Pree is a strategist, entrepreneur, and lifelong idea-chaser with nearly 20 years of experience exploring what makes people, businesses, and communities tick. She brings her background in business, technology, consumer behavior, and behavioral science to entrepreneurial and community-focused projects. A natural brainstormer, she loves asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and turning ideas into action.
She believes deeply in courage, personal agency, and human connection—especially the everyday relationships that create a stronger sense of belonging and help transform the communities we call home. As executive director of TEDxIssaquah, Pree is excited to create a space where people can encounter fresh perspectives, make meaningful connections, and discover ideas that spark new ways of thinking and acting.
A world traveler, explorer, and mom to an eight-year-old, Pree is endlessly curious about people, places, and the ideas that shape how we live.
Chetna is a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, where she builds AI-powered experiences and large-scale platforms that help millions of people work, collaborate, and communicate more effectively. With over 18 years of experience in software engineering, product innovation, and emerging technologies, she is passionate about leveraging AI to solve complex real-world problems and create meaningful impact.
Beyond her work at Microsoft, Chetna serves as a startup advisor and mentor, helping founders shape product strategy, technology direction, scalability, and growth. She is particularly passionate about supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and empowering the next generation of innovators.
A strong advocate for community engagement and lifelong learning, Chetna volunteers her time mentoring students, supporting educational initiatives, and creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership and technical skills. As part of the TEDxIssaquah team, she is excited to help bring together ideas, stories, and voices that inspire people to honor their roots, embrace growth, and create positive change. Based in the Seattle area, Chetna enjoys working at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and human potential.
Mirena is a consumer researcher and brand strategist with a career-long obsession with one question: why do people do what they do? As a leader in research and insights at Expedia Group, she spends her days digging past what people say they want to understand what actually drives them: the habits, emotions, and unspoken motivations behind every decision. That same curiosity shows up everywhere else in her life, from everyday conversations to world exploration.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Mirena has since lived in London, Paris, Geneva, and now Seattle, picking up fluency in several languages and a lasting fascination with how culture shapes the way people think and choose.
As a member of the TEDxIssaquah planning team, Mirena is excited to help build a space where new ideas and unexpected perspectives can spark real connection.
Her favorite TED Talk is The Revolutionary Power of Diverse Thought by Elif Shafak, one of her favorite authors.
Venkat Narayanan is a curious, hands-on thinker who's happiest when he's building something, whether that's a robot, a piece of content, or a plan for bringing people together.
He's driven by a love of learning and a genuine interest in how things work, paired with a strong sense of community and a desire to help others grow alongside him. He believes in the power of stories and ideas to connect people, and he's excited to be part of a community that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and change.
