In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Newark Academy
91 South Orange Ave
Livingston, New Jersey, 07039
United States

Abby Hsu | Newark Academy 2025

Speaker

Abby is passionate about exploring the intersection of business and technology to solve social issues. As a Mock Trial Attorney, Co-President of Asian Diversity Club, Equity & Inclusion Team Member, Head Student Ambassador, Minuteman Newspaper Editor, and a 2-sport varsity athlete, Abby loves being a leader in the Newark Academy Community. Abby is also dedicated to community service, whether it be raising money for blood cancer research, leading TechShare, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to spread accessibility to technology, or researching data-driven mental health diagnostic methods. Abby is excited to use her leadership positions and passion for business and technology to serve her communities.

Dati Mamukelashvili

Newark Academy Faculty

Currently getting his masters in political philosophy, Dati is an IB Philosophy and English teacher at Newark Academy. Next year, he will also be teaching "Creative Writing" and "Propaganda and Dystopia" elective for juniors and seniors; a topic he is passionate about given his interest in sociological manipulation of the public and its lasting effects on the human psyche. His speech deals with a specific aspect of the distraction of the masses, celebrity culture, and sets out to explore how the media utilize celebrities, or other opinion leaders, to manufacture consent amongst the public. At Newark Academy, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dati is an EIT coordinator, faculty advisor to WAM publication, a soccer coach, and an advisor. His personal passions include going to art museums, reading tarot, writing, skiing, and sleeping/relaxing.

Kunal Arora | Newark Academy 2026

Speaker

Kunal Arora is a current sophmore at Newark Academy. He is passionate about studying math and its importance in the real world. He is passionate about studying math and its importance in the real world. He serves as a photographer for the Newark Academy yearbook, is a player in the cricket club, and is an enthusiastic contributor to the math club. In his Ted talk, he will discuss the idea of Growth Mindset through intricacies and complexities of math.

Lily Kanter | Newark Academy 2025

Speaker

Lilly is passionate about women’s issues and making a difference in her community. She is on the board of POWER, a varsity athlete, and the social media editor for the Minuteman Newspaper. In her involvement with POWER, she has made strides in the NA community to open up the conversation surrounding gender bias and discrimination that students face. With her TED talk, she is looking forward to raising awareness to global issues that are still systematically oppressing women.

Matthew Herbert | Newark Academy 2025

Speaker

Matthew Herbert is a junior at Newark Academy who’s always felt an insatiable desire to build new things with technology. As the Co-CEO of the TechShare Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spreading access to tech education, Matthew is passionate about promoting STEM opportunities for all students across the state, country, and world. To ensure that TechShare has a sustainable impact, Matthew designed and programmed the Eduquality mobile app, which uses short-form video content to promote access to tech resources and is currently available on iOS and Android. At Newark Academy, Matthew enjoys participating on the School Council as his grade’s class president as well as pole vaulting for NA’s Track and Field Team. Matthew is super excited for you to hear his Ted Talk about the role technology plays in the way that we view global issues.

Siyona Bordia | Newark Academy 2025

Speaker

Siyona is a current junior at Newark Academy in Livingston, NJ, interested in working against the development in inequities in healthcare, specifically in regards to women’s rights. In 2021, she started her own organization called Rightfully Hers, where multiple youth volunteers partner with different organizations to raise awareness about discrimination against women. Siyona hopes to continue working in various aspects of women’s rights and health. She is very excited to be engaging in the TedX program as well, to bring her women's issue knowledge into her ted talk about developing a growth mindset and maintaining her organization, RightfullyHers.