Tedx…Get Inspired: Next Steps
Although you may not recognize the name, Faridodin “Fredi” Lajvardi, a Carl Hayden High School teacher and underwater robotics coach, is a hero to many. In 2004, Fredi organized an after-school program so students could build a robot and compete in a competition with top universities around the country. While some may have smirked at this downtown Phoenix school’s meager $800 robotics budget, Fredi’s students got the last laugh: they won the competition--even beating MIT and its $11,000 worth of equipment! "We used to be known as the gang school," said Lajvardi. "Now we're known as the robot school." Meet Fredi, hear his unique story of re-imaginging education, and network with other amazing innovators on November 6th, 2009, at TedxPhoenix.
What is it?
TEDxPhoenix is a dream team of Arizona’s leading thinkers and doers brought together to inspire, enlighten, and entertain via ideas worth sharing. Speakers get 18 minutes to give the talk of their lifetime as they share their newest and most unique ideas with the local Phoenix-metro community. The end result is an evening of amazing and thought provoking talks that are engaging, life changing, and presented in plain English.
Why should I go?
TEDxPhoenix is a place to meet individuals and organizations who want to leverage ideas, technologies, design and education to help create a better future and fuel a local and global conversation around awareness and change. TEDxPhoenix is for those who like to be inspired, entertained, and moved. It’s also an event for those who like to push boundaries and discover something new. There’s no limit to who can attend, and all we ask is that you enjoy yourself, have fun, and take the time to meet and network with like-minded individuals if you so desire.
Who will be there?
The Valley is full of ideas worth spreading and in keeping with the mission of TED, TEDxPhoenix is bringing together some of the Valley’s most inspirational thinkers and doers to share provocative ideas about sustainability, science, music and education. Check out the speaker lineup online.
What else do I need to know?
TEDxPhoenix 2009 will take place on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at the Mesa Arts Center from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are just $5. You can view the speaker lineup
and get ticket information by visiting the TEDxPhoenix website and Facebook pages at http://www.tedxphoenix.com and http://www.facebook.com/TEDxPhoenix.
Submitted by Samantha Miller, University Innovation Fellow, Arizona State University