On April 25, 2026, TEDx Johns Creek 2026 unfolded at PHASE Events, bringing together a dynamic community of thinkers, creators, and changemakers for a day rooted in powerful ideas and meaningful human connection.
Organized by Divya Anand and her team under the TEDx initiative, known for amplifying “ideas worth spreading,” this year’s theme, “EVOLVE,” shaped the spirit of the event. A thoughtfully curated lineup of speakers shared personal journeys, fresh perspectives, and compelling insights across leadership, identity, resilience, and connection, inviting the audience to reflect, grow, and embrace transformation.
In her address, Licensee and Lead Curator Divya Anand described TEDx as more than a stage. Anand portrayed it as a space where ideas come alive through people, where gathering in one room becomes an opportunity to connect, reflect, and evolve together. She emphasized that at the core of the TEDx experience is the intentional curation of authentic voices grounded in real-life stories.
The event was brought to life by a passionate team alongside Anand, including Rajini Stephen Britto, Sudha Rajasekaran, Yasha Desai, Sandhya Rakesh, and Harshit Chaturvedy, whose dedication and collaboration helped shape the entire TEDx experience.
The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Priti Bandi, alongside Kerri Gober from the American Cancer Society. Veena Rao, founder of NRI Pulse, also attended the occasion.
Dr. Karin Luise and Joe Mittiga will continue to support and guide the TEDx platform. Dennis Buttimer and Angela Buttimer, along with Jo Kethar, will continue coaching the next cohort of speakers for the upcoming season.
A diverse group of speakers took the stage, each bringing powerful insights. One of the lead speakers, Dr. Nazeera Dawood, urged the audience to stop waiting for readiness and step into what is next, emphasizing that permission is not needed and that the next room is already waiting.
Another speaker, Dethra Giles, reframed audacity as courage rather than arrogance, encouraging the audience to use their voice and lead boldly.
Ninaad Lakshman highlighted the importance of moving away from external validation, exploring what truly excites an individual, and pursuing work that creates meaningful impact for others.
Mittiga inspired the audience with a message on emotional healing and human connection, encouraging individuals to become a force for healing in the world.
Dr. Luise guided the audience through themes of reinvention and identity, reminding them of the importance of returning to their truest selves.
Beyond the talks, the experience fostered genuine conversations and deeper community engagement, reinforcing the importance of shared spaces for dialogue and connection. Reflecting on the experience, Anand shared that the event was a reflection of inclusiveness and diversity, and a reminder that when different voices come together, something powerful is created. She also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, highlighting how community has the power to uplift in meaningful ways.
The event was supported by partners including Gifted Gabber, Global SOC LLC, Connected Growth, MedROI Corp, and Mindful Measures.
TEDx Johns Creek 2026 at PHASE Events marked another milestone, celebrating not just ideas, but the people behind them. The event left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Looking ahead, the organizers plan to continue building TEDx Johns Creek as an annual platform for ideas, connection, and lasting community impact. Anand also shared that the team will return with another TEDx Johns Creek edition dedicated exclusively to youth in the community, set to be hosted at the same venue.