TEDxETHS Youth

Speakers

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

• Arrita Kelmendi

  Arrita is a student leader and athlete who believes our greatest insecurities are often our most powerful catalysts for growth. For years, a persistent stutter fueled feelings of fear and inadequacy. However, the challenge of high school public speaking forced a pivotal realization that success isn't defined by the absence of struggle, but by the grit developed while facing it. A junior deeply committed to community service, Arrita has served as a club president, youth coach, and advocate for congenital heart disease awareness. As an NCTE national essay competitor and Math Department award recipient, she balances academic rigor with a passion for holistic health. Arrita is a dedicated weightlifter and runner who plans to become a registered dietitian to help others prioritize their health before it is taken for granted. By reframing imperfections as mental training grounds, she empowers others to build the resilience necessary to live life to the fullest.

• Eliana Philippe

  Eliana's talk challenges the "all-or-nothing" mindset by examining the complex gray areas of identity and justice. Sparked by a fascination with the O.J. Simpson trial, she connects this landmark moment in legal history to her own personal journey navigating the biracial experience. Through these lenses, she argues for the necessity of embracing nuance, not only within our own personal identities, but as a vital framework for how we function as a society. At Evanston Township High School, Eliana is a Student Ambassador, a soccer player, and a recipient of the Wellness Excellence Award. Outside of school, she works at a local ice cream shop and serves as a tutor for FORA, a Chicago organization that provides refugees with the education necessary to thrive in their new country. Looking ahead, she plans to attend a four-year university to further explore her interests in ethics and philosophy.

• Loza Yared

  Loza Yared’s talk explores how progress is rooted in mutual understanding and engaging with opposing ideas. Her interest in discourse began by watching debates to understand different perspectives. She realized that while agreement isn't always possible, empathy is the engine for social change. At ETHS, Loza is a force for equity. She is an Advisory Board Captain for TeamASAP, a member of Mock Trial, and a Student Ambassador. Her passion for storytelling led her to co-found The Scope blog and the Habesha Student Alliance. She also volunteers with children at her church. Loza plans to attend a four-year university and pursue a career as a prosecutor, applying her dedication to justice and nuanced dialogue.

• Mary Esther Ng

  Mary Esther’s talk explores why passion alone cannot sustain social justice movements. After noticing her own childhood enthusiasm for the environment had cooled despite the worsening climate crisis, she began investigating why movements often collapse before they truly flourish. She argues that while inspiration provides the initial spark, a different kind of quiet discipline is required to keep a cause alive. Through her talk, she provides a roadmap for staying deeply engaged even after the early excitement wanes. A National Merit Finalist and lifelong pianist, Mary Esther has completed RCM Level 8 programming and performs with the ETHS Vocal Jazz program. She also leads the youth worship team at Evanston Vineyard. Looking ahead, she plans to study Neuroscience and Religion at a four-year university to deeper understand the human drive for purpose.

• Spencer Obiri

  Spencer's talk advocates for a Black history curriculum that reaches beyond narratives of oppression to celebrate a vast legacy of achievement. Inspired by a teacher who prioritized excellence, he argues that focusing on joy and triumph empowers every student. At ETHS, Spencer is a Marching Band member and Senior P.E. Leader. An African American Achievement Award recipient, he plans to study Creative Writing to become a children’s author. He aims to write fantasy and sci-fi that centers positive representation for the next generation.