TEDxSandford Intl School Youth

Speakers

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

• Bekure Tamirat

  He is a public health data and digital health leader with over 15 years of experience building large-scale digital health systems, interoperable data infrastructure, and analytics platforms across Africa. Currently leading the Data Science & Informatics Unit at Africa CDC, driving continental initiatives such as the Central Data Repository (CDR) and Health Information Exchange (HIE) programs to strengthen surveillance, interoperability, and data-driven decision-making across AU Member States. Passionate about transforming complex data into actionable public health intelligence through scalable, secure, and innovative digital solutions.

• Giorgio Roscigno

  Giorgio Roscigno is a physician and global health strategist whose career spans more than four decades across science, policy, and international development. He has worked to expand access to medicines, diagnostics, and stronger health systems in emerging economies through collaborative, cross-sector approaches. He co-founded and led the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, helping build lasting platforms for diagnostic innovation, tuberculosis treatment development, and African scientific leadership. He serves on the Proposal Review Committee of Unitaid at the World Health Organization, advising on investments that accelerate equitable access to health innovation. His work focuses on health sovereignty, local manufacturing, regulatory strengthening, and inclusive innovation governance.

• Luwam Tesfay

  Luwam Tesfay is a multilingual storyteller, educator, and public speaker passionate about the power of language, culture, and communication to inspire connection and understanding. Speaking six languages has allowed her to bridge cultures and explore the depth of human stories across different communities. As an educator, she is deeply committed to the belief that education transforms lives and empowers individuals to rise beyond their circumstances. Her journey has shaped her voice into one that advocates for healing, representation, and meaningful dialogue. Through storytelling and public speaking, she aims to use her platform to connect cultures and contribute to conversations that inspire healing and positive change in the world. She is currently a Miss World Ethiopia finalist, using this journey as a platform to represent purpose, identity, and impact on both national and global stages.

• Makeba Dudley

  Makeba is a licensed psychologist working across education, clinical practice, and mental health advocacy. As a Whole School Counselor and Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, she supports young people navigating identity, pressure, belonging, and resilience, while helping shape systems that better respond to their needs. Her work extends into clinical settings, supporting individuals in alcohol and drug rehabilitation, survivors of abuse, and other vulnerable groups, deepening her understanding of trauma, environment, and access to care. Born in Saint Lucia and internationally experienced, she brings a culturally grounded perspective that centers lived experience in mental health. Her research on safe spaces for sexual assault survivors reflects her commitment to inclusive, responsive care. Guided by the idea of “Attraversiamo” (“let’s cross over”), she supports people through change toward healing and growth, while valuing travel, connection, and rest.

• Nehimiya Tadesse

  Nehimiya Tadesse is an 18-year-old IB student at Sandford International School with a strong interest in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and digital systems, and how they can be understood and protected in an increasingly connected world. An avid reader, he is also actively involved in chess and athletics, including football, javelin, and track. He believes these pursuits have shaped his sense of discipline, strategic thinking, and ability to perform under pressure. Despite his achievements, Nehimiya maintains that there is always room for growth and continuous improvement, motivating him to aim higher.

• Robel Tesema

  Robel is a 16-year-old IB student at Sandford International School with deep interest and engagement in physics, linguistics, and science education. He is drawn to how language reveals the hidden gears of human perception, shaping the way immutable laws of physics find their way into a mind. A writer and student mentor, Robel values attention, patience, and the meticulosity to turn around and examine what we have forgotten.

• Roland Freeman

  Mr Roland is an experienced educator with over 18 years in UK and international education, including 11 years at Deputy Head or Head of Secondary level. He is committed to the belief that quality education is a fundamental right for all young people, particularly those in disadvantaged and conflict affected contexts. He has led and supported senior teams driving significant school improvement, including transforming a school from “Requires Improvement” to “Outstanding in all areas” within 18 months under a new national framework. He has worked with UK government advisors, the British Council, Senior politicians and regional presidents to support education development across sectors. Fluent in seven languages, he holds a Master’s in Economics, Educational Planning and International Development from UCL’s Institute of Education (Rated top faculty in the world for education for 10 successive years) , and is known for his forward thinking ideas on improving education globally.

• Sinit Zeru

  Sinit Zeru is a Strategic Policy Advisor with 15+ years’ experience across countries and sectors. She leads specialist advisory teams at the Tony Blair Institute, focusing on government digital transformation to improve citizen services. She previously directed TBI’s Tech for Development Policy Unit, managing global teams across San Francisco, London, Accra, and Singapore. Earlier, she served as a Senior Advisor driving innovative tools in public service delivery and advised Rwanda’s National Capacity Building Secretariat. Sinit is a keynote speaker and moderator at major global forums, including the Innovation Africa Digital Summit, UN Internet Governance Forum, and African Women in AI Ethics. She has also held leadership roles in strategic communications across Tanzania and Kenya. Sinit is a trustee of the Windsor Fellowship and holds degrees from Oxford, UCL, and executive training from LSE and Harvard Kennedy School.