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).

UWC USA
State Rte 65
Auditorium
Montezuma, New Mexico, NM 87731
United States

Bo Hou

"Alienation resulting from social marginalization deprives one of one’s power, confidence, and human dignity. It has existed for centuries due to various factors including social class, politics, race, ethnicity, religious affiliations, and gender identities. At the same time, alienation offers the transformative opportunity to reexamine one’s life and reconstruct one’s identity. The pain derived from alienation could open the door to love and empathy. I wish to explore the concept of alienation and transformation in my speech through the lens of gender fluidity."- Bo Hou

Éline Witomsky

“Are you who you want to be?” is a speech about the future, societal expectations, and a different perspective on our world. Éline Witomsky grew up in South Germany between two cultures with a French father and a German mother. In this speech, she reflects on how society introduced her to success and explains why our world is a game and how everyone is connected. Through art and poetry, Éline expresses her fears and her perspective on the world we live in. She tells the story of why being your unique self in this chaotic world is the most valuable thing you can do and how playing for yourself is not necessarily how you can win.

Joao Melancia

João Levy Melancia is a seventeen year old student at UWC USA from Lisbon, Portugal.

John Hanson

John Hanson is a second-year student at UWC-USA in Montezuma, New Mexico. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area of California, he is a dedicated musician, an avid reader, and a passionate fan of American football. His interest in the overlap between artistic expression and identity comes from his experience in music ensembles at UWC-USA, where he plays jazz- and latin-influenced music and sings in the African Chorus. The vast array of cultures and perspectives presented therein inform his musical style and artistic pursuits.

Maria Gomberg

Maria Gomberg hails from the grand metropolis of Mexico City, Mexico. She grew up in an ex-soviet, ex-patriot nuclear family. In her upbringing 2 other massive cities played a key role. Moscow and New York City were homes to her parents before “la CDMX”. This tirade of cultural capitals formed in Maria’s home an appreciation of the arts in whichever form they may come in.