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).

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
Manor Ave
Annandale-On-Hudson, New York, 12504
United States

Ifigeneia Gianne

Ifigeneia Gianne, born and raised in Athens, Greece, is a rising senior at Bard College majoring in Anthropology and Theater. She is the co-founder of Creative Play, a Davis Projects for Peace Award-winning initiative that brings storytelling workshops to refugee communities in Malaysia through music, theater, and podcasting. Alongside this work, Ifigeneia explores the complexities of refugee resettlement in the United States for her senior thesis in Anthropology, examining the intersection of displacement, identity, and state policies. A passionate theater maker, Ifigeneia has directed Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca, Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, and co-directed and acted in The Ant Play, which she wrote herself. She was named the Stephen P. Snyder '62 Scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year and is committed to exploring the intersection of art and social studies, particularly through the lenses of activism and volunteering.

Raahim Waqas

Raahim Waqas Khan is a sophomore studying political science and psychology at Bard College at Simon's Rock. Born and Raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Raahim is a member of the General Assembly of the Council for Equity and Inclusion at Bard College, as well as the student representative on the Academic Senate: Policy and Program committee. Raahim has an extensive background in debate, Model UN and student advocacy. His research interests lie in student movements and the anthropology of international conflicts. Raahim looks forward to bringing his experiences in student advocacy and community inclusion to bridge the gaps between generations and highlight the importance and effects of student led movements for the socioeconomic and political climate of the future.

Roger Berkowitz

Roger Berkowitz is Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities and Professor of Politics, Philosophy, and Human Rights at Bard College. His newest book, A World We Share: The Power of Friendship in Politics will appear from Yale University Press in 2026. He is the author The Gift of Science: Leibniz and the Modern Legal Tradition (Harvard, 2005, Fordham, 2010; Chinese Law Press 2011) and editor of On Civil Disobedience: Henry David Thoreau and Hannah Arendt (Library of America, 2024) and Perils of Invention: Lying, Technology and the Human Condition (Blackrose Books, 2022), amongst many titles. Berkowitz hosts the podcast, "Reading Hannah Arendt with Roger Berkowitz."

TJ Kostecky

TJ Kostecky is the lead innovator of Vision Training, a leadership development program that empowers individuals to discover their full potential and form meaningful connections through subtle shifts in perspective. His academic career spans three decades and six universities and has seen him in diverse roles, such as a coach, athletic director, professor, and entrepreneur, each contributing to his unique perspective on leadership. TJ published his self-help book Eyes Up! in 2024. Good Housekeeping released their list of the 26 Best Self-Help books that work, and Eyes UP! was #5. He is currently the Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Co-founder of the Bard Leadership program at Bard College. In 2020, he was inducted into the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame. TJ resides in Tivoli, NY, where he enjoys longboarding through the village streets, hiking the Catskill Mountains, and engaging everyone he meets in conversation.

Zarlasht Sarmast

Zarlasht Sarmast completed her undergraduate degree at the American University of Central Asia – Department of International and Comparative Politics in 2020. While studying at AUCA, Zar was working for the “The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH” (GIZ) in Bishkek as a communications specialist. Before starting her academic and professional journeys in Bishkek, Zar served as the spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. She has previously worked with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and was part of many different peacebuilding and Humanitarian projects. She finished her first Master’s degree at the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE Academy), department of International Relations and Security. She recently finished her second Master’s degree again at AUCA - department of Applied Psychology. Her research on “Level of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and its impact on Prospective Memory among Afghan Students” is published on the OSUN-Vasa Website. Zar played an important role in the evacuation of over 370 Afghan students of AUCA and AUAF from Kabul to Bishkek which inspired her to author her first photo story book “A journey from Kabul to Bishkek” followed by a second story book titled “Our Journey to Bard”. She has spoken in many international meetings including the World Bank Spring Meetings on the importance of education for Afghan women. Currently Zar is based in New York City and works as the Business Manager for Bard NYC program. She also serves as the Civic Engagement Network Coordinator at the Open Society University Network and Bard Center for Civic Engagement.