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).

Orange High School Auditorium
32000 Chagrin Blvd
Pepper Pike, Ohio, 44124
United States

Aram Nerpouni

President + CEO

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of BioEnterprise, Aram Nerpouni leads industry changing initiatives, in collaboration with public and private entities, to grow the bioscience industry in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Prior to his current role, Aram functioned as BioEnterprise’s vice president of strategic development. Aram received his M.B.A. from Case Weatherhead School of Management and a B.S. in biology from Stanford University. He serves on the Boards of the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, and Child Guidance and Family Solutions.

Daniel Simon

Cardiologist + professor

Dr. Simon is the President, Medical Centers & Chief Academic Officer, University Hospitals Health System; and Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He is a practicing interventional cardiologist and his main area of research interest is the role of inflammation in vascular injury and repair. Dr. Simon is the Co-Founder of Sujana Biotech, a start-up biotechnology company developing novel monoclonal antibodies for a range of inflammatory disorders.

Joanna McNally

School Librarian

Joanna McNally is in her ninth year as the librarian/media specialist at Orange High School. She is passionate about ensuring students are effective users of ideas and information; independent, lifelong learners; and socially responsible citizens. A James Patterson/Scholastic Reading Club Grant enabled her to start a Book Buddy program in which high school students are positive role models to younger students with the ultimate goal of fostering lifelong readers. In her time as a school librarian and as a mom of two children, she has come to see the need for teenagers to put empathy at the center of their own identities.

Liam Perry

Student

Liam Perry, 16, is a dedicated student and speaker. In his free time he enjoys the arts, freestyle skiing, and being outdoors.

Sarah Kirsh

Student

Sarah has always been passionate about marine biology and how humans shape the environment. TEDx provided her with the chance to research further into a topic that will inspire her throughout her life to give back to the planet in any way possible.

Sophie Egar

Student + activist

Sophie was a senior at Orange High School at the time of her talk, and she now attends American University in Washington, DC. She considers herself a politically involved teenager, and believes in taking a stand for what she thinks is right.

Tess Kelly

Student

Tess Kelly is a seventeen-year-old writer and performance poet from Cleveland, Ohio who was honored to present a TEDx Talk at her high school. She believes in using her creative voice to work towards social justice and a more empathetic world.