hi, we're TEDx
Why TEDxCongaree Vista?
A locally organized event bringing together our community to share ideas worth spreading.
TEDxCongaree Vista reflects not just the location of Columbia, but a spirit of connection, creativity, and growth that aligns with the mission of TEDx. Our theme, "ChangeMakers," showcases local visionaries already making a difference and transforming Columbia through health, education, innovative research, tech startups, or grassroots initiatives.
The name reflects both the cultural identity and geographic heart of Columbia, South Carolina — symbolizing connection, progress, and innovation.
By sharing ideas in this collaborative format, we spark personal transformation, inspire change across communities, and celebrate how far we've come and where we're going.
Let's create something powerful, together.
the humans behind it
Our organizing team.
Shyam Ganesh Babu
Lead Organizer
USC student pursuing healthcare; Columbia native; founder of MedElem and PhysiLink; driven by healthcare education, leadership, and grassroots action.
Darssan Eswaramoorthi
Executive Producer (Co-organizer)
USC senior in Computer Engineering, researching Hybrid AI and hardware cybersecurity. Co-organizes TEDxCongaree Vista and builds programs that connect students with industry and service.
Luke Jannazzo
Event Manager (Co-organizer)
USC Computer Engineering junior. Founder of Inspire Columbia, the parent nonprofit of TEDxCongaree Vista. Oversees day-of logistics, ticketing, venue, and catering.
Vaishali Allibada
Curation Director
USC Engineering freshman; STEM Signing Day Honoree and University Scholar. Active in SWE and Engineers Without Borders.
Tyler Zolkos
Technical Producer
USC Computer Science junior in Cybersecurity. Years of experience in event production, lighting, and graphic design.
Simran Tippabhatla
Marketing Director
USC senior in Biological Sciences. University 101 peer leader; passionate about rural healthcare disparities and healthcare education.
Owen Coulam
Curation Director Emeritus
USC student in tech; founder of Kappa Theta Pi, a philanthropic org providing tech to nonprofits. Champions changemakers who turn ideas into impact.
Dr. Amenah Salman
Mentorship Director
English professor at Midlands Technical College; PhD in Linguistics from USC. Research in sociophonetics and underrepresented languages.
Sai Varun Nallu
Sponsorships & Budget Director
Pre-Medical student at the USC Honors College, Neuroscience major. Connects vision with impact by making sure resources match the message.
Mohin Amin
Sponsorships Manager
USC Honors College junior on the pre-med track. Builds partnerships to amplify every speaker's voice; researcher in the Webb Lab.
join us
Volunteer or emcee.
We're looking for additional volunteers and emcees to join our team for the day of the event!
a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit
TEDxCongaree Vista is operated by Inspire Columbia, a South Carolina 501(c)3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer-driven organization. Funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales stay right here in the local community.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events. x = independently organized TED event.
Learn more about the TEDx program