Past TEDx event

TEDxKKHS Youth

Took placeMarch 31, 2026
LocationMakawao, Hawaii, United States
FormatYouth

This independently organized TEDx event brings the community together to share ideas worth spreading.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Alexandra Lombardi

    Kekaulike Student

    Alexandra Lombardi is a 15-year-old student and proud sophomore at King Kekaulike High School. Passionate about science and engineering, she spends her free time building intricate tiny house models and exploring how things work — often down to the smallest detail. A member of the symphonic, pit orchestra, and pep bands, Alexandra plays the flute (with occasional backup vocals from her dog, Biscuit). Alexandra draws from her own experience with dyslexia to challenge narrow definitions of intelligence and to celebrate different ways of thinking. In her TEDx talk, Alexandra shares what living with dyslexia has taught her about learning, creativity, and finding your own path — even if it looks different from everyone else.

  • Ashley Camara

    Kekaulike Student

    Hi, there! My name is Ashley Camara, and I am a Junior at King Kekaulike High School. I am a 4.0 student taking AP Language and Composition and many other rigorous subjects. My hobbies include writing, drawing, acting, and singing; along with many clubs, including Book Club, PAAC (Pacific Asian Affairs Council), as well as several others. I strive to be one of the top students in my graduating class and hope to eventually move onto college for one of my interests. In the future, I plan to publish a book or story, and become fluent in Spanish. I often spend my time outside of school by volunteering with Project Venture, a nonprofit that works with local middle school students through enrichment activities each week. I'm also an actor who is currently performing in The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree and have participated as a co-stage manager, running crew, spotlight operator, as well as a replacement for our head light coordinator. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this TedTalk.

  • Chelsey Miguel

    Kekaulike Student

    I’ve spent time exploring everything from artificial intelligence and computational biology to robotics and environmental innovation in order to make a real difference and impact in this world. I’ve had the chance to participate in science fairs, work on internships, and work on community solutions. But for me, personally, STEM isn’t just about monotonous equations or experiments that you have to rigorously memorize in order to achieve a letter. It's about using knowledge to solve problems that matter and to help others. My college dream is to attend Caltech or Stanford and one day become a lead research scientist or engineer working at the frontier of AI and biomedical science & cancer research solutions! I'm excited to share how a single moment of realization changed my approach to innovation. And most of all, me being here, talking and propagating ideas, shows that no matter your age, your voice and your vision can make an impact.

  • Colten Sylva

    Kekaulike Student

    Hello, my name is Colten Sylva, I’m an 11th grader attending King Kekaulike High School. My goals in life are to do things I love like creating art. I am currently taking AP 2D Design to help on the path towards my goal. I am not sure what I want to do as a career just yet I just know I want to do something relating to art. I’ve looked into things like being an Art Director and Storyboarder for movies, those are things that appeal to me. During school, I am doing swimming as a sport and am also a part of various clubs like the Debate Club and AVID club. In summary, I am looking forward to my future and am excited to embrace the challenges that come along with it. Speech title: "Knowing Your Limit"

  • Finn Jamgochian

    Kekaulike Student

    Hi, I’m Finn Jamgochian, I’m 17 years old, and a junior at King Kekaulike High School. My passions mainly revolve around creativity and nature. I love to experiment with different mediums of expression, such as ceramics, watercolor, crochet, and poetry. My biggest dream is to find a way to help conserve the environment and protect the incredible and delicate species that inhabit it. Currently, I am focused on completing high school in a meaningful way since everything is bound to change. I am learning and spending time with my friends and family as much as I can, and am active in our school’s drama club. As for the future, I hope to study abroad in a field in conservation, like Environmental Science or Sustainable Agriculture, and maybe even publish a children’s book one day! Speech Title: "The Importance of Being Present"

  • Genesis Goosby

    Kekaulike Student

    Hello, my name is Genesis Goosby. I'm an 11th grader at King Kekaulike High School. As the youngest of eight siblings, I've been inspired by my mom and working with children and my sister to pursue a nursing career. I want to explore the medical field and through Foundation Of Health services I can, which is a class I am current enrolled in, and it has taught me a lot about the different kinds of fields out there. I am passionate about helping people and staying active; I’ve been paddling since age 7 and have paddled for King Kekaulike since I was a freshman. I also play in King Kekaulike's first all girl flag football team, which I hope I can pursue in college. Speech Title: "The Silent Epidemic of Toxic Empathy"

  • Greenlee Evonuk

    Kekaulike Student

    My name is Greenlee Evonuk, and I’m a junior at King Kekaulike High School. My goal after high school is to see as much of the world as I can, whether this be through a study abroad program or whatever other opportunities I can get ahold of. I’ve been passionate about art for as long as I can remember; both my parents were artists, so I can’t remember a point in my life where art wasn’t there with me.

  • Jenny Nguyen

    Kekaulike Student

    My name is Jenny Nguyen, I am 18 years old, and I am currently a junior at King Kekaulike High School. I am very passionate about art, math, and philosophy, and I enjoy graphic design, architecture, and interior design. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an interest in architecture. Whether through video games or helping my parents decorate our house, the concepts and art of designing buildings have always been a part of my life. My dream is to attend UC Berkeley to achieve a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Throughout my high school career, I have been involved in various clubs and leadership roles, such as student government, Key Club, and the National Honor Society. I also have an interest in judo; I was on the King Kekaulike judo team during my freshman and sophomore years. My goal in life is to experience as much as possible, whether good or bad, and I hope to learn new things and grow as a person every day.

  • Leilia Jacob

    Kekaulike Student

    Hello, I’m Leilia Jacob, I attend King Kekaulike High school, and I’m 16 years old. My passions include writing poetry, playing guitar, and reading. I love connecting with others and tend to those who need it. Ever since I was a child I’ve always talked about being a doctor. As my high school years slowly come to an end I’ve decided to continue a career in nursing. My goal after graduating is attending UHMC for its BSN Program. Afterwards, I will continue my education elsewhere and try to get a psychology degree. I’m not too sure what exact medical field I’ll choose, but I know I want to be somewhere in it. I’m a very open-minded and easy going person who’s excited to persevere with each challenge that needs to be faced.

  • Lillian Hagler

    Kekaulike Student

    Hi, my name is Lillian Hagler and I am a junior at King Kekaulike High School. A couple of the areas I am most passionate about include theater acting and marine biology, specifically mammal research. Following my high school career, I plan to attend university abroad to double-major in these two subjects. As for the performing arts, I am currently immersed in my school’s drama club, King Kekaulike’s upcoming spring musical, and have taken on lead roles in previous productions as well. I am enrolled in rigorous courses such as AP Environmental Science, AP Language & Composition, and more. I have leadership roles in various clubs around my school. As I grow, I aspire to protect and learn about our pacific humpback whales. I am extremely grateful to TedX for this opportunity to speak on something that I’ve learned.

  • Max Loubser

    kekaulike Student

    I’m Max, and I will be presenting Animal Writes: The Blood Written On Our Hands. As a King Kekaulike High School student in the class of 2028, I take my current title seriously: Sophomore—the Wise Fool. It is this mindset which I wish to share with the world through my speech; one of sagacity from an issue clouded with folly. As The Honourable Prime Minister of Kekaulike Animal Team K.A.T., as well as President of our Book Club with PAAC (Pacific And Asian Affairs Council), and Vice President of our Chess Club, I find leadership a perfect branch to what I now know is the future for me: Activism. Since learning more about Animal Rights, I’ve realised that change is possible, but change is us; people; me. I’m so glad for Tedx’s providing this fantastic opportunity—I’m excited to learn from everyone, and, surrounding Animals, teach them “If not you, who? If not now, when?” Thank You. Until Every Cage Is Empty.

  • Sierra Berrigan

    Kekaulike Student

    Hi, my name is Sierra Berrigan and I am a junior at King Kekaulike Highschool. I aspire to become a Lawyer, double majoring in History and Ballet, before continuing on to Law school. I am currently taking AP classes that will help me prepare for college and help me stay on track for my goals. Growing up in Maui, Hawaii has fostered an interest in the environment and has made me lean towards pursuing Environmental Law specifically. I have also pursued these goals by taking on leadership roles in the Environmental Club and Debate Club. I also grew up dancing ballet, and hope to continue to pursue that in College. Aside from that, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, reading, and hiking. I am so thankful to TEDx for this opportunity to share the lessons I find important.

  • Sophie Toro

    Kekaulike Student

    Hi, my name is Sophie Toro and I'm currently a Junior at King KeKaulike Highschool. My aspirations are to make impacts in the world, specifically helping the environment and human rights justices. I want to make these impacts by first going to college and then going on to law school and hopefully my dream, NYU law, and specify in Environmental, civil, or immigration law. In my free time I enjoy reading books and spending time in nature like the beach or going on hikes. A current goal I am trying to achieve is become more fluent in Spanish and eventually travel across the world and gain new experiences. Currently at school I'm an officer in the Book club, PAAC (Pacific Asian Affairs Council) and actively involved in Key club. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to talk at TEDx and excited for what my future holds.

Organizing team