Theme: Breaking Boundaries

TEDxYouth@Salem is the official, independent, locally organized TED youth event for Salem, Oregon.

TEDxYouth@Salem is a half-day event that brings people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event theme “Breaking Boundaries” aims to spark discussion and connection. Seven youth speakers will share their “ideas worth spreading” in less than 18 minutes. In addition to speakers, the event include entertainment, TED Talk videos, and a “recess” break.

Elsinore Theatre
170 High St. SE
Salem, Oregon, 97301
United States

Aaron Satyanarayana

The first thing one might notice when they meet Aaron Satyanarayana is his contagious positive energy. Aaron, who will be a freshman at the Honors College at Oregon State University, is no stranger to making people smile, whether that be through his variety of comedy sketches on his YouTube channel or through his high school theatre productions and work with Children’s Educational Theatre. Despite his fun loving spirit, Aaron has some serious plans for his future. Motivated by his desire to serve others, Aaron is pursuing a major in political science and economics and wants to someday run for office, maybe even become the President of the United States. If that doesn’t work out, Aaron’s great sense of humor would make him an excellent stand up comedian.

Eddy Binford-Ross

Eddy Binford-Ross does it all. The ninth grader from South Salem High School has a truly unique array of talents ranging from riding horses, which she has done for seven years, to writing poetry and making art, both of which she has won awards in. Eddy has experienced a lot more than the average teenager, having an extensive and impressive travel résumé, including living in South Africa for 6 months, visiting Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, and swimming across the Zambezi River in Africa. She has even stepped foot on every continent besides Antarctica (though her dream is to visit it someday)! Along with traveling, Eddy and her family love to hike and Eddy has a black belt in karate. In her spare time Eddy also enjoys volunteering at the public library and playing soccer for her high school team.

Grace Cooper

It’s easy to feel comfortable around Grace Cooper. The junior from Blanchet Catholic School is the epitome of friendly and down-to-earth; she is instantly amiable the second you meet her. A ballet dancer since practically birth, Grace finds most of her inspiration on the dance floor but also enjoys reading adventure novels or classics (some of her favorite books being Pride and Prejudice and The Hobbit). As an art fanatic, Grace also enjoys watercolors, scrapbooking, and photography. Much of what influences Grace’s art comes from her Catholic faith and her friends, although her heart does belong to her lovable fluffy orange cat. At the end of the day, Grace sets out to find the beauty and kindness in the ordinary world around her.

Kudzai Kapurura

When asked to describe herself and her passions, Kudzai Kupurura’s first statement was that she is a very “a pro-black black person.” Kudzai, a junior from South Salem High School, has a passion for using her individual voice to leave a mark on the world. A dedicated musician, Kudzai spends her free time playing the guitar and the piano, sometimes even making her own music. She recently started her own YouTube channel where she shares her music and powerful spoken word poetry. Kudzai’s poetry and music remain close to her heart as she says they allow her to feel like an active part of society.

Mihir Joshi

Eleven year old Mihir Joshi is a true triple threat: he plays the cello and the piano, he participates in cross country, and he can solve a Rubik’s Cube. Needless to say, the Howard Street Charter School student has mastered the art of being well rounded. When he’s not playing in his school orchestra or running long distances, Mihir could be found eating his favorite snacks, s’mores or voodoo donuts, and listening to classical or pop music. Mihir loves music because of its ability to help connect people and he also finds playing instruments to be relaxing and peaceful.

Riley Hurt

At just twelve years old, Riley Hurt is a force to be reckoned with. In the summer of sixth grade, Riley was chosen to help with social media at a United State of Women event in Washington, D.C.,where she was able to shake Barack Obama’s hand and meet Oprah Winfrey. But Riley’s activism doesn’t stop there. Her younger brother and her have also co-founded a website called “Kid Activist”, which is designed to help kids and young adults with disabilities and teach those with disabilities on how to advocate for their rights. In her spare time, Riley is an avid reader (she loves Harry Potter) and is passionate about training dogs and volunteer work.