Shivani Vakharia, student government academic affairs coordinator (left) presents plaques to Dr. Shanequa Bernard, UCF alum (center left); Cameron Cummins, music composition and statistics major (center); Alex Plant, aerospace engineering student (center right); and Ossyris Bury, senior aerospace engineering major (right) during TEDxUCF at the Fairwinds Alumni Center on Friday.
Savannah Schaefer
Students took the stage Friday night at the university’s first TEDxUCF event, sharing personal stories and ideas rooted in their passions and experiences.
Hosted by UCF Student Government at the Fairwinds Alumni Center, the event brought together student speakers to highlight creativity, curiosity and community on campus for the first time.
TEDxUCF, introduced by Shivani Vakharia, student government academic affairs coordinator and 2026-27 student body president-elect, aimed to connect students with speaking opportunities and highlight student-driven ideas across campus.
Vakharia said the initiative grew out of conversations with students during her campaign, in which many expressed challenges in finding opportunities and platforms to share their work.
“We have 70,000 students; we need to bring them this opportunity,” Vakharia said.
To organize the event, Vakharia presented the idea to Student Body President Luci Blanco and Vice President Jarib Benitiz before contacting the TEDx organization to secure licensing.
To move forward, Vakharia first had to obtain a TEDx license, which, according to the Office of Risk and Safety, is required to host a third-party event on campus. Vakharia said the licensing requirement also limited attendance to 100 guests.
Speakers were selected through an extensive interview process, with organizers choosing students from a range of backgrounds whose ideas and experiences stood out. Most of the speakers selected were UCF students, including Ossyris Bury, senior aerospace engineering major.
Alex Plant, aerospace engineering student, delivers a talk titled “The High Ground of the Space Industry” during TEDxUCF at the Fairwinds Alumni Center on Friday. Plant discussed tangible and intangible innovations in the space industry, their role in everyday life, and space as a global initiative.
Savannah Schaefer
Bury said she learned about the opportunity through a Student Government social media post. After applying, she was invited to an interview before being selected as a speaker.
“Being chosen was a huge honor,” Bury said. “There were so many applicants on the list from all different backgrounds.”
Bury said her talk, “Nonchalance: The Barrier to Opportunity,” focused on how effort and engagement can open doors for students. She connected the idea to her own experience earning a lab opportunity by showing initiative and interest, which helped her build connections and stand out.
“I wanted to pass on a message to an entire community of people coming after me who are feeling what I felt, especially freshmen who feel like they are falling behind,” Bury said.
Speakers covered a wide range of topics, from how video game music influences listening skills to discussions on innovation in the space industry.
Jenna Garst, freshman kinesiology major, said the event created a sense of connection among students.
“Events like this bring people together,” Garst said.
Attendees serve themselves food during the first TEDxUCF event at the Fairwinds Alumni Center on Friday. The event centered around student speakers who shared stories on topics ranging from opportunity and personal growth to the space industry and music.
Savannah Schaefer
Vakharia said she hopes TEDxUCF becomes an annual event, continuing to expand student opportunities on campus.
“No matter who’s in the audience or speaking, I hope everyone in attendance can grasp how much UCF has to offer,” Vakharia said.