Theme: Treasure Hunt

The theme "Treasure Hunt" is about identifying and seeking valuable elements in various aspects of life, including the physical, intellectual, emotional, and societal realms. Treasure is a relative term for anything that brings happiness and comfort to an individual or group. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind and recognizing the value present in different individuals, diverse groups, and the world around us.

North Hollywood High School
5231 Colfax Ave
North Hollywood, California, 91601
United States

Charisse Abellana

Filmmaker and Artist

Charisse Abellana is an American Filipino artist who is very proud and blessed to be the product of both cultures, and her art reflects upon the personal virtues she has combined from her heritages. She hopes to inspire others and share her meaning as an artist.

Daisy Luke

Creative and Poet

Daisy Luke is a 9th grader at North Hollywood who spends her time writing poetry and fiction. She finds she is most productive and happy when she is able to combine the creative process with whatever task is at hand. Participating in TEDxNHHS Youth allows her to consider and explore the ways artistic expression and discovery intertwine with everyday activities, and allow her to take more joy in life.

Elly Duarte

Cultural Advocate

Elly Duarte is 16 years old and a junior at North Hollywood High School. She is a middle child with her older sister having left for college and her little brother in middle school. She grew up in a Mexican catholic household and holds many of these values she was taught at a young age, close to her chest. Above all, she cherishes her friends and family the most.

Jonathan Woodbury

Astronomer and Climate Scientist

Jonathan Woodbury spent a year in Antarctica as an astronomer and physicist studying cosmic rays and solar helioseismology. He also worked as an economist for the U.S. Congressional Budget Office and spent a decade working as a climate policy analyst for ICF. Jonathan currently works for Blue Origin as a software developer.

June Oh

Linguist and Story Writer

June Oh is a 15-year-old California native who currently attends North Hollywood High School. Through writing, she is able to transcribe her deepest thoughts and perspectives into words. She finds these pockets of catharsis to be the "hidden treasures" of life, which can be enjoyed by anyone who dares to read her work. As a TEDxNHHS Youth speaker, she is thrilled to be able to share these moments with the world and hopes others find the same joy in writing as she.

Kahan Kanuga

Public Speaker and Advocator

Kahan Kanuga, is a freshman at North Hollywood High School with a love of public speaking and learning. Through a journey full of twists in turns, and fighting anxiety, he found the treasure of learning to take a pause in situations of stress, anxiety, and any struggles that one could be going through. He is very excited to participate in the inaugural TEDxNHHS Youth event!

Michael Isayan

Grassroots Movement Initiator

Michael Isayan is a high school junior with a passion for law and history. Through his involvement in city public safety reform, he has seen firsthand the treasure that change can bring to a community. He looks forward to sharing his story and exploring the individual hunt for meaning behind that change at TEDxNHHS Youth.

Roanne Lee

YouTuber and Cultural Advocate

Roanne Lee is a junior attending North Hollywood High School. Her treasure is her identity as a Korean American that shaped her into who she is. All of us are all story-shaped people, and we hold a variety of stories in our hearts. Our ordinary yet unique stories, beautiful or ugly, confused or understood, are woven into every aspect of our lives as we are all here today, as our treasures. Roanne’s story is special because without it, she wouldn't be standing here.

Sharon Burnett

Psychotherapist, Educator

Dr. Sharon Burnett is a psychotherapist, educator, and mentor who collaborates with others to develop deeper insight, create greater resilience and enjoy a deeper connection within themselves and with others. She has cultivated her own trauma-informed philosophy model, dedicated to providing affirming, accessible and affordable mental health care.