Theme: MotivaTED

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).

East Mecklenburg High School
6800 Monroe Road
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28212
United States

Ashleigh Fields

Student

Ashleigh is a student who has a love for poetry and writing. She has tried to use her words to continuously motivate others and keep positivity in the lives of people around her. Ashleigh works hard in and outside of school. Outside of school, she likes to run track as well as write on the newspaper.

Ecab Amor

Student

Ecab Amor was born in Mexico City, Mexico which is a huge contributor to his personal identity. Starting in martial arts from the age of 2, Ecab has become a world recognized martial artist, forming part of the Hyper Mexico team. Having won regional, national and world titles, his passion for karate has taken him to many great places both in the ring and in school. Ecab moved to the US at the age of 12 and this new change has opened his eyes to many lifestyles and mindsets of the world. In the future Ecab wishes to become an international lawyer, fighting for the dignity and rights of others. “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.”

Iman von Briesen

Student

Iman von Briesen is an 11th grader at East Meck who wants to pursue bio-mechanical engineering after high school. She plays B flat horn in marching band, french horn in concert band, and outside of school she is the mechanical lead of her robotics team as well as a student in the Studio 345 after school arts program in uptown Charlotte. In her free time she enjoys photography, rock climbing, and aerial arts. Iman is a feminist with a passion for engineering, and is interested in studying and finding ways to resolve the causes of the gender gaps in pay and career, specifically in STEM related fields.

Isaiah Ford

AKA AhmirTheKing

Janeen Bryant

Community engagement advocate

Leading community engagement advocate and catalyst for building community capacity since 2000, Janeen Bryant presents nationally on topics ranging from authentic community building, creating relationships across difference, attracting new audiences, empathy in museums and critical conversations for internal organizational development. Ms. Bryant developed and implemented community focused ‘Listening Sessions’ model used in projects including Without Sanctuary, LGBTQ Perspectives on Equality and most notably on the Latino New South Project that ultimately became NUEVOlution. Known widely as a dialogue facilitator and trainer, she designs differentiated curriculum and experiential learning activities to make social change history relevant and accessible to any learner.

Joanna Rose

Student

Joanna is a senior in the IB program at East Meck. She has been a drum major in the marching band, a clarinetist in symphonic band, an alto saxophonist in jazz band, and a participant in the pit band. She is a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M (Music Honor Society), Green Team, and the Charlotte Amateur Astronomy Club. In addition, she loves photography and capturing pictures of nature. Joanna is planning to study physics at NC State University in the fall. One of her favorite quotes is “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

Kaylee Schwanke

Student

Kaylee Schwanke is a sophomore at East Mecklenburg High School, enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. She is a member of Speech and Debate Club, ACE (Architecture Construction and Engineering), and Sophomore Board. In her free time, you can find her reading, sleeping, or writing. Kaylee loves Star Trek, Star Wars, and Hamilton. If given the opportunity, she will happily talk your ear off about any of these subjects.

Mike Markham

Live announcer

Mike Markham is a well-regarded professional ring announcer, public address announcer and voice over talent with a background in the broadcast industry. Having been a live announcer for the past decade, Mr. Markham has worked for nearly 30 universities, professional sports franchises and event promoters. In addition to having worked for such clients as M-1 Global and the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Markham has been certified by the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers. He also spent several years covering the NFL and NBA for Westwood One’s Metro Networks as a sports reporter and later worked as a traffic reporter in a top-25 radio market. Mr. Markham has announced Winthrop athletic events for eight years, and this summer he worked 18 women’s basketball games during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.