FHC Inspires Q&As: Ava Redmond
Speaker: Ava Redmond
How do you feel about your TED Talk being picked for FHC Inspires?
“It felt really good that something I worked so hard on was justified and deemed “well done.” It’s something I feel very passionately about, and the fact that someone thinks it is a message that should be spread is extremely gratifying.”
What is a quick description of your TED Talk?
“My TED Talk is about societal gender stereotypes and the toxicity of them on not just us, but especially on the younger generation.”
Does public speaking make you nervous? How has this project improved your skills?
“Public speaking is definitely out of my comfort zone, and I honestly can’t believe I’m doing this. Even though I get nervous in front of people, the adrenaline rush that takes over when you’re in front of a lot of people was something that I was so glad I experienced—I wanted to do it again. I think my sense of self and my overall confidence in my presentation have improved and probably will improve more after this talk.”
Who are you giving this TED Talk for and why?
“I’m giving this TED Talk for anyone who has felt restricted or held back by these stereotypes. I’m giving it to my ten-year-old neighbor, who I actually speak about in my talk. I’m giving it to my young cousins and my future kids and nieces and nephews.”
What do you hope people will take away from your Talk?
“I hope that someone who has ever experienced these gender norms remembers that they aren’t alone. I hope that someone who has ever judged someone based on gender stereotypes shifts their mindset and recognizes that those stereotypes are harmful and unreasonable. I hope that parents begin to notice the role that these gender norms play in their child’s life and childhood.”
Who’s TED Talk are you excited to hear live?
“I’m very excited to hear everyone speak, but Addi Bunnell’s original TED Talk was extremely moving, and I can’t wait to see her again, and [I’m excited] for anyone who hasn’t seen her experience it.”
If your presentation was a color what would it be and why?
“I see my presentation as some sort of a neutral tone, like beige or white. I see this kind of color because my point is that we, as a society, [should] stop stereotyping genders, for example, associating girls with pink and boys with blue. My hope is that we get to a point where everyone is [treated] the same.”
How does the layout of your Google Slides portray your personality and the topic of your Talk?
“My Google Slides have a lot of pictures of me with people that I love and that are involved with the stories I’m telling. My personality involves passion for the people I care for, and I think my slides really portray what is important to me.”