At Carrollwood Day School, the TEDx stage has been a platform for students to share transformative ideas, stories, and passions since 2015. As we celebrate the return of TEDx to our campus, we reflect on the students that spoke in years past. Each of these talks has been a stepping stone in shaping the lives of our graduates. Here’s a look at where some of our TEDx speakers are today and how their journeys have unfolded since graduation.
TEDx 2015
Gabriel Rojas ’15
Film – Where Has It Taken Me
Gabriel’s passion for film, which he spoke about at CDS's first TEDx Talk, has continued to shape his career. After earning a double major in Marketing and Telecommunications (Production) from the University of Florida, Gabriel has worked at industry leaders such as Hulu, ABC Signature, and ESPN. Currently, he works as a videographer for a social media company in Tampa, FL, where he resides with his wife, Olivia. His TEDx talk remains a cornerstone of his journey, continuing to influence his life and career.
Lilly Kossoff ’16
Unexpected Victories
Lilly shares with us, “I am thrilled to see Mrs. McCartney bringing TEDx back to CDS. The opportunity to share passions, perspectives, and stories with fellow students, teachers, and the greater community is such a unique experience. Looking back on my TED Talk many years later, I find myself both honored to have spoken and reflective of the journey since. As shared in my TED Talk, I was, and continue to be proud of the outcomes derived from hard work and dedication. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, my journey has led me to Las Vegas where I am a Commercial Real Estate broker with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). I would not be where I am today without the values instilled in me through my IB education at CDS. My message to those reading this is to remain open-minded and inquisitive, always work hard, and never give up on your passions.”
Spencer Peek ’16
Surviving Change
In 2015, Spencer had the opportunity to speak at Carrollwood Day School’s inaugural TEDx event. After surviving a devastating car accident, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new reality. In a single moment, Spencer's life was forever transformed. Entitled Surviving Change, Spencer’s talk offers perspective on life and the profound impact of the choices we make. Following his time at CDS, where he attended school from Kindergarten through 12th grade, Spencer graduated from St. John’s University in Queens New York with a bachelors in sports management. Spencer is currently a third-year law student at the University of Miami School of Law where he serves as the Symposium Editor for the University of Miami Law Review. Currently, Spencer works for the non-profit advocacy group DeFi Education Fund, working on issues facing the digital asset industry and decentralized finance. Upon graduation and taking the bar, Spencer will be working with the law firm Winston & Strawn LLP in their Digital Assets & Blockchain Technology group.
TEDx 2016
Krissy Lloyd ’18
Positive Phrasing
Krissy’s exploration of how language impacts perspective continues to resonate. After graduating with a degree in Computer Science in 2022, she began her career as a SQL developer in health insurance payment processing. Her work ensures smooth operation of critical systems, and she credits the lessons from her talk with reinforcing the importance of clear and thoughtful communication.
Brooke Bennett ’17
Presence in the Arts
In her TEDx talk, Brooke and her co-speaker Leah explored how being in tune with emotions and mindful of interactions within scene work can transcend the stage. They emphasized the importance of living in the moment and how focusing on the present can enhance our day-to-day lives, even amidst the distractions of modern technology. Today, Brooke is thriving in the Salesforce consulting industry, where she provides business recommendations and technical implementations for clients across industries ranging from consumer goods to healthcare. Her background in theatre has been instrumental in her success, enabling her to excel in client relations through skills like improvisation and effective communication with diverse audiences.
Leah Vicencio ‘17
Presence in the Arts
Leah's TEDx journey, which she shared with her co-speaker Brooke, focused on the value of emotional awareness and intentional interactions, highlighting how lessons from the stage can help us lead more mindful and present lives. Since graduating from CDS, Leah has built an impressive career in digital marketing for Broadway. She has worked on campaigns for Broadway shows, national tours, live experiences, tourist attractions, and non-profits. Currently, Leah serves as a creative design lead for The Social Team, where she continues to craft compelling visual stories and campaigns for shows and organizations, blending artistry with strategy.
TEDx 2017
Gagan Midathala ’17
Creative Individuality
Currently in his third year of medical school at USF in Tampa, Gagan reflects fondly on his TEDx talk about creativity. While getting his undergraduate degree at University of Florida, he was involved with UF’s competitive Indian dance team, GatoRaas, which allowed him to explore creativity in new ways while pursuing his studies.
These alumni are living proof of the impact of sharing ideas, embracing challenges, and pursuing passions. TEDx at CDS is more than an event, it’s a springboard for a lifetime of growth, and a platform for our students to ignite a sense of inquiry within themselves, and extend that to an audience of their peers. To our current and future TEDx speakers, remember: your story has the power to inspire and transform. We have tremendous Patriot Pride in your accomplishments!
We love sharing our CDS alumni achievements and are delighted to share these updates with the alumni community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Carli Gauthier Mianne '16 at cmianne@cdspatriots.org and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!