Theme: The New Era

The TEDxCherryCreekHS team is organizing this event for the third time at the beautiful venue of The Schoolhouse in Colorado! Our events recruit brilliant minds to talk about their ideas. Come and join us!

The Schoolhouse
19650 Mainstreet
Parker, Colorado, 80138
United States

Anjan Kasi Sampath

Software Architect

Anjan Sampath believes academic stress isn’t something to fight — it’s energy waiting to be turned into momentum. A former top academic performer in India, Anjan knows firsthand how success can shatter from the inside. After a personal collapse, he dedicated his life to a bigger mission: helping students transform emotional pressure into peak performance — and building the self-leadership habits that last beyond grades. Anjan brings a unique lens: the mind is the most powerful system of all. Today, he works with students overwhelmed by academic demands, challenging outdated advice like “control your emotions.” Instead, he teaches those emotions, when understood and guided, become the spark for clarity, resilience, and leadership. An award-winning Toastmaster and John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Anjan blends ancient philosophy, cutting-edge research, and systems thinking to equip young people to become leaders.

Beth Sanborn

Montgomery County School Safety Coordinator

Dr. Beth J. Sanborn is the School Safety Coordinator for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She began her law enforcement career in 1997 and worked as a patrol officer before becoming the department’s first School Resource Officer (SRO) in 2015. After retiring, Beth has focused on school safety, overseeing efforts across 22 school districts, numerous private schools, religious institutions, and college campuses. Beth sits on the executive board of PASRO (Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers), is a national instructor for NASRO (National Association of School Resource Officers), and serves as Co-Chair of the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth Citizens Advisory Committee. She also volunteers with Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center. Beth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Widener University, a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University.

Ernie Harker

Keynote Speaker

Ernie Harker is a creative powerhouse who launched his career as an illustrator and concept artist before blazing a trail through the world of branding, marketing, and now—Generative AI. With a passion for visual storytelling and a knack for turning chaos into clarity, Ernie spent over two decades building unforgettable brands, including transforming a regional convenience store business into a $3 billion outdoor adventure icon. His background in drawing and animation is the fuel behind his innovative approach to using Generative AI. By merging traditional creative training with cutting-edge tech, Ernie helps entrepreneurs and marketers craft bold, high-impact content that connects, converts, and ignites growth. He’s the author of Your Brand Sucks, a no-BS branding manual for businesses tired of being forgettable. As a speaker, Ernie brings playful energy, visionary insight, and a wildly engaging style that leaves audiences fired up and ready to create,.

Etel Leit

Human Communication Expert, Digital Literacy Advocate, and Researcher

A global voice on human communication, relationships, and emotional resilience, Dr. Etel Leit brings together the ancient art of storytelling and the rising influence of machine intelligence. With a Ph.D. in Psychology, a Master’s in Leadership and Education from Pepperdine University, and a career that began in Israeli intelligence, Dr. Leit offers a rare blend of scientific insight, cultural depth, and real-world leadership. She teaches Ph.D.-level psychology, preparing tomorrow’s leaders to stay human in a digital world. As founder of SignShine™ Beverly Hills, she has worked with thousands of families, educators, and public figures, to unlock deeper, more authentic communication. Her five books, including UnAddicted to You and The Emotional Code, explore how we heal, connect, and stay emotionally alive in a world that often rewards disconnection. Her work has been featured by CNN, NBC, KTLA, Fox, and Reuters, and she has spoken on stages from the U.S. Air Force to UCLA.

Evgeniy Kharam

Cybersecurity Architect and Consultant | Author

Evgeniy Kharam is a trusted advisor and consultant guiding organizations through the complexities of cybersecurity. Evgeniy is a passionate advocate for mastering soft skills and communication and authored The Art of Soft Skills in Technical Sales and developed his “Fear-to-Flow Communication Model,” empowering professionals to turn fear into confidence. He co-founded two influential podcasts, one focused on security architecture, and another offering inspiration for business and technology leaders—and serves as a board advisor to the Canadian Cybersecurity Network, the largest tech group in Canada. He also created a unique cybersecurity ski and snowboard conference, merging lifestyle with professional engagement. Evgeniy runs his own cyber/media consulting practice, blending deep technical knowledge with communication coaching, helping people unlock their voice and presence in high-pressure situations.

Gavin Lira

Co-Founder of The Empathy Firm (PR & Marketing Firm)

Gavin Lira is a 24-year-old entrepreneur and co-founder of The Empathy Firm, a PR and marketing firm. Featured in Forbes and a previous TEDx speaker, Gavin pioneered AI use in business before ChatGPT became mainstream. His expertise lies in transforming standard AI into what he calls "Genuine Intelligence"—AI systems trained on personal data that produce unique rather than generic outputs. Gavin consults with businesses to streamline operations and create competitive advantages through customized solutions that solve their unique challenges. At The Empathy Firm, he helps clients turn their recorded teachings, podcasts, and meetings into authentic written content that maintains their distinct voice. His practical approach has helped numerous organizations market themselves more effectively with less time and resources involved. In this TEDx Talk, Gavin Lira will share how anyone can move beyond regurgitated AI usage to creating outputs that add genuine value to the world.

James Trapp

jamestrapp007@gmail.com

James Trapp has spent his life navigating extremes - from courtroom battles in Miami to spiritual leadership on international stages. A former attorney turned spiritual teacher and organizational leader, James is passionate about one powerful idea: authentic dialogue can heal even our deepest divisions. Over the years, he’s led dynamic spiritual communities, served as President and CEO of Unity Worldwide, and helped diverse groups find common ground in times of conflict. His work has taken him from interfaith summits to public protests, from boardrooms to meditation halls. But at the heart of it all is one question he keeps asking: What happens when we listen to each other? James graduated from Princeton University, the University of Florida Law School, and Unity Worldwide Institute. He brings with him decades of leadership, lived experience, and a deep belief in the power of communication to not just inform, but transform.

Katherine Ning

Student

My name is Katherine Ning, I’m a freshman at Cherry Creek High School. I’m part of the speech and debate club at school. I also practice speaking skills as a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). I do roleplays on international business, where I give an impromptu speech based on an international business related prompt with a few minutes of prep time. This experience has trained my critical thinking skills as well as ability to speak confidently on the spot. I do competition math and participate in robotics during the school year. I’m also a clarinetist and play in the Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO). Additionally, I love dance and have been dancing competitively for seven years now. In my free time, I enjoy devoting myself to some arts and crafts like origami. The mix of these extracurriculars gives me a more varied and open view to life. I like to call myself an observer and tend to foster lots of opinions and/or ideas on random topics.

Marline Duroseau

Independent Fertility Coach & CFO

Marline C. Duroseau is a nationally recognized CFO, CPA, leadership executive, and confidence coach with over 22 years of experience in business, finance, and organizational strategy. She is the founder of MCD Business Enterprise LLC, where she empowers women to embrace resilience and lead with confidence. A Doctoral candidate in business leadership, Marline blends academic rigor with lived experience to create real-world solutions for personal and professional growth. She is also a published author, including her memoir It’ll Happen By 30. Marline is a children’s book author and educator, hosting literacy and empowerment workshops for youth nationwide. She also serves as CFO and board member of Filling Empty Wombs, Inc., a nonprofit serving the fertility community. Marline is a proud wife and mother of four, a committed mentor, and a woman of faith who believes every challenge holds the potential for transformation.

Minesh Baxi

Business and Financial Coach

Minesh Baxi earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering from prestigious institutions in India. Though he began his career as a computer programmer, Minesh chose to redesign his life and career to work from home—becoming a full-time, homeschooling father. He’s been happily married with two children. As a family, they’ve prioritized freedom, learning, and connection, intentionally crafting a life rooted in shared values. Minesh has authored 12 books, including “Stop Hiring Losers,” a practical guide to building stronger teams. He also co-authored “7 Critical Skills They Don’t Teach in School” with his daughter Macy, offering real-world insights for young people overlooked by traditional education. The Baxi family has visited Disney World over 200 times to create lasting memories and invest in their relationship. For Minesh, success isn’t measured by titles or promotions, but by the ability to live a life aligned with purpose, presence, and family.

Saahil Baxi

Student

Saahil Baxi is a 17-year-old homeschool student who loves running, video games, and helping others grow. He runs cross-country and track for his local high school and is learning the sales and marketing process to offer digital tools and solutions to small businesses. His mission is to make technology simple, useful, and accessible for local entrepreneurs. Once someone who held back his ideas to keep the peace, Saahil is now finding his voice and stepping into leadership by taking initiative and encouraging others to do the same. He believes teens can lead with confidence and make a real impact in their communities.

Xander Keller

educator and facilitator

Xander Peer Keller is a speaker, writer, facilitator, and consultant exploring disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and queerness. Their work reimagines care, community, and creativity, showing how interdependence is a source of power rather than weakness. For over a decade, Xander has been the director of the Amplify Learning Community at Colorado State University, supporting marginalized students in STEM to find belonging. They are also the co-founder of a long-running chronic illness and disability support group and have deep roots in disability justice movements. Living with chronic pain since childhood, Xander spent years striving to be seen as “capable” by pushing through pain. Through storytelling, teaching, and advocacy, Xander invites people to build a world where difference is an invitation to new ways of being. Whether on stage, in writing, or in facilitation, they help others imagine expansive ways to live, connect, and thrive—together.