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).

Instituto Cervantes
Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 38
Bucharest, București, 050017
Romania

Andrei Nitulescu

Public Speaker, Aspiring Actor

(doing a joint speech with fellow speaker Irina Melesteu) 17 year-old Irina and Andrei have known each other since 2014, having spent enough time together to call themselves close friends. They want to pursue different paths in life: on one hand, Irina would describe herself as an open-minded individual, with a constant longing for gaining new experiences. On the other hand, Andrei is more starry-eyed, following acting courses and surfacing the actor within himself, and constantly learning about videography and filmmaking. Their friendship has never been about common ground, but rather about mutual support, and according to them, there is no better time to support each other than throughout what is arguably the toughest and most confusing stage of one’s life: adolescence. Defying these odds, the two teenagers have discovered a strong common passion, that of public speaking.

Andrei Vizireanu

Interact Cismigiu President, SEBMUN 2017 Organizer

Andrei Vizireanu is the President of Club Interact Cișmigiu. His work is aimed towards empowering young individuals to attain their potential. Vizi, as his friends call him, co-founded and organised SEBMUN in 2017, bringing together an international community and setting the trend for independently, youth organised events. Hosting EXTRA in 2018 represented an opportunity to become part of a local, teen-inspiring community. Vizi also spends time working with children, teaching Debate and Public Speaking. He is currently intensively preparing for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Astrid Dudian

Public Speaker, Mental Health Advocate

Astrid Dudian is a sixteen-year-old student at the German Goethe School in Bucharest, with a passion for debate, foreign languages and literature. While she grew up an ordinary teenager, her father’s passing last year changed the meaning of “ordinary” for her and shifted her perspective on what growing up means. The events opened her eyes to the importance of mental health and speaking out, as well as how to deal with a sudden a loss - and what she found applies to all of us, whether we’re in a similar situation or not. As part of her speech, Astrid hopes to share her findings with the audience and cover one of the most important lessons she’s found: that that life is bigger than one unfortunate tragedy.

Irina Melesteu

Public Speaker, MUN Trainer

(doing a joint speech with fellow speaker Andrei Nitulescu) 17 year-old Irina and Andrei have known each other since 2014, having spent enough time together to call themselves close friends. They want to pursue different paths in life: on one hand, Irina would describe herself as an open-minded individual, with a constant longing for gaining new experience. On the other hand, Andrei is more starry-eyed, following acting courses and surfacing the actor within himself, and constantly learning about videography and filmmaking. Their friendship has never been about common ground, but rather about mutual support, and according to them, there is no better time to support each other than throughout what is arguably the toughest and most confusing stage of one’s life: adolescence. Defying these odds, the two teenagers have discovered a strong common passion, that of public speaking.

Maria Radu

Public Speaker, Advocate

Maria is an eleventh grader at „Tudor Vianu” National College of Computer Science in Bucharest and aspires to become a barrister. She has always been passionate about public speaking and debating and has a wide range of hobbies and interests, from filmmaking and literature to philosophy, sociology, music, and economics. Her regard for law began as a way to understand the way society was built and ended with the quest of protecting the rights of the individual, the stepping stone of all human endeavor. She hopes to encourage others to be free in their way of thinking and being and broaden their horizons, while also keeping in mind those around them and contributing to their communities.

Omotoyosi Ariyo

Student Journalist, Writer

Omotoyosi (Toyosi) Ariyo is a Nigerian student who has lived most of her life in the UK, and attends the American International School of Bucharest. As a stress-ridden grade 11 student, she spends hours cooped up in her bedroom studying for her science classes in the hopes of becoming a doctor. But despite her love for science, Toyosi has passions that lie way outside of that realm. Currently, her novel “Regression” has 65,000 words and 200 pages, and she’s written 5 songs for her characters. She has also grown to be an advocate for student voices after becoming one of the lead copy editor of her school’s newspaper, The Bite.

Rares Fota

Playwright, Aspiring Director

Rares Andrei Mihai Fota is currently in the eleventh grade at Tudor Vianu National College of Computer Science in Bucharest. Although he loves studying physics and informatics, he dreams of becoming a director. He has been reading and researching about musical theatre ever since his sister took him to his first Broadway show. Last year, Rares wrote his first musical about anti-drug police procedures in high schools. It got featured in the 2017-2018 season at the Rapsodia Theatre and sold out a charity concert at Hard Rock Cafe. One day, he wishes to combine both of his scientific and artistic worlds in a show the world has never seen before.

Teodor Grama

Member of Romania's National Debate Team

Teodor is a high school junior at “Gheorghe Lazăr” National College and has been profoundly in love with voicing his views on just about anything since he was very little. This passion of his started gaining a more academic undertone when he was acquainted with the world of academic debating and Model United Nations conferences, which he has manifestly refused to leave, even after attending over 30 related events in the past three years. Presently, he is part of the national debating team of Romania. His passions include world politics, international relations and sociology.

Teodor Matei

Education Activist

Teodor Ioan Matei is a student at Mihai Viteazul National College. While his interests lie among topics such as mathematics, politics, and economics, his biggest passion lies with education and helping today’s young generations grow far beyond the borders of school. He strongly believes in the importance of public speaking and communication, and notices the lack of such key elements in today’s Romanian education system, which he hopes to change. In his collection of essays on education in Romania, which are soon to be published, he discusses the importance of a new, student-focused approach, that encourages conversation and growth from learning about different backgrounds and opposing opinions. Teodor works to contribute towards a society where young voices are amplified, and hopes to establish a foundation aiming to build schools and support students through scholarships and various opportunities.