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TEDxLosGatosHighSchool 2018
RISE
Speakers:
Click on Each Picture For a Detailed Description
 Anna David is the New York Times-bestselling author of two novels and four non-fiction books about addiction, recovery and relationships. She’s been published and written for publications such as: The New York Times, Time, The LA Times, Buzzfeed, and Forbes, and has appeared repeatedly on The Today Show, Hannity, Dr. Drew, and many more. She speaks at colleges across the country and through her company, Light Hustler, she helps creatives share their dark to find their light. |  Kurt Kroesche has taught, coached, and mentored students at Los Gatos High School for 25 years. He enjoys anything to do with music, words, movies, and water. |
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 I grew up in Brazil and I moved to California with my family 11 years ago. I graduated from Los Gatos High School in 2014 and am currently studying Communications and Psychology at University of California San Diego. I am passionate about animal rights and committed to devoting my career to helping animals. I believe we should all strive to be conscious of our impact in the world as well as each other and one of my main goals is to give back to the Earth in appreciation for all I've received. |  Andres Ruiz is a motivational speaker, life coach, and stand up comedian. As a life coach, he helps his clients with mind and body issues. He speaks at schools, helping to empower students to believe in themselves. He is also a speaker for the organization NAMI, where he instructs youth about dealing with depression. Andres has been a member of Toastmasters for two years. His hobbies are playing sports and Batman Lego with his three and five year old sons. |
 I am from Israel and have lived in Los Gatos for the past seven years.I mastered in Chemical Engineering and earned an MBA. Though I have worked as an engineer for many years, I now seek a way of contributing to society via a different skillset: communication. Communication is fundamental to well-being, in all areas of life. Life is one big adventure and my belief is that each one of us should make his/her own contribution to others to make this adventure a better one for many of us. |  My name is Dan Pastushkov, and my hobby is pushing myself beyond my own limits. I spend a lot of my time solving twisty puzzles such as Rubik's cubes, traveling to competitions around the U.S. to not only compete, but to help organize such events. I'm originally from a big town in Kansas, but I currently live in Los Gatos, California. It was here that I discovered communities for the things I love to do. My interests also include flying racing drones, freestyle scootering, and playing music. |
 Alicia Brodsky and Sara Tahirovic are both seniors at Los Gatos High School. Both fell in love with spoken word poetry after taking a Creative Writing class. Outside of school Sara participates in various community service organizations relating to theater and loves to exercise. Alicia enjoys exploring new places with her camera and playing volleyball with her friends. Both plan on attending a four year college and pursuing their love of creative writing. |  Lilli Valencia is the founder of Lillistones, an organization dedicated to the mindful enactment and promotion of goodwill and good deeds. After suffering a stroke and the resulting rehabilitation in 2010, Lilli realized the power of adopting a “Do Something” attitude and perspective. She understood that getting involved and connecting with people had the potential to positively influence their actions. And the theme of her efforts became, “Say Good, Do Good, Be Good”. |
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