Theme: The Art of Possibility

What lies beyond the boundaries of what we know? At TEDxYouth@LasVegasAcademy, we invite you to step into a space where creativity and innovation collide, and the endless potential of human ingenuity takes center stage. Like an artist staring at a blank canvas, the future is ours to shape, brimming with untapped possibilities.

Through a dynamic lineup of speakers, we’ll explore how imagination drives discovery, how bold ideas spark change, and how the smallest seeds of creativity can grow into movements that transform our world. Let’s pause, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible as we uncover the art of innovation and the limitless paths we can create together.

Join us in embracing the unknown, celebrating the power of ideas, and unlocking the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.

Lowden Theater at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
875 E Clark Ave
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101
United States

Aaron Knowles

Public Speaker & Meditation Instructor & Freelance Public Affairs

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the military, Aaron brings a legacy of leadership, resilience, and mission-driven focus to every endeavor. As a retired soldier, Aaron has led teams through high-pressure environments, both in combat and support roles, cultivating a leadership style rooted in integrity, adaptability, and purpose. His experience spans strategic planning, crisis management, and mentoring, with a strong passion for developing others and achieving results under even the most challenging conditions. Since transitioning from active duty, Aaron has continued to lead by example—whether through public speaking, guiding organizations that value veteran talent, or advocating for mindfulness and mental health as powerful tools for growth and healing. Aaron believes that leadership is not just about providing direction—it is about inspiration, trust, and consistently showing up for the people he serves.

Amanda Salas

Entertainment Reporter/Host/Anchor

Amanda Salas has been an Entertainment Reporter, Host, and Anchor for over 17 years, currently serving as the Entertainment Anchor/Reporter on Good Day LA since April 2017. Prior to this, she appeared on the nationally syndicated show Hollywood Today Live from 2014 to 2017. Her career began in 2008 as an Entertainment and Feature Reporter for the Orange County Register, and she has covered various events worldwide, including junkets and awards seasons, while overcoming cancer in 2019. Amanda is a board member for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising over $100k, and an ambassador for Hyundai Hope on Wheels. She is a film critic for The Critics Choice Association and a Television Academy member. A dog mom to a rescue named January Bones, she features animals in need on her "Furry Friday" segment. Additionally, she is a pun enthusiast, calling herself a "Punsultant," and became an International Pun Champion in 2021 through The Punderdome competition.

Amirah Cummings

Founder/CEO of KIO: Kids In Orbit

Amirah Cummings is an edtech entrepreneur, visionary educator, and the founder of KIO: Kids In Orbit—a transformative learning initiative designed to unleash the potential of children and adults alike through storytelling, technology, and real-world skill-building. With expertise in multilingual education, curriculum design, and frontend/backend development, Amirah is reshaping how we view education by fostering creativity, compassion, and innovation in learners of all ages. Driven by her mission to lead humanity into a new era of existence, Amirah envisions a future where education is not just preparation for life—it is life itself. She is passionate about helping people of all ages reconnect with their inner curiosity, creativity, and courage to build a better future, now.

Brandi Stankovic

Executive Coach

Dr. Brandi Stankovic is an organizational change expert, motivational speaker, and author who inspires firms globally with her leadership models and award-winning education. She guides CEOs and Boards on risk, organizational health, and growth. Dr. Stankovic coauthored The Strategic MVP, a book on leadership tools, and hosts The Strategic Hotbox podcast, empowering executives. She is a cofounder of CU Pride, supporting LGBTQ+ communities, and serves on the CMN Hospitals advisory group and HRD Network Board. She also volunteers with the World Young Professionals Affiliates Council and Global Women’s Leadership Network, advancing young executives and women leaders worldwide. A Las Vegas Academy alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Economics (University of Nevada), TESOL Certificate (UK), an MBA (University of San Diego), and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Pepperdine University).

Danny Chandia

Director

Danny Chandia is an independent filmmaker from Las Vegas and an LVA alumni. He majored in Broadcast Journalism and went on to work for local media companies such as Vegas PBS, KSNV News 3, and the Thomas and Mack Center. He has also shot and edited reality-based travel shows in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2018, he co-founded Desert Cactus Films- a production company that specializes in Visual FX. His work has won numerous awards and been showcased at film festivals across the country. He has also struggled with ADHD his entire life, and is eager to share his experiences and advice with future generations of aspiring artists.

David Tovar

Teaching Artist

David Tovar is a multi-faceted artist, educator, and passionate advocate for lifelong learning. An alumnus of Rainbow Company Youth Theatre (2011-2018) and Las Vegas Academy’s inaugural Film Conservatory class (2018), David has returned to both programs as a dedicated mentor. A previous SkillsUSA Nationals Silver Medalist and three-time Nevada State Champion, he is now Las Vegas Academy's SkillsUSA advisor of Digital Cinema and accompanied 2 teams to compete at the 2025 Nevada State Conference. David holds a BA in Film from UNLV (2021) but loves to channel his passion for music and performance every change he gets. David’s latest achievements include designing the grant-winning "Script to Screen" filmmaking course (2023), directing Rainbow Company's “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (2024), and being invited to join Sneak on the Lot’s Hollywood film workshop in Burbank (July 2025).

Dr. Alexander Free Garland

Artist & Leader in the Evolution of Consciousness

Dr. Free is best known for originating the role of Young Simba in the first national tour of Disney’s The Lion King. With a prolific career in arts and entertainment, Dr. Free has collaborated with icons like Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rosario Dawson, India Arie, Dream Hampton, and the late PRINCE, as well as organizations like Flash Mob America and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Known as "the conscious Dr. Seuss" under the pen name Dr. Chakra, Dr. Free has authored children’s books, developed a curriculum inspired by The Lion King, and has an autobiography set for release in 2026 through The Top Publishing Company. Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Metaphysics in 2021, Dr. Free serves as Director of Education at Soapbox, a Virtual & Augmented Reality company, and is launching a new clothing brand, OneZie Love, available in May 2025 at www.OneZieLove.com.

Dr. Philip Fortenberry

Renowned Pianist

Dr. Philip Fortenberry began playing piano at age four, became a church accompanist at seven, and gave his first solo concert at twelve. He has played for ten Broadway shows, seven national tours, and performed in renowned venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the White House. His solo concert, The Man at the Piano, draws sold-out audiences nationwide, and he toured China with his Salute to Broadway in 2018 and 2019. As the piano double for Michael Douglas in HBO’s Behind the Candelabra, Philip is also on the board of The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas and was associate producer and pianist for The Cocktail Cabaret at Caesars Palace. Divine Harmonics™, founded by Dr. Free under Luminescent Dolphin nonprofit initiatives, adapts to every community it enters. This collective, sourced from the GO Workshop by Rosanna Gamson World Wide (RGWW), includes Dr. Free and Hanna Tzong-Han Wu as movement artists, embodying chameleonic creativity.

Genee Castro

High School Junior

Genee's journey has been anything but conventional, reflecting her passion for creativity and connection. With a foundation in music from the age of six, she has embraced diverse roles, from leading school events and designing merchandise to mentoring middle schoolers and competing in DECA, an international program focused on leadership, business, and presentation skills. Now delving into music production and creative direction, Genee remains deeply interested in business—not just for its practical aspects but for its ability to bring ideas to life and foster meaningful connections. Whether through public speaking, building community, or developing her artistic identity, her work is driven by a desire to express, inspire, and explore authenticity. Currently volunteering to gain real-world experience, Genee is embracing the challenges and rewards of pursuing her passions with purpose and curiosity.

Jennifer Rhodes

Behavioral Therapist

Jennifer Rhodes, LMSW, is a Behavioral Therapist at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, NY, specializing in crisis intervention within the Emergency Department. With a compassionate, solution-focused approach, she conducts psychosocial assessments, provides brief counseling, and connects patients to essential care. Her diverse background includes experience as a HH+ Case Manager and a foundation in criminal justice, which enrich her therapeutic practice. A proud alumna of the Las Vegas Academy, Jennifer earned her BA in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2004 and an MSW from Utica University in 2024. She holds certifications in substance abuse counseling and forensic mental health, focusing on the intersection of social work and the justice system. Passionate about supporting individuals in crisis, Jennifer seeks continuous growth and service opportunities. She is married to Michael and is the proud mother of Abbey.

Leslie Paredes

Youth Political Advocate

Leslie Paredes is a passionate Youth Policy Advocate and criminology major with a deep commitment to juvenile justice reform and educational equity. A proud Latina leader, Leslie has defied stereotypes and excelled in leadership roles, despite her background in a Title I school. As a dedicated member of Make the Road Nevada and The Youth Power Project she strives to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and drive social mobility through policy change. Focused on creating alternative career pathways for youth in marginalized communities, Leslie believes that embracing personal histories and timelines is a source of strength, empowerment, and resilience. She is driven by the conviction that everyone’s story holds power and deserves a seat at the table.

Lorinda Trinidad-Lohner

Pharmacist & Entrepreneur

Lorinda Trinidad-Lohner, aka Professor L, is an award-winning educator, pharmacist, entrepreneur, and advocate for creativity in education. Named Master Teacher of 2020 by ABHES and Elsevier and one of Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of 2016, she brings 27 years of global pharmaceutical experience and a passion for innovation to the classroom. With a 100% board exam pass rate and 92% job placement rate, she empowers students by merging science with creativity. A bestselling author of Top 200 Drugs: Memorizing Made Ridiculously Easy and co-creator of Nevada’s first high school Pharmacy CTE program, she inspires future medical professionals through hands-on, high-impact learning. Fun fact: She became a pharmacist at just 20, proving intellect and creativity are unstoppable together.

Maggie Verderame

Singer/Songwriter & Creative Entrepreneur

Maggie Verderame, founder of Magareeshi Productions and Bright Maggie, is a creator, coach, and educator dedicated to helping people live intentionally and confidently. With a diverse background in musical theatre, broadcast journalism, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and life coaching, Maggie produces uplifting media, workshops, and programs focused on self-care and personal growth. As a former yoga studio owner, she trained top-tier teachers and developed a music performance program. Featured in Desert Companion and Authority Magazine, Maggie has hosted the MAGical Mantras podcast, authored e-books and journals, and released original music. Currently, she’s developing a show blending meals and music while offering bespoke coaching and group workshops designed to help clients live “brightly ever after.”

Paige Eden

Actor & Writer & Director

Paige Eden is an experimental actor, playwright, screenwriter, and director. She is most known for her roles in City of Las Vegas community plays, such as with the Rainbow Company Youth Theatre and Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. She plans to attend Southern Utah University in the fall for a BFA in Acting with a minor in Filmmaking. In her spare time, Paige loves reading thriller novels, volunteering at the DISCOVERY Children's Museum, and jumping into interdimensional portals when no one is looking! A lover of surrealist performance art, Paige aspires to create her own science fiction animated series, directed Absurdist plays, work in children's theatre, and create independent films. If you ever see a rift in the time-space continuum, know that Paige probably had something to do with it!

Reesa Morala

Owner & Founder of Embrace Renewal Therapy and Wellness Collective

Reesa Morala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, owner of Embrace Renewal Therapy and Wellness Collective, and host of The Real Family Eats Podcast. Reesa specializes in helping parents create thriving family systems by prioritizing their relationship and their own wellness. In an effort to support parents, Reesa hosts workshops across the world that are geared towards giving couples and parents the tools they need to improve their relationships and break generational trauma. Additionally, The Real Family Eats Podcast is designed to share raw, unfiltered parenting challenges, how to navigate them, and a bonus food recipe that guests share with the audience to help lighten the load of "what's for dinner?"

Tiffany Kuo

Pianist & Musicologist

Professor Tiffany Kuo is a conservatory-trained pianist (Juilliard), and a liberal-arts educated musicologist (Stanford, and NYU). Her interdisciplinary research and teaching integrate labor relations, economic inequality, and philanthropic patronage with musicological inquiry to offer culturally relevant perspectives on contemporary music-making. Since 2011, Dr. Kuo has served on the faculty at Mt. San Antonio College, where she has led initiatives supported by grants from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and the U.S. Department of Education. She is a public lecturer at the Los Angeles Opera and La Jolla Music Society, and has held a faculty position at the Colburn Conservatory since 2019. In print, Prof. Kuo has contributed to Critical Historiographies of the Post-War Avant-Garde, Dramaturgie Musicale Contemporaine en Europe, Mitteilungen der Paul Sacher Stiftung, The Juilliard Journal, and Molecular and Cellular Biology.