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).

RHHS Auditorium
12101 Clarksville Pike
Clarksville, Maryland, 21029
United States

Ananya Sharma

A junior at River Hill High School. In her free time, she loves listening to classic rock and Bollywood, scrapbooking, and writing.

Daniel Ohadi

Daniel Ohadi is passionate about sports, technology, and making a positive impact on the world. With a keen interest in soccer and an avid follower of the latest trends in the automotive and smart tech industries, Daniel is always eager to learn and stay up-to-date on the latest innovations.

Dr. Denise Boston

Dr. Denise Boston is the Equity and Restorative Practices Manager in Howard County Government’s Office of Human Rights and Equity. Dr. Boston previously served as the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the California Institute of Integral Studies and full professor in CIIS’s MA Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy Programs.

Felix Baum

Felix Baum is a Junior at Mt. Hebron High School and the President of the Environmental Activists Club. He has been involved in legislative advocacy since 2017, and has successfully lobbied for both local and state environmental legislation. Currently, Felix is organizing efforts to bring the Mt. Hebron campus up to environmental standards set in several Howard County Watershed Report Cards.

Gabrielle Demuren

Gabrielle Demuren is an outstanding high school student who exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated leader and community servant. Her extensive involvement in various organizations and initiatives showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on her community. She is most proud of her founding of Black History Fest, an annual event aimed at bringing together a diverse range of remarkable speakers, performers and black owned business vendors to commemorate, black history and showcase excellence. She plans on attending Harvard College in the Fall of 2024 where she will be majoring in government, furthering her interest in politics, international relations and broadcast journalism.

Ishaan Busireddy

My name is Ishaan Busireddy, and I am a Junior at RHHS. I am the founder of TEDxRiverHillHS and I am excited to lead the organizing committee in piecing together this exhilarating event, to raise funds, website management, and as a curator among many other tasks. My interests are history, international relations, and world cultures. I am also interested in promoting the student voice through activism and working for the community’s benefit. Within school, I enjoy participating in Varsity Tennis, Congressional Debate, Garden Club, and Model UN.

Matthew Sotomey

Matthew Sotomey is currently a sophomore at River Hill High School and a speaker at the 2024 TEDxRiverHillHS event. His topic, Dare to Be Different: Elon Musk, aims to use the professional life of Elon Musk as an example to motivate listeners to dare to be different in their lives.

Rohan Warrier

Steadfast community advocate known by Oakland Mills and beyond for his public speaking and involvement in local policy. He has worked extensively to make sure that the perception of the Oakland Mills Community is true and reflective of their values. Now, he is a member of the inaugural Howard County Youth Engagement Leadership workgroup where he continues to fight for his peers.