Theme: Open Eyes

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).

White Station High School auditorium
514 South Perkins Road
Memphis, Tennessee, 38117
United States

Arhum Qureshi

student

Arhum Qureshi is an 11th grade student at White Station High School. He actively volunteers for various social groups and organizations and is involved in several diverse clubs at school. He participates in multiple competitions to challenge himself, such as public speaking and mathematics. He is passionate about writing and speaking what is on his mind and what issues are occurring in the world. He wants to prove that no matter who you are, you can always make an impact to the world and help the people that live in it.

Becca Folkes-Lallo

Youth Organizer at Bridges Memphis

Becca Folkes-Lallo, a junior at White Station High School, is a passionate youth organizer hired by Bridge Builders to create social change in Memphis. As an organizer in Memphis Against Sexual Harassment and Assault (MASHA), Becca works continuously to raise awareness around sexual violence. She believes that no matter how old you are or where you come from, you can be the change.

Jeremy Mitchell

Makerspace Facilitator at CLOUD901 FedEx Makerspace

Jeremy Mitchell works as the Makerspace Facilitator at the CLOUD901, FedEx Makerspace. In this role, Jeremy engages teens in programming such as 3D design and 3D printing, electronics, robotics, and woodworking. As a native of Memphis, he’s passionate about seeing CLOUD901 become a platform for youth to develop new skills, gain unique experiences, and make their dreams come to life. Before joining the CLOUD901 team, Jeremy served as VISTA Leader for the Maker Education Initiative in Oakland, CA, where he and his team of helped to build the capacity of 9 makerspaces across the country. He holds the distinguished honor as the Corporation for National and Community Service’s representative to attend first White House Maker Faire in 2014. After attending Middle TN State University, Jeremy worked for non profit organizations in Nashville and Memphis,TN overseeing community outreach efforts, volunteer coordination, and brand development. Jeremy's experiences as a maker and musician, helped to cultivate his passion for creating impactful and memorable learning experiences for youth using creative mediums.

Sebastian Carson

Spoken Word Artist, Event Coordinator, Story-Teller

Sebastian Carson, a spoken word artist, event coordinator, and story-teller, was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Growing up in a single-parent home in a community of poverty and crime gave him an opportunity to discover the power of imagination, focus, and vision. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. While in college, Sebastian Carson began making YouTube poetry films that went viral across the world, and now he is well known in the Memphis community for his work with spoken word and often is called on to curate major shows and concerts that revolve around spoken word and poetry! He currently works as the event coordinator for Choose901 (City Leadership), which allows him to recruit and retain amazing talent to Memphis. He serves 30 mentor hours per week through the mission home he lives in where his house is a place of refuge for over 20 young African American boys. Sebastian believes that it’s our sole responsibility to respond to our ability and not let our circumstance stop us from achieving more.