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).

Walter Payton College Prep. High School
1034 N Wells
Auditorium
Chicago, Illinois, 60610
United States

David Trotter

Chair of Emergency Medicine

Dr. David Trotter, MD, FACEP, currently serves as the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Trotter earned his Bachelor of Science from Howard University and his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Trotter has a strong commitment to underserved populations and has participated in numerous community events and mentorship opportunities. He has a strong desire to decrease healthcare disparities and care for the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Trotter is an excellent physician and proven leader who has received numerous accolades and awards for his tireless contributions. He is dedicated to continuing his mission to lead with a servant’s heart. Dr. Trotter currently resides with his wife and children in Chicago. He enjoys playing sports, political advocacy, community organizing, and traveling with his family.

Maria Lourdes

Student Artist

Maria Lourdes is a young creator and high school senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Her art sends anti-misogynist, anti-racist messages and comments on the struggles of humanity through poem and imagery.

Simone Shevchuk

High School Student

Simone Shevchuk, she/her, is a high school student at Walter Payton College Prep. Simone’s mom has always been the leading role model in her life and has always exhibited the qualities she wishes to inherit in the future. From a very young age, Simone was very close to her mom. Traveling around the world with her for work and even embarking on the adventure of living in a different country with her. So, when her mom was diagnosed with cancer, she found herself deeply affected and struggling to comprehend and accept her emotions. The lessons gained from this experience, of how to handle what she was feeling, have been carried with her throughout life. She hopes that they can help others as we all struggle with our emotions, and that's ok.

Vera Soberg

High School Student

Vera is a sophomore at Payton, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a Girl Scout, and a theater (crew) kid. Vera used to be a bigger bookworm but now enjoys music more, especially Louis Tomlinson and Taylor Swift, and loves when artistic and linguistic liberties are taken, especially by new artists. Passionate about writing, dreaming, dismantling heteronormativity, and ducky socks, Vera thoroughly enjoys writing about, engaging in enriching conversations about, or ranting about various queer issues, grammar rules, or cute animals like platypuses. When marginalized and silence people and groups speak up about problems and experiences, Vera wishes everyone else would take a seat and listen, learn.