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).

Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park N
Dayton, Ohio, 45405
United States

Ainsley Rowland

student

Ainsley is sixteen and has been living with chronic migraines since she was ten. She strives to shed light on the harm of demonizing her medicine, and hopefully help someone who is going through what she endured. In her free time, Ainsley loves reading, playing games, creative writing, and petting her dog. She hopes to become a published author in the not- so-distant future, so keep an eye out for her!

Carly Webster

student

Carly is a disabled woman passionate about making music accessible and inclusive. She recognizes the universal power and impact of music and wants to ensure that everyone can experience that. Carly is a huge advocate for fan culture and its impact on the world as we know it. She hopes to work in live event production and help fans of all ages create memories of a lifetime.

Ilhaan Sheikh

student

Ilhaan moved to Dayton only a year ago, but feels like he has found his place here. He is passionate about music, food, and watching the World Cup. He also has Tourette Syndrome and wants to share his story of living with Tourette’s with others. Helping others is a huge passion of his, and he is motivated to advocate on behalf of other kids that have lived with Tourette’s.

Julie Zhu

student

Julie is seventeen. She is a researcher at Yale University’s Child Study Center, a dancer, a UN Project Award recipient, and an editorial fellow at The Adroit Journal. Last month, she won first place in the 59th Annual Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest. As a self-described “ex-gifted kid,” she is passionate about exploring identity, productivity culture, and the exploitation of intellectual vitality. Julie believes in disruptive thinking in the pursuit of authenticity and self, and enjoys postmodern literature.

Karissa Speakman

student

Karissa is her high school’s Youth and Government coordinator and Debate Club vice president. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters, and is the elected YMCA Youth Attorney General of Ohio. In her free time, she plays in her high school’s various musical ensembles. She is passionate about civic engagement and bipartisan solutions.

Mia Harrison

student

Mia represents the United States Department of State as a Youth Ambassador, which feeds her passions for community and international affairs. What most people don’t know is that she is also a classically trained cellist and played throughout her childhood. This talk has given her the opportunity to connect the things she has learned in her orchestral community to a larger, global community. Mia firmly believes we are a more connected, richer society when we embrace the arts and understanding each other.

Nathan Snizik

student

As a senior at Archbishop Carroll High School, Nathan is Technical Director of his school’s drama productions and a runner on the cross country and track teams. He is also an Eagle Scout and heavily involved in giving back to his community. Nathan says that, as far back as he can remember, he has always paid close attention to the advice given to him; he has used it to shape his core principles and guide him through life. In his talk, he hopes to share a piece of advice he has received with the larger community.

Olivia Cotton

student

Olivia is eighteen and a senior at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School. She is involved in the performing arts, leadership, service, and cheerleading. She considers herself a bleeding heart and has many passions, including music, poetry, and activism. Olivia believes in the importance of self-love, self-acknowledgment, and healthy mindfulness. She hopes to help shed a light onto anyone that can use some sunshine.

Rayna Annamraju

student

Rayna is fourteen and a freshman at The Miami Valley School. She’s the youngest sibling in her family by many years, which makes for an interesting childhood. She loves how much you can learn from and relate to television shows, and some of her favorite shows have really helped her navigate life. Rayna hopes her talk can help other people learn from some of their favorite television shows, too!

Vega group

a capella group

Vega is the premier and national award winning group from Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School. Since being established in 2010, Vega has performed and competed in various cities and states including New York City and Memphis, Tennessee. They sing songs from several genres including pop, R&B, rock, and many more. In 2021, Vega changed leadership and is now under the direction of Mr. Angelo Knight, an alumnus of Vega. Under Mr. Knight’s new direction, the group has reignited their fire to carry on the legacy that the Vega name has held for years and is dedicated to the growth of musicianship, friendship, fun, and truly keeping the legacy alive.

Xavier Ward

addict and advocate

Xavier hopes to tackle the topic of living with drug addiction. He writes, “I may be clean and sober, but I’m still a drug addict, like many others. I just want people to realize that we’re humans. We could be your brother, sister, mother, father, or neighbor.” Outside of this talk, Xavier enjoys theatre, drawing, filmmaking, and volunteering. He plays multiple musical instruments as well.