Theme: Unusual Circumstances

The theme "Unusual Circumstances” is about turning adversity into opportunity. It explores how unexpected situations can challenge our perceptions, drive innovation, and reveal hidden strengths. These circumstances can foster personal and collective growth, opening our eyes to the different perspectives of the world around us.

North Hollywood High School
5231 Colfax Ave
North Hollywood, California, 91601
United States

Danny Kim

Student Marine Biologist

Donghee "Danny" Kim is an 11th grader with a passion for marine biology. He recently faced an extremely unusual circumstance: a potentially dangerous experience with sharks in Hawaii. He looks forward to sharing the valuable lessons he learned through this by connecting his main interest with a message for all through TEDxNHHS.

Ixchel Brainin Godinez

Artist and Community Advocate

Ixchel Brainin Godinez is a high school senior with ambitions of becoming a chiropractor. This student is passionate about leadership, community, philosophy, and the role love can play in all these fields. She is overjoyed to be sharing her story and insights with the world through TEDxNHHS Youth.

Marice Alcantara

Cancer Researcher

Marice Alcantara is a Filipino Australian cancer researcher with a doctorate degree in Immunology. She has lived in 3 countries and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Michael Yoon

Lifestyle advocate

Michael Yoon is a junior fascinated by the inefficiencies that exist in his hobbies, his time management, and his academic lifestyle. After attempting to clinically "fix" all of these perceived imperfections, he discovers a way to block out all the noise and stay true to his goals. He's thrilled to share his discovery on the TEDx stage.

Prahi Shah

Public Speaker

Prahi Shah is a 10th grader at North Hollywood High School with a passion for public speaking and writing. As a very observant person, she has noticed a major thing holding back her friends, family, and even herself back is a fear of judgement and the unknown. She is eager to share her insights and views with everyone at the TEDxNHHS Youth event!

Tej Patel

Researcher

Through his research work at the Cedars Sinai and Cleveland Clinic Neurosurgery Department, senior Tej Patel and his group have been able to engineer tools that could assist hospitals with patient care. He looks foward to sharing his story and encouraging students to pursue research.

Toni Ricci

Entrepreneur and Dance Instructor

Toni Ricci is an entrepreneur, dance instructor and choreographer. She founded The Elite Dance Center in Woodland Hills CA and has educated hundreds of students, has an award winning competitive dance team, a pre-professional ballet program and more. She continues to teach and inspire young dancers and encourage them to always go for their dreams.

Valter Khondkarian

Cultural Advocate

Valter Khondkarian is a senior who, born in Armenia and raised in Russia, possesses unlike standards and diverse perspectives, as well as experience working and interacting with a fundamentally different society. The TEDxNHHS Youth event provides a great opportunity to share and discuss his view on the American system.