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).

Cathedral Catholic High School Theatre
5555 Del Mar Heights Road
San Diego, California, 92130
United States

Aaron Pellot

Community leader and communication specialist

Aaron Pellot is a communications specialist and media creative, who has spent his career across various forms of digital media, with organizations including ESPN, CBS Sports Network, iHeartMedia, and the NBA. He has a B.A. in Political Science, from the University of South Carolina Upstate, and a Master's in Peace and Justice from the University of San Diego. Intersectional community dialogue has always been the center of his career, from his written work to digital media productions. Now living in Singapore with his wife, Aaron uses his written work and photography to showcase how community is shared through food, culture, and travel.

Alex Polifka

Student

Alex was born in Seattle and but was raised in San Diego most of his life. He loves Cathedral Catholic High School and really appreciates all the opportunities to grow in his faith. He is involved with the Miles Christi activities and Dons For Life club. He also loves trying new foods, enjoying 80’s movies and music, playing rugby, and traveling.

Alyssa Rusnak

Student

Alyssa is a sophomore in high school who loves being a part of technical theater, learning about space, and listening to music. She plans to go to a university to study science and stay involved in a music ensemble while she’s there. She dreams of scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

Gable Krich

Student

Gable is a senior and is set to attend the University of San Diego next year. He plans on getting a degree in computer science and cyber security. He has always been around computers and enjoys learning everything he can about them.

Gavin Ault

Student

Gavin is a sophomore from San Diego, California. Gavin likes to play basketball, surf, and play guitar. After high school, he hopes to venture to a university outside of San Diego and major in Business. Gavin likes to follow the latest stock market trends and also the latest Nike Sneaker drops.

Hong-An Phan

Student

Born and raised in San Diego, Hong-An is a junior who loves writing articles and publishing stories. She plans on furthering her education at a university, studying communications or business administration.

Jessica Swift

Teacher and conductor

Jessica Swift Lambrou serves as Director of Music at Cathedral Catholic High School and as a conductor and theory instructor with the San Diego Youth Symphony. She is grateful for the opportunity to interact with choral and instrumental musicians of all ability levels. The ensembles that she has conducted boast an age range of students spanning nine to ninety years old. Ms. Swift enjoys a variety of professional engagements as an educator, conductor, performer, clinician, and composer. Highlights include appearances at national and regional conferences, Balboa Park, Moonlight Amphitheater, Carnegie Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Ms. Swift holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Music from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Kalani Adolpho

Student

Kalani is a Sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School. His favorite thing about Cathedral is being a part of the crew team. He plans on studying business and law in college.

Lilly O'Shaughnessy

Student

Lilly is a sophomore from Southern California. In her free time, she loves swimming, going to the beach, dancing, hanging out with her sister, volunteering, and participating in technical theater. After high school, she plans to attend college and major in something to do with math or science.

Lucas Cariquitan

Student

Born in the Bay Area and raised in San Diego, Lucas is a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School. He loves playing football and basketball. When he’s not playing sports, he loves to spend time with friends and family.

Natalia Velayudhan

Student

Sophomore Natalia Velayudhan transferred to Cathedral Catholic High School this year, and it’s been a great opportunity for her to express herself in a new community. Natalia loves reading, running, and writing in her free time. She plans to study electrical engineering in college.

Sofia Arriaga Balsa

Student

Sofia is a sophomore from Mexico City. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach with her family, read, and spend time outdoors. She plans on studying law in college.

Vonn Stenehjem

Student

Vonn Stehejem is a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School. One of their favorite activities to participate in is theater. They love the close relations they build through it, as well as the excitement of being onstage. Vonn is very involved in sports as well, they are on the Cathedral sailing team and play volleyball for Starlings Club. After high school, they plan to attend university and major in film directing.