In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton, Ohio, 45435
United States

Beavercreek Women's Choir

Women’s Choir participants are in grades 10-12 at Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio. On top of all the school concerts, the school’s most advanced vocal ensemble makes guest appearances for many community events and fundraisers. They are under the direction of Mrs. Rachael Phillips. 

Chavez - Katai - Jackson

Lorien Chavez Lorien is a senior at Yellow Springs High School in Yellow Springs, Ohio,  where she teaches in a diversity program; participates in student government; plays a variety of instruments; and contributes to organizations, such as the Family Violence Prevention Center. Lorien plans to study social justice through neuroscience and developmental psychology. She believes privilege is a key factor in everyone’s life.  Alexis Jackson Alexis is a senior at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio. She runs cross country and plays varsity lacrosse; sings alto for the A Cappella group “Vega” and plays guitar; and is President of the National Honor Society. Alexis enjoys spending time with her family. With a passion for science, women’s health, and fighting racial injustice, she intends to become an OB/GYN. Lana Katai Lana is a senior at The Miami Valley School in Washington Township, Ohio. She enjoys studying Chinese, and is captain of the varsity swim and lacrosse teams. An avid piano player, she also enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking. Lana is passionate about social justice and plans to study International Relations and Chinese on her way to a career in International Law.  Talk Description: In an unusual three-person arrangement, these young women from different communities, schools and backgrounds confront aspects of privilege and micro-agressions that affect each of their lives. Lorien Chavez, Alexis Jackson and Lana Katai give amusing and poignant examples of ways in which they, and the people around them, do and do not recognize the effects their words and actions. 

Group

Caroline Lunne Caroline is a radiant Alter High School senior from Kettering, Ohio. She believes in fashion empowerment and the expression found in clothing. Caroline likes to write, run, love people and spread joy. She dreams of reversing the negative connotation of fashion and encouraging confidence in others. She aspires to earn degrees in business, fashion product development and fashion psychology.  Meg Schwieterman Meg is a 16-year-old sunshine from Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio. She is a firm believer that fashion is the gateway to confidence and that few things are left uncured by a good piece of avocado toast. Meg loves to run and is always in search of a good pair of earrings. 

Jo & Puff

Ariel Scales Ariel “Jo” Scales is a senior at the Dayton Early College Academy in Dayton, Ohio. Ariel loves anything art related, whether it’s drawing, music, writing, dance, etc. She also loves her family, friends, Kehlani and her bedroom. Ariel spends a lot of time doing community service and is always looking and thinking of ways to get involved. She is a big advocate of love. She is proud of who she is and who she is becoming; her motto is “I aspire to inspire.”  Iyana Smith Iyana “Puff” Smith is a senior at the Dayton Early College Academy in Dayton, Ohio. Born and raised in the 937 area code, she received the nickname “Puff” because she has worn an afro since the eighth grade. She enjoys music and movies from the 1980s and ’90s. She aspires to uplift historically persecuted minority groups by becoming a history teacher and then a principal. 

Lunne - Schwieterman

Caroline Lunne Caroline is a radiant Alter High School senior from Kettering, Ohio. She believes in fashion empowerment and the expression found in clothing. Caroline likes to write, run, love people and spread joy. She dreams of reversing the negative connotation of fashion and encouraging confidence in others. She aspires to earn degrees in business, fashion product development and fashion psychology.  Meg Schwieterman Meg is a 16-year-old sunshine from Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio. She is a firm believer that fashion is the gateway to confidence and that few things are left uncured by a good piece of avocado toast. Meg loves to run and is always in search of a good pair of earrings. 

Meyer & Mullins

Noah Meyer Noah is a senior at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio. He is involved in Mock Trial, the Junior Council on World Affairs, swimming, and soccer. He is also involved in the Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement program. Noah intends to study physics at university, with the ultimate goal of doing research in the field. Spencer Mullins Spencer is a senior at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio. He is a rower with the Greater Dayton Rowing Association. He also participates in Mock Trial and Student Council. He is proud of his roots and strives to bring progress to the our city, as did previous generations of Daytonians, such as Orville and Wilbur Wright, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Charles Kettering, and James Patterson. 

WiiildFlower

WiiildFlower is Kennedy Cook (16), Jordyn Mitchell (15), and Drea Wallace (15), all of whom attend Stivers School for the Arts of Dayton, Ohio,  in the Choir Magnet. The group formed in 2014, choosing their name to reflect their ability to adapt and flourish no matter the situation. Three i’s represent the three members of WiiildFlower, who skillfully harmonize, creating a unique blend of Pop, Soul, R&B, and Gospel. 

Aaron Lewis

Aaron Lewis is senior at the Dayton Early College Academy in Dayton, Ohio, who spreads the message of unity through FIRST Robotics. He is interested in exploring the world through arts and STEM– aka STEAM. To further his goal of integrating diverse ideas into a software/computer-based project, he hopes to work with Disney Imagineers, Google, or the U.S. Air Force on a creative design to change the way we perceive technology. 

Brennan Harlow

Brennan is a sophomore at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio. He is on the varsity swim team and plays tennis. Brennan is involved in performing arts at school, singing in the A Cappella group, and doing improv acting. He hopes to become a engineer and work for Apple. 

Caroline Elliott

Caroline is a sophomore at Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio. Her favorite classes are math and science. After high school, she would like to continue her education at Johns Hopkins University and pursue a career in biochemistry. Caroline has been dancing since the age of five, performing with Dayton Ballet in The Nutcracker, Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, and other performances. 

Isaac Diskin

Isaac Diskin is a senior at Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio. He’s a multi- instrumentalist songwriter who hopes to go to college for music engineering. 

Keress Weidner

Keress Ambrose Frey Weidner is a junior at Kettering Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio. A local artist, poet, and activist, they work with the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network’s National Student Council and Greater Dayton chapter. Keress has a fish named Ramses, loves Radiohead and Depeche Mode, volunteers as a stage makeup artist, and leads their school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance. 

Regan Monigan

Regan Monigan, age 15, is a student at Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio and has been dancing with the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance since 2005. She loves performing and choreographing and has put many hours into practicing her art. Regan also helps younger dancers improve and have fun.

Satya Morar

Satya is a sophomore at The Miami Valley School in Washington Township, Ohio. He plays golf and participates in various clubs at school. He also volunteers at Wright Patterson Air Force base and, during the summer, attends various camps with his younger brother. On the weekends, Satya spends his time sleeping, doing homework, and watching Star Wars movies. 

Simra Ahmed

Simra is a sophomore at The Miami Valley School in Washington Township, Ohio.Her interests include reading, cooking, playing the piano, and analyzing films. She is particularly passionate about implementing changes in our society to create a more successful future. Simra hopes to go into medicine; however her college choice is undecided.