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

Arrim Jung

Passionate Orator

Arrim Jung, a senior at Whitney High School, is an excitement-driven old soul. With a lifetime’s worth collection of movie references and too much chocolate in her veins, she finds her joy in creating art through various mediums and learning different perspectives from people who are unafraid to speak their mind. In her free time, she pops out her acoustic guitar and breaks into song or puts on theatrical performances in front of her bathroom mirror. She hopes to combine her diverse fascinations in sustainability, entrepreneurship, the arts, anthropology, and social satire to be of service to the world in the future.

Cindy Do

Self Love Enthusiast

Cindy Do is currently a senior at Oxford Academy and is passionate about self-love, learning and food. When she isn’t at school, you can find her buying boba at 7 Leaves, at home reading and online window-shopping or driving around Orange County finding new places to visit with her friends. Cindy considers herself a lifelong learner, and loves to do research on topics ranging from skincare to developmental psychology. In the future, Cindy looks forward to working in public health, in addition to being a life coach, starting her own philanthropic business and traveling the world.

Diya Bidani

Student Scientist and Scholar

As two striving Whitney High School 7th graders, Shravya Sethi and Diya Bidani hope to one day make history. For now, they’ll start with getting through all their schoolwork. They met long ago in kindergarten and have shared their love for piano, writing, and cats. One of their common interests includes public forum debate and public speaking in general, which both have been consistently participating in for almost two years. This activity fuels their passion for digging deep into different subjects, and they were very eager to do the same with 2022’s TedxYouth topic.

Erica Barry

Author + Media Professional

Erica Barry is the founder of Safe Love Project, LLC. She studied economics and media studies at Pomona College, where she discovered her passion for media and representation. She is an author, media professional, and outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She is fascinated by how media informs our relationships and gender dynamics. Since graduation has dedicated herself to empowering the next generation to pursue healthy relationships, she has completed 40-Hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training through Casa de la Familia. She is a member of the Sustainer's Circle for Peace Over Violence.

John Saleeb

Scholar

John Saleeb is a senior at Whitney High School. Whether it relates to real estate, the stock market, or even the surfacing metaverse, he is intrigued by the concept of investing for the future. When he’s not pondering whether an opportunity is a worthwhile investment or not, you can catch John recording an episode for his NBA podcast, reading a book from his favorite author Napoleon Hill, or trying a food spot he discovered on Yelp. Eventually, John plans on becoming a physician that not only alleviates pain but also helps create a community united by charity and love.

Joshua Lou

Computer Scientists and Recycling Advocate

Joshua Lou, a sophomore at Oxford Academy, is interested in combating e-waste and learning about customer recycling behavior. He hopes to combine his computer science knowledge and passion for reducing e-waste to develop solutions like his phone-reselling app called $ellPhone. Joshua has also initiated a campaign to collect and recycle one million used batteries (onemillionbatteries.org). When he isn’t at school, he likes to cook, solve Rubik’s Cubes, make YouTube documentaries, talk endlessly with his friends, and make frequent stops at Chick-fil-A.

Kate Chiang

Scientist + Researcher

Kate Chiang is currently a junior at Whitney High School. She is passionate about cell biology and medicine, and is looking forward to presenting her scientific perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. When her mind is not wandering through the realm of endless scientific possibilities, she enjoys writing, jogging, watching YouTube, playing with her dog, and practicing her public speaking skills at her local Toastmasters International club. As a physician, she hopes to one day apply a deep understanding of biochemistry and anatomy in the interest of medical advancement and public health.

Medha Kappangantu

Avid Reader

Medha Kappagantu is a freshman at Whitney High School who didn’t always love to read but learned to find a deep appreciation for it in her own way. Whether it be adventurous novels about teenagers like her finding their places in the world or enthralling books about the stock market, Medha absorbs it all with excitement. When she is not reading, you will find Medha watching the LA Rams, creating a new landscape painting, or playing golf. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in Computer Science and Business to eventually create her own fintech startup.

Rod Ziolkowski

Teacher

Rod Ziolkowski was a high school science and media teacher for 35 years in the ABC School District. He would want you to know that he LOVED his job. Currently he is on the faculty in the Physics Department at CSULB where he lectures, designs labs and supervises graduate students. Mr. Ziolkowski would say emphatically that he has been blessed to spend his life with young people at a critical time in their development.

Sabrina Wang

Videographer

Sabrina Wang is a junior at Whitney High who enjoys photography, reading, and volunteering. That love for photography has translated to making films inspired by the wondrous worlds of fiction she consumes, and grounded in the goal of spreading messages for social change. Over the past year, she has been highly involved in nonprofits, even creating her own, in hopes that her time on earth can make an impact. Despite her highly introverted nature, Sabrina is excited to give a TED Talk because she is fueled by the desire to share her passion.

Shravya Sethi

Student Scientist and Scholar

As two striving Whitney High School 7th graders, Shravya Sethi and Diya Bidani hope to one day make history. For now, they’ll start with getting through all their schoolwork. They met long ago in kindergarten and have shared their love for piano, writing, and cats. One of their common interests includes public forum debate and public speaking in general, which both have been consistently participating in for almost two years. This activity fuels their passion for digging deep into different subjects, and they were very eager to do the same with 2022’s TedxYouth topic.

Trevor Plotkin

Historical Fashion Enthusiast

Trevor Plotkin is an eighth grader at Whitney High School. He is thrilled to share his talk about mending and sustainability in clothing and hopes his talk can inspire others to look at clothing in a new way. He is very excited to be a part of this new and thrilling journey. When not doing Ted-Talks, he enjoys studying dress history and seeing various clothing constructions from bygone eras. He also enjoys watching assorted Youtube videos, typically involving historical attire as well.