Theme: Changing Voices

TEDxEncinitas is our belief that our younger generation has much wisdom, insight and ideas to share. Changing Voices gives a glimpse into the future by giving the stage to speakers under the age of 24 years old. If you want to know what tomorrow's leaders see as important, vital and possible, join us on April 1st.

San Dleguito Academy
800 Santa Fe Drive
Ecinitas, California, 92024
United States

Isaac Gelman

‘Studentification’ of a Population

Isaac Gelman is a junior at Torrey Pines High School. He dreams of a world where communication connects people, AP English class doesn’t exist, and phones can be left outside of a study room so some work can actually get done. Isaac applied an interest in technology to building a computer from scratch in seventh grade and becoming the acting Com- missioner of Technology to the Associated Student Body of Torrey Pines High School. He represents his school as the Student Board Representative to the San Dieguito Union High School District Board of Trustees

Jake Heilbrunn

At just 20 years old, Jake has spoken live to over 11,000 people, published an Amazon best-selling book, been interviewed on over 50+ podcast/radio interviews, and has been featured in top media outlets including Psychology Today, TEDx, and The San Diego Union-Tribune. Developing a chronic skin condition and severe anxiety his first semester of college, Jake realized the life he was living didn't align with his dreams. Facing uncertainty, he took a bold leap of faith to pursue his dream of travel. At 18, Jake hopped on a one-way flight to Guatemala with just a backpack and no phone. He spent 4 months solo backpacking through Central America, volunteering and exploring different ways of life. He discovered there are infinite ways to live and that people can create their own destinies through self-reflection and then taking action. Jake regularly speaks to High Schools, Colleges, and other organizations, sharing his story and messages on Finding Purpose, Mental Health, and Purposeful Travel. Jake's story is living proof that when we listen to our inner voice and commit to our vision, anything is possible.

Joel Gomez

Seeing Through It All

Joel Gomez is in eighth grade at Carmel Valley Middle School. He has been a musician since he first picked up a violin at age 5. Since then, he’s added piano, ukelele, guitar and vocals- to his repertoire. He has performed at many talent shows, recitals, and open mic events. Last summer, he made it to the finals in the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County Idol Season 8. Joel, who is legally blind due to a genetic disorder, also competes as a cross-country and track runner and has won sever- al competitions in his age group. He is a spokesperson and Vision Hero for The Vision of Children Foundation.

John Joseph Hamma

If We Can Do It, You Can Do It

John Joseph is a 12-year old student attending Village Gate Children’s Academy in Cardiff. He really enjoys school, his teachers and friends, and loves to read.He has played Suzuki-method violin for three years and has been in Scouting for six years. Public speaking is one of his favorite things to do, and he really likes the idea of TEDx because he wants to make a difference in how people think and in what they do.

Lily Blackman

Lily Blackman has been performing on stages throughout southern California for the past 6 years. She has starred in numerous musicals, been the lead in concerts and inspired audiences, big and small, to remember the power of a song.

Linnea Leidy

Adolescent Activism

Linnea Leidy is a senior at San Dieguito High School Academy. She is active in Speech and Debate, Journalism, Creative Writing, and the Women’s Rights Club, which she founded at her school. Linnea became fairly politically active this year and organized a peaceful walk-out at her school two days after the U.S. election. She hopes to major in human rights/humanitarian policy

Lizzie Waters

Lizzie Waters is a junior at San Dieguito High School Academy. She’s been playing the piano for three years, the guitar for two, and writes all her own music. Although she’s only been playing music publicly for a short time, performing her original music for a crowd has quickly become her biggest passion.

Matthew Chan

What is it like to be an American from a third culture oersoective

Matthew Chan is a senior at La Costa Canyon High School. He was born and raised in Singapore to an American-born Chinese mother and British-born Chinese father. He was exposed to an international educational experience that reflected both the British and American curriculums. He moved to California after completing three years of high school at Singapore American school.

Maya Harrison

Survival of the Kindest

Maya Harrison, a senior at La Costa Canyon High School, is originally from an impoverished town in Guerrero, Mexico. After witnessing the scarcity of medical resources in her hometown, she became passionate about providing medical care in impoverished countries. Maya facilitated many community service drives and humanitarian efforts. Her aspiration of becoming a traveling physician stems from her societal obligation to help families like hers in developing countries.

Megan Levan

Can I Change the Way Feel About Imiigration?

Megan Levan is a senior at San Dieguito High School Academy. She loves languages and has studied Spanish, Hebrew, French and Esperanto. She also learns about other cultures by studying Flamenco dance. Megan spent summers in Nicaragua and Ecuador through Amigos de las Americas, and she currently trains future participants for their journeys. Megan hopes to major in international relations.

Ross Urbina

Will handle in shortly

Senna K

To be added

Serina McKendree

Spoken word poet, Serina McKendree graduated from San Dieguito High School Academy in 2016. With a passion for the human experience and giving a voice to situations that don't often get heard, Serina shares her soulful perspective.

Shawdi Amini

Five Little Marbles

Shawdi Amini is a sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy. She is an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with many interests and a passion for living life to the fullest and helping others do the same. Shawdi is very social, loves to help those in need, and especially enjoys being around children. More than anything she likes to travel and learn about different cultures.