Theme: Dare to Change the World

Join us in Kellner Performing Arts Center at the inaugural TEDxMiltonAcademy event! Be prepared to hear a suite of short, carefully prepared talks, that are idea-focused, and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.

The theme, based on Milton's own motto is "dare to change the world," and will feature talks on a wide variety of topics such as climate change, health, compassion, identity and more. The speakers will consist of Milton Academy alumni, faculty, and current students. Speakers formally submitted an application for consideration and were selected by current students.

Milton Academy
170 Centre st.
Milton, Massachusetts, 02186
United States

Cecilia Guan

Student

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Cecilia Guan, is a graduate of Milton Academy and more recently of Columbia University, having received her diploma this year. At Milton, Cecilia co-led the Upper School’s Speech Team and Community Engagement Programs and Partnerships (CEPP), and was involved in various social justice and equity-related activities including the Transitions Program. Through these activities, Cecilia discovered that her intellectual passions lay at the intersection of identity and psychology, and she went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology. Cecilia Guan will give her speech: “How to Foster “Beginner’s Mind”

Katherine Walker

Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician

Dr. Walker became a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, scientist and educator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after graduating from Milton Academy in 2002. After studying at Harvard and Oxford, Dr. Walker delved into research, eventually identifying that specific fat molecules in our bodies can reduce both the infection and inflammation caused by lung viruses. Caring for patients with COVID in the ICU inspired her to train in Palliative Care. Dr. Walker is performing her talk: “Finding Humanity in the COVID ICU.”

Kristine Palmero

High School English Teacher

Kristine Palmero, has been an upper school English teacher for twenty years and has served as both English teacher and dorm head here at Milton Academy. Ms. Palmero earned both her B.A. in English and Film and her M.A. in English from Middlebury College. Ms. Palmero is presenting her talk titled:“Donating Bone Marrow: A Love Story About How to Save a Life and Help You Heal”

Michael Kennedy

VP of business at a Non-Profit

Michael Kennedy graduated from Milton Academy in 2001 before going on to study at Stanford and Georgetown. He then worked as a consultant focused on government strategy and international economic development and finance. He is now Vice President of Business Development at the Non-Profit Citizens Energy Corporation, a firm which focuses on lowering energy costs for consumers while using the cleanest energy possible. Mr. Kennedy will give his talk titled: “A New Way to Finance Renewable Energy”

Nika Farokhzad

Student

A current senior at Milton, Nika Farokhzad founded Project 9, a nonpartisan movement engaging youth with local politics. Led by young people in 47 states, Project 9, a 501(c)(3), is fueled by the passionate work of its members who fight for meaningful change every day. Nika's work at Project 9 largely centers around feminist advocacy, including reproductive justice and sex education reform. Her talk, which relates to the work she does at Project 9, is titled “The Birds & Bees Reimagined.”

Scarlett Eldaief

Student

Scarlett Eldaief, is currently a junior at Milton Academy and a resident of Boston. After entering the Milton Academy community in 7th grade, Scarlett became involved with Community Engagement, the Department of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, the Milton Paper, the Multicultural and Multiracial club, and Model UN, among other activities.