and Texas history was recognized in 2019 when he was promoted from Associate Curator to Curator. Ernesto is dedicated to the scholarly research that underpins both interpretive planning for the Alamo museum and a greater understanding of the Alamo’s archive and artifact collections. He has both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in History from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio.

Esai Quiñones

Esai Anthony Quiñones is a 7th grade student at Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation. As a student in Edgewood ISD, he is a leader amongst his peers and is an active member in Student Council, Robotics Club, Art Club, and is a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee. Esai’s interests in Mexican American Studies began as a member of the Mexican-American Studies (MAS) Student Group at Las Palmas Elementary. He later became one of the five co-founders of Mexican American Studies Independent Students Taking Action (MASISTAs) and participates in various community events that focus on MAS. Esai has several interests that include coding, gaming, art, and spending time with family and friends, especially his little cousin, Alejandro.

Genevie Rodriguez-Quiñones

Genevie C. Rodríguez-Quiñones is a Chicana scholar from the Westside of San Antonio, TX. She is an educator and lifelong learner. As a public school educator with over 20 years of experience, she has served Edgewood ISD in multiple capacities–as a maestra bilingüe, Literacy Coach, and is currently an International Baccalaureate Coordinator at Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls. Through a Chicana feminist epistemology, her research as a doctoral student at The University of Texas at San Antonio centers Mexican American/Chicanx students and looks at how their social identities are informed by the use of multicultural children’s literature. Genevie is an hija, mother, wife, sister, maestra, and ally working to center and empower the cultural agency of our youth.

John Riojas

My name is John, and I am in the 3rd grade at Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys. I’m really excited to present at the upcoming TEDx event, where I get to share about breaking barriers. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, which helps me stay active and have fun with my friends. I love the challenge of the game and always strive to improve my skills!

Julie Lakford

"Julie Lankford brings nearly 20 years of educational experience, with 14 years dedicated to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Her international teaching journey has taken her from classrooms in Seoul, South Korea, to Luanda, Angola, before she settled in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. As an international workshop leader and educational consultant, Julie is dedicated to empowering schools and educators to embrace a holistic, student-centered approach to learning. She is the founder of Beyond Academics Educational Consulting, a platform through which she collaborates with schools to nurture lifelong skill development in students, equipping them to thrive in an ever-changing world. Julie’s passion lies in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in children, helping to shape the next generation of global citizens."

Julie Lankford

Julie Lankford brings nearly 20 years of educational experience, with 14 years dedicated to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Her international teaching journey has taken her from classrooms in Seoul, South Korea, to Luanda, Angola, before she settled in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. As an international workshop leader and educational consultant, Julie is dedicated to empowering schools and educators to embrace a holistic, student-centered approach to learning. She is the founder of Beyond Academics Educational Consulting, a platform through which she collaborates with schools to nurture lifelong skill development in students, equipping them to thrive in an ever-changing world. Julie’s passion lies in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in children, helping to shape the next generation of global citizens.

Michael Fernandez

Michael Fernandez is a 5th Grader dual language student at Roy Cisneros Leadership School for boys. He is a student who loves to learn about science and working with hands on activities. Michael is part of RCLS leadership team. He loves the many different opportunities he has been given to speak. Michel is very outgoing and loves to joke around with others. He loves to give his fellow classmates and friends a helping hand. Michael has been part of the Gifted and Talent program for the last 4 years. He loves to play basketball and soccer. He wishes to become a astronaut when he grows up.

Nayli Hernandez Cruz

Nayli is a 7th grader at Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and, growing up in a military family, has lived in England, Louisiana, and San Antonio, Texas. She is active in the school athletics program, playing on the volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams. Nayli also enjoys dancing with the Folklórico club at Las Palmas. In addition, she participates in track and spent last summer attending running competitions across Texas. Nayli is part of the Gifted and Talented program. She loves reading, writing, designing posters, and creating projects. Her favorite subject is Social Studies because she enjoys learning about history and understanding other people’s points of view, culture, and life experiences. Nayli is caring, open-minded, and has many goals as a student, athlete, and leader.

Salma Boyd

"Dr. Boyd has worked in public education since 2010. She has served in different capacities including Classroom Teacher, District State Assessment Coordinator, Academic Interventions Coach, Title I Coordinator, and Campus Administrator. Dr. Boyd completed her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She also earned a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership and Transformation at Northcentral University in San Diego, California. She holds active Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent certifications in the state of Texas. "

Sandra LaPlante

Sandra LaPlante is the founder of Papaya Tutor, a platform dedicated to providing academic support for students in STEM fields. Her own journey to success was filled with challenges that she overcame through resilience, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. With years of experience helping students reach their full potential, Sandra understands the importance of perseverance and the power of resilience. Her passion for empowering others stems from her personal experiences and her belief that everyone can harness their strengths to achieve great things. Today, through Papaya Tutor, Sandra inspires young people to face their fears and build their own path to success.

Xochitl Rodriguez

Xochitl Rodríguez is a 5th grader that is dedicated to her studies and setting goals. She is great at drawing and likes to sketch things she sees in nature and things from her imagination. At her leadership school, she is in the Gifted and Talented program and participates in annual competitions where she gets to show her problem-solving skills. She is also bilingual and is proud to speak both English and Spanish. Xochitl has a big heart and works to make the world around her a better place through her words and her actions. She is a true leader with big ideas to share!