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).

Gates Performing Arts Center, Hawai'i Preparatory Academy
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Rd.
Kamuela, Hawaii, 96743
United States

Alden Mazo

Student

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Alden is passionate about the ocean and nature in general. In her limited free time, she can be found scuba diving, running, or identifying turtles based on their unique facial patterns.

Brisamina Alessio

Student

Mina Alessio is a senior at HPA. She comes from a family of authors and writers and is writing her own book for her senior year capstone. Growing up surrounded by books she is very passionate about making sure people have access to information and loves to encourage self-driven learning.

Isabella Hodges

Student

Isabella Hodges is a senior at HPA who knew someone who passed away from an unintentional fentanyl overdose. She saw how it affected her friend’s family and those close to her and wants to help educate and bring awareness to this epidemic so other families don’t experience the same loss.

McKenzie Lyon

Student

Kenzie is a senior at HPA from Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. She experienced sexual violence for the first time in middle school, the catalyst for her interest in fighting against sexual exploitation and rape culture. She plans to work in sex trafficking prevention after completing a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Minami Asbjornson

Student

Minami Asbjornson is a current senior at Hawai’i Preparatory Academy. She is to attend Tulane University for neuroscience on the premed track because of her love of science, medicine, and human behavior. In speaking about this, she hopes to make medicine and science more accessible and widely understood.

Roxanne McMackin

Student

Roxanne was born in Newport Beach, California, and moved to Hawai’i when she was eight. When she’s not writing or drawing (which is frequently now due to her disability), she’s probably outside looking at birds or inside thinking about more birds.