We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelica Kurian, Yashwini Saisidharan, Saanvi Chiliveru, Vibha Vedagiri, Sohum Mishra, And Immanuel George and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelica Kurian, Yashwini Saisidharan, Saanvi Chiliveru, Vibha Vedagiri, Sohum Mishra, and Immanuel George, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind our success has been our unwavering focus on empowering others. From day one, we’ve made it a priority to create an environment where students not only feel safe but also inspired to step outside their comfort zones. Public speaking can be an intimidating experience for many, but we’ve worked hard to foster a space where students can explore their ideas, refine their skills, and ultimately find their voice without fear of judgment. This focus on empowerment is at the core of everything we do.

Through our TEDx events, we’ve given students the platform to present topics they’re passionate about, allowing them to connect with an audience and share ideas that might otherwise go unheard. But it’s not just the large events that matter; smaller, more intimate meetings and workshops also play a huge role in building confidence and refining skills. In these settings, students can practice in front of a smaller group, receive constructive feedback, and take the time to really hone their craft before stepping up to a bigger stage.

Our youth camps, like “Speak Up!”, have been another powerful way we empower others. By working with younger students, we help them build their speaking abilities early on, giving them the foundation they need to feel confident and capable as they grow. Watching these young students find their voice and gain confidence in their ability to communicate has been incredibly rewarding for all involved.

At the heart of our organization is a sense of personal growth. It’s not just about preparing students for a single event; it’s about helping them evolve into better communicators and more confident individuals. We focus on constructive feedback, peer support, and the belief that everyone, regardless of their starting point, can improve and excel with the right guidance and encouragement. This has created a sense of community where members celebrate each other’s successes and help each other overcome challenges.

The result is a strong, supportive network of individuals who are not only committed to their own growth but also to lifting each other up. By giving people the chance to shine, to improve, and to take on new challenges, we’ve been able to build something truly special—a community where everyone is encouraged to push their boundaries and become the best version of themselves. And as we continue to grow, we know that this culture of empowerment and support will remain the foundation of our success, allowing us to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Coppell High Speakers Association is a student-run organization focused on empowering individuals to develop their public speaking skills and find their voice. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where students can grow and improve at their own pace. Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and we’re passionate about breaking down those barriers by offering a range of opportunities—from hosting TEDx events to running youth camps and small group workshops—designed to build confidence, hone speaking skills, and help students communicate effectively.

What excites me the most about our work is seeing our members grow. We’ve seen students who were initially terrified of public speaking transform into confident, dynamic speakers. That sense of personal growth, not just as speakers but as individuals, is what drives us every day. And with each TEDx event, we get to witness the power of stories—students sharing their voices on everything from genderless fashion to the roots of self-validation—and making a meaningful impact on the audience.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Running a club like this takes a lot of hard work, organization, and passion, especially when you’re trying to do something on a larger scale like hosting TEDx events. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is funding. As a student organization, we don’t always have access to a lot of resources, so we’ve had to get creative with fundraising, secure sponsors, and sometimes even dip into our own pockets to make sure our events can happen. But despite these obstacles, we’ve managed to push through by relying on our community—our members, teachers, and sponsors who believe in what we’re doing. They’ve all played a huge role in helping us overcome these challenges.

Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about resilience, teamwork, and the importance of community. We’ve learned how to be resourceful and how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan. Most importantly, we’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s the people you work with who make all the difference. Without the dedication and enthusiasm of our officers, members, and especially our teacher sponsor, Mr. Fraid, none of this would be possible.

We want the world to know that the Coppell High Speakers Association is more than just a public speaking club—it’s a place where students can find their voice, build confidence, and become leaders. We’re passionate about empowering young people to share their ideas and spark meaningful conversations. Our story is one of growth, challenges, and a shared belief in the power of communication. And as we continue to grow, we hope to inspire even more students to find their voice and make a difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we had a week to show our best friend around Dallas, we’d definitely pack it with a mix of culture, fun, and unique experiences to keep us inspired. We’d start at The Dallas Museum of Art, diving into the exhibits to fuel our creativity and get new ideas for our speeches. Afterward, we’d head to Klyde Warren Park, where we could relax, grab a bite from the food trucks, and enjoy some outdoor performances—perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. The next day, we’d visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where the interactive exhibits would spark fresh thoughts and give us plenty to talk about. Later, we’d check out the Museum of Illusions, which would be a blast with its mind-bending exhibits that challenge perception and inspire new ways to engage an audience. For something more immersive, we’d head to The Sound at Cypress Waters, a stunning outdoor art and music installation, where the combination of sound and visual art creates a completely unique experience. Throughout the week, we’d keep things fun and laid-back, finding inspiration in every spot we visit while exploring Dallas in the most exciting way possible!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’d like to dedicate this shoutout to our incredible teacher sponsor, Mr. Fraid. His unwavering support and guidance have been absolutely crucial to the success of the Coppell High Speakers Association. From day one, Mr. Fraid has been more than just a sponsor—he’s been a mentor, a sounding board, and a constant source of encouragement for us as officers and for all of our members.

Not only does he help keep us organized and focused, but he also empowers us to take on challenges with confidence. Whether it’s guiding us through the logistics of planning TEDx events, offering advice on leadership, or simply being there to listen when we need support, Mr. Fraid is a major reason we’ve been able to accomplish everything we have so far. His dedication to our growth, both as speakers and as individuals, has helped us reach heights we never thought possible.

So, if there’s anyone who deserves a huge shoutout for our success, it’s definitely Mr. Fraid. He’s not just a teacher; he’s a true mentor who’s helped us turn our vision into a reality. We’re incredibly grateful to have him as part of our team!

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