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).

Whitney High School
16800 Shoemaker Avenue
Cerritos, California, 90703
United States

Alexa Trinidad

Spoken Word Artist

Alexa Trinidad is an 8th grader at Whitney High School and proud to share her TEDx spoken word presentation entitled, “You.” She loves macarons, boba milk tea, playing the ukulele, and Disney. Alexa is also incredibly thankful for the love and support from family and friends.

An Phan

Actress, Model, Producer

An moved to LA to pursue her MFA degree in Acting for Film. She recently wrote, produced, and starred in her own short film called "Gold (2017)". An was a former Miss Arkansas Queen 2014 and recently crowned as Miss Talent 2018 Vietnam USA. Her purpose is not only to implement strategies to facilitate positive intercultural encounters exchanges, but to also promote equal and active participation of residents and communities in the development of the city, thus responding to the needs of a diverse population.

Anna Nayoung Park

ASB President and Distinguished Young Woman

Anna Nayoung Park is currently a senior at Richard Gahr High School and will be presenting the TEDxTalk, “Raped by the Education System.” Through her avid participation in community and global affairs, Anna hopes to raise awareness amongst the audience regarding daily violations humans inadvertently disregard in today’s society.

Ashley Perez

Fangirl

Ashley Perez is a senior at Whitney High School. Her TED talk is titled “In Defense of Fangirls.” She is passionate about different types of music, and aims to shed light on the power of teenaged girls in propelling newcomers into stardom in the music industry.

Emma Centeno

Conservation Acitvist

Emma Centeno is a junior at Whitney High School. In her speech, "How Photography Can Save the Planet," she discusses how the camera has served as a catalyst in conservation efforts, and how it will continue to play an integral role in inspiring actions against climate change.

Jamie Ma

Student

Jamie Ma is a sophomore at Fullerton Union High School. She is on FUHS' Speech and Debate team and has a passion for public speaking and social justice. Jamie is excited to speak at the Whitney High School Tedx Conference.

Julianne Catherine Kim

Student

Julianne Catherine Kim is a senior at Troy High School. She has a passion for public speaking and the intersection of biology and philosophy. She is involved with her school newspaper, debate team, and Science Olympiad team. Her talk, titled “Think Interdisciplinary,” details her experiences with the organ black market and what she learned from it.

Kristin Dickson

Student

Kristin Dickson is a sophomore at Fullerton Union High School. She is an officer on FUHS' speech and debate team. Along with speech and debate, she is involved in wrestling and track and field. She is grateful to be speaking at this year's Tedx conference.

Matthew Lacayo

Aspiring Mathematician

Matthew Lacayo, junior from Whitney High School, is obsessed with math. In his free time, he has taken up learning calculus, writing proofs, and creating his own math questions. He hopes that with his talk, "Reforming Math Education", he can inspire others to share his passion for problem solving.

Nara Chai

Cosplayer

Nara Chai is a senior at Whitney High School and self-proclaimed “professional dork.” Since childhood, Nara has had an active internet presence as a cosplayer, artist, writer, music producer, and avid forum poster. Above everything, she strives to expand the general public’s understanding about geek culture and community. Her talk is titled “Why I Cosplay.”

Omkar Hanamsagar

Student

A junior at Whitney High School, Omkar Hanamsagar is a big basketball fan who values the importance of family. A dreamer in his own right, his head is always in the clouds thinking about the future and what it holds for him. His life is told through a story as he waits for the next cliffhanger to keep him intrigued. While the world tries to pull him down from the sky with distractions, he finds seclusion...at “4 A.M.”?

Raj Vora

Reseller

Raj Vora, a junior at Whitney High School, participates in MUN, JSA, and Mock Trial. When he is not debating, he loves watching the Lakers and enjoys playing basketball. “The Market of Hype” is all about analyzing the production and reselling of streetwear clothing.

Sonali Joshi

Student speaker

Sonali Joshi, a junior at Whitney High School is extremely excited to share her talk regarding the burgeoning field of genetic engineering entitled, "The Future of Genetics." Through her discussion of the advent of CRISPR, she hopes to leave everyone with something to think about.