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).

Dayton Metro Library
215 E 3rd St, Dayton
Dayton, Ohio, 45402
United States

Adam Beane

Adam is a sophomore and loves learning random bits of useless information. He enjoys science and wants to see this planet thrive. As an autistic person, he sees tremendous value in the inclusion of people of all abilities when trying to solve current environmental and societal issues.

AzReail Essick

AzReail Essick believes the obstacles we experience in life are not unique, but the way we respond to those obstacles is what makes us unique. AzReail is extremely passionate about traveling the world and inspiring people across the globe to mindfully respond to the obstacles they may face. After experiencing the impact of taking a chance on herself, she was inspired to give a talk to encourage others to do the same.

Charl;e Blumer

Dayton songwriter Charl;e brings light and understanding to their audiences through the relatable stories in their music.

Jakob Burdick

Jakob loves to run cross country, play baseball, serve others, participate in Boy Scouts, and stay engaged with government and politics. His goal is to serve as a U.S. Senator so that he can work with policy-makers and citizens to improve lives and engage in foreign policy decision-making.

Jodie Pierce

Jodie is a student-athlete at the University of Cincinnati, studying fashion design, environmental sciences, and chemistry while competing in track and cross country. She wants to merge science with fashion in a way that creates a sustainable future and disrupts the outdated fashion systems currently in place. She hopes to educate others about the challenges we face in the fashion industry, along with potential solutions. Jodie wants to inspire others to create beneficial change within their own fields and, ultimately, their lives.

Katie Sax

Katie believes in new beginnings. As a high school student who has experienced what it’s like to try to play catch-up to peers because of previous mistakes, she recognizes a need for mentors and the importance of finding one’s passions. Katie is devoted to animals, which is leading her toward becoming an animal humane officer. It’s also her love for animals that drove her to be more involved in her community.

Levi Smith

Levi is very passionate about creating music as a hobby, but hopes to go into the field of sociology with an emphasis on correcting social inequity. Their goal every day is to wake up and be better than the day before. Levi believes success is defined by the satisfaction your life gives you; so as long as you’re constantly growing, you are constantly successful.

Lexi Bumah

Although Lexi is only a freshman, she is a member of the High IQ Society, Mensa, and serves as the gifted youth ambassador for DAM, Mensa’s Dayton chapter. An avid reader, Lexi realized her passion for journalism while working as a 2019 Time for Kids (TFK) Kid Reporter. While writing for TFK, she was chosen to host the first-ever TIME-produced podcast, TFK Explains. Currently, she is a columnist and marketing manager for iWRITE Youth Club, an online kids magazine. In her free time, she enjoys playing club volleyball, vocal acting, and hanging out with friends.

Lillian Poock

Some of Lillian’s interests are competitive swimming, writing, drawing, and doing theater. She hopes to change even the smallest part of the world and help someone feel less alone and more understood. She wants people to know that she is truly speaking from experience, and she’s being genuine with everything she says.

Mikayla Petrovic

Mikayla Petrovic is passionate about government and social justice issues. She is involved in various extracurricular activities at school, including volleyball, basketball statistics, student council, and National Honor Society. She has also logged over 150 service hours. She hopes to unite people and help others understand their neighbors better, as she firmly believes that the world is a better place when we are more compassionate and understanding towards all. She is committed to helping end inequalities and inequities within her community and world.

Morgan Ott

Morgan thinks of herself as a normal high school student. She cares about school and sports. She plays on the teams for field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. She loves her friends and family, who mean the world to her.

Moses Mabarak

Moses Mabarak is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing jazz professionally for years, despite his young age.

Natalia Perkins

Natalia’s goal in this world is to be something, and to be somebody to someone. She wants to make a change and leave a legacy everywhere she goes. Natalia wants to live with no regrets and leave this earth knowing that she reached as many people as she could. A huge dream of hers is to work for the FBI as a behavioral analyst, but her final goal is to end up in politics as a senator... or maybe even the President!