Past TEDx event
TEDxSt Marys College Youth
Unseen Truths
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Amaiah Osborne
Young Challenger of Assumptions
Amaiah is passionate about standing up for others and challenging misinformation wherever she finds it. She enjoys asking questions, exploring new perspectives, and encouraging people to think beyond common assumptions. Outside of school, Amaiah expresses her creativity through art, dance, and baking, and is always looking for opportunities to learn something new.
Chloe Clifford
Artist, Writer & Curious Mind
Chloe is a naturally curious learner who is always looking for new ideas to explore and understand. Her creativity finds expression through art, writing, and a fascination with astronomy, all of which fuel her love of discovery and storytelling. Driven by a desire to learn and create, Chloe enjoys asking questions, challenging herself, and exploring the world from different perspectives.
Ella Looker
Young Voice for Self-Confidence
Ella is a student who values the people and experiences that shape her life, drawing inspiration from her family, friends, and aspirations for the future. She enjoys expressing her creativity through music, particularly playing guitar, and spending her time reading, swimming, and exploring new opportunities. With a curious and reflective outlook, Ella enjoys learning about herself and the world around her, always looking for ways to grow, connect, and embrace new challenges.
Eshanika Dinesh
Thoughtful Observer & Advocate for Living in the Present
Eshanika is fascinated by understanding why people think, feel, and act the way they do. As a Year 12 student navigating the pressures of academic achievement, life after school, and the expectations that often come with growing up, she has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of living in the present moment. Calm, reflective, and joyful by nature, Eshanika enjoys exploring creativity through arts and crafts and has spent many years playing the violin.
Hamish Doonan
Musician & Advocate for Creative Expression
Hamish is a student with a passion for creativity, storytelling, and self-expression. He enjoys exploring ideas through music, film, and philosophy, and is fascinated by the ways art can shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. Driven by a belief in the importance of authentic creative expression, Hamish is always looking for new ways to challenge perspectives, ask questions, and connect with others through ideas and storytelling.
Izzy Stuckey
Student Leader & Mentor
Izzy is passionate about helping young people discover their identity, purpose, and potential. Guided by her Christian faith, she enjoys meaningful conversations that encourage reflection, growth, and self-belief. Whether mentoring others or exploring life's deeper questions, Izzy is driven by a desire to inspire people to recognise their value and the positive impact they can have on the world around them.
Laura Papworth
Student, Athlete & Advocate for Genuine Kindness
Laura is passionate about helping people navigate an increasingly connected world with confidence and curiosity. She enjoys exploring the ways technology shapes our lives, relationships, and opportunities, and is driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through her work and personal experiences, Laura is continually inspired by the power of learning, growth, and human connection.
Leon Stensholm
Connection Advocate & Wellbeing Educator
Dr Leon Stensholm is a nationally recognised mental health advocate, counsellor, sports nutritionist and four-time author. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Arts in recognition of his contributions to suicide prevention and youth mental health and has been recognised through a number of national and regional awards for his community work. Driven by personal experience following the loss of his brother and several clients to suicide, Leon founded Lookout07, a Sunshine Coast youth centre that provides free counselling, leadership programs and fitness-based mental health support for young people. Drawing on his background in elite sport, mental health and community leadership, Leon works with individuals, schools, sporting organisations and businesses across Australia to encourage meaningful conversations around resilience, wellbeing and suicide prevention. His work is centred on a simple belief: kindness can change lives.
Maya Haman
Future Engineer & Equality Advocate
Maya is a student who loves solving problems and thinking creatively about how things can be improved. Driven by a curiosity about how the world works, she hopes to pursue a career in engineering where she can develop practical solutions to meaningful challenges. Outside of her studies, Maya enjoys cooking, singing, Pilates, and spending time with family and friends exploring new experiences.
Preston Simpson
Student Advocate
Preston enjoys basketball, gaming, and spending time at the gym. He competes in both under-18 and men's basketball competitions and values the discipline, teamwork, and commitment that sport teaches. Curious about the world around him and motivated by a desire to make a positive difference, Preston enjoys exploring big ideas and understanding the challenges facing his community.
