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

Amelie Eugenio

Student

Amelie Eugenio is currently a sixth grader in Leal Elementary who is passionate about sharing her ideas through her writing, voice, and art. She is an over the top, confident girl who sets herself to high standards. In her leisure time you can find her hanging out with her friends, listening to Taylor Swift, browsing the internet, and mindlessly partying. Though she doesn't know what exact direction she wants to take in life, she knows she wants to lead a life of happiness and confidence.

Anisha Kumar

Student

Anisha Kumar is a current senior at Whitney High School who is passionate about pursuing learning and advocating for others to have access to a meaningful education. She enjoys her job tutoring elementary school kids in math and reading comprehension. In her free time, she loves reading anything Jane Austen (her favorite is unsurprisingly Pride and Prejudice), digging into Robin comic books, and going out with friends to play tennis and eat tacos.

Brian Tom

Cerritos Educational Center CEO

Meet Brian Tom, the Blind CEO and America's Visionary Speaker. Overcoming blindness and a heart attack, Brian's resilience shines in his roles as a public speaker, businessman, author, and athlete. As founder of California Educational Centers, he transforms thousands of lives helping students reach their highest academic and social potential. Brian also founded Blind Start of America, a non-profit organization helping the Blind cross finish lines through inclusive events like the Blind Mud Run and Blindfolded Dragon Boat Racing. Brian is a guiding light in education and motivation. A devoted husband and father, Brian strives to be a champion role model and teacher for his daughter, Leilani Joy.

Diya Bidani

Student

Diya Bidani is a freshman at Whitney High School. She pursues her passion for debate and playing music by spending her time preparing for debate tournaments and fine tuning her clarinet skills. She also enjoys discovering new passions and trying new things, from baking to furthering her knowledge in the stem field. She also loves to read, hang out with her friends, and make things with her crocheting and knitting skills. She's very excited to share her talk with everyone!

Isabella Gates

Student

Isabella Ramirez Gates, a current eighth grader at Haskell Middle School, is passionate about the effects of the environmental crises we are facing. She loves to read, hike, paint, draw and learn about the ongoing problems our world faces. She also began an environmental science and awareness group called the Wildlife Group. It focuses on the cause and effect of environmental factors. Her presentation talks about the environmental crises, but not in the ways most think about. She explores the concept of real world perspectives and what possible solution children can come up with to make the biggest impact.

Jake Mok

Student

Jake Mok is currently a sophomore at Cerritos High School. He's involved with his school's Model United Nations program, debating about global world issues and finding diplomatic solutions to try and solve them. Jake is also in his school's water polo/swim team, devoting ten hours a week to practices inside the water. Outside of school, Jake loves listening to Keshi, is a part of his church's praise team, and occasionally works for his neighbor's hotdog stand. He is excited to speak about the influence of clothing on perception today!

Karen Huynh

Student

Karen Huynh, a senior at Gretchen Whitney High School, has always loved to write and share her thoughts with the world. She enjoys delving into the details of a book, or playing piano and flute, or taking pictures of her family, or simply talking about silly things with her friends. In the future, she hopes to explore medicine and help others, just as she hopes her talk offers a hand to those who need it (she also hopes she gets a dog in her near future, but she supposes that can wait just a little longer)!

Liora Hartung

Student

Liora Hartung, a current junior at Culver City High School, is an avid enjoyer of anything space related, especially concerning space exploration. Liora is president of her school's gardening club and a head of mechanics on her school's robotics team. When she's not messing with metal or sprouts, Liora likes to watch movies, her favorites being The Martian and Baby Driver.

Matt Johnson

AI and Physics Teacher at Whitney High School

Matt Johnson is a teacher at Whitney High. He teaches Physics and Artificial Intelligence as well as being the primary advisor for Robotics Club, Beyond the Books Club, Computer Science Club, and ABC Code Jam. He's also been fortunate enough to work with Whitney TEDx as a secondary advisor, speaker coach, and performer. This will be his 3rd performance having previously given a talk in 2016, and performed a poem in 2022. Mr. Johnson is spending much of his professional efforts right now working to help the K12 space cope with and embrace Artificial Intelligence, but tonight he'll focus on something more timeless when it comes to being a human being in a space filled with other human beings.

Micah Trinidad

Student

Micah Trinidad is a current sophomore at Whitney High School who is interested in all things art — historical art, graphic design, animation, and much more. She’s passionate about speaking about the art field and its issues, but is also passionate about giving back to her own community at the same time. As a daughter, she aims to follow the example the other women in her life laid for her, while also being ambitious to speak about her own aspirations. Micah Trinidad currently operates her own small art business and enjoys trying out new things for the sake of fun. Outside of art, she’s always up to talk about filmmaking, fashion, and small businesses!

Miyoshi Marks

Student

Miyoshi Marks is currently a freshman at Whitney High School. In her free time, She enjoys writing poetry on topics she is passionate about. She also enjoys practicing for her high school swim and waterpolo team as well as participating in the high school symphonic band. Outside of school, she practices Hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance, bakes, and spends time with family. Miyoshi hopes you enjoy her take on the bias against curly hair!

Mohana Sai

Student

Mohana Sai, a freshman at Whitney High School, is an ambitious, fun-loving student who loves to branch into various fields, exploring them like hidden caves in the depths of the ocean. While actively participating in Whitney's Robotics Club as part of their high school robotics team, Mohana enjoys hanging out with her friends, solving complex puzzles, and visiting Disneyland with her family. When she's not doing homework or robotics, you can see her watching her favorite Disney shows, going for a ride on her bike with her friends, or singing Carnatic music.

Rachel Medina

CEO of RM101 Media Group

Rachel Medina is the C.E.O of RM101 Media Group, a multimedia company based in Southern California, delivering female centric content through newsletters, webinars, podcasts, and an online membership platform called SHE.E.O, that supports women building businesses from home. Rachel is also the host of the Rachel Unpacked podcast, ranked top 5 in the U.S. by FeedSpot, helping women unpack their passion, purpose, and profits while building businesses and a lifestyle they love! Rachel believes that with strong coffee, strong WiFi, and strong faith, all things are possible when you dare to design the life you’ve always dreamed of! Website: rachelmedina.com Social Media: @rachelmedina101