Theme: Between the Lines

In tracing the unbroken lines that have weaved through epochs and entwined the tapestry of time, we feel the etches of our first stories as Homo sapiens told on clay surfaces. Since then, lines have been the bold strokes of definitions, the dynamic instrument of expression, and the subtle power of delineation. With lines, we draw borders and boundaries, we convey love and hate, and we take stances on every “this versus that”. But within the lines’ embrace, what loud whispers are beckoning us to explore the depths of ambiguity?

When we dance between the lines, we realize that the space is not so empty. Beyond the surface of words are meanings that transcend the boundaries of language and shared human experiences that can only be felt in the gaps to be filled by interpretation. Between the black and white is a spectrum of shades that invite possibilities far beyond the confines of extremes. In synthesizing the perhaps unsettling ambiguity, dissonance can coalesce into harmony. This year, TEDxClaremont McKenna College invites you to join us in seeing, thinking, and sharing stories BETWEEN THE LINES.

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum
385 E 8th St, Claremont, CA 91711
Claremont, California, 91711
United States

Ana Yanez

Student

Ana Yanez (she/her) is in the class of 2027 at Pomona College. She is originally from Denver, Colorado. Ana is passionate about creating social change through conversation.

Diana Vicezar

Social Entrepreneur + Product Manager

Diana Vicezar is a Paraguayan product manager, designer, and social entrepreneur. Currently in her senior year at Pitzer College, Diana studies the fields of Cognitive Science,Computer Science, and Data Science. Diana is an experienced technologist with a passion for building projects and products that solve some of the most pressing problems in underprivileged communities. Diana has been recognized by her country with the 2023 Outstanding Young Person of Paraguay Award, and her hometown Asunción with the Youth Excellence Award 2018. Named one of the 30 Most Influential Young Social Entrepreneurs in the world by the We Are Family Foundation in 2019, Youth Ambassador of Paraguay by the US Department of State, and received the 2020 Diana Award in memory of Princess Diana.

Hannah Maycock

Student Athlete

Hannah Maycock (she/they) is a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College. She is an international student from England, which is one of many parts of her identity. Another huge part of her identity is her sexuality and gender, which she continues to explore every day through the experiences of her own life.

John-Clark Levin

AI Researcher and Policy Advisor

John-Clark Levin (he/him) is a researcher and policy advisor on artificial intelligence, and a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, studying how governments can do more effective foresight about AI. He is a 2012 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, double majoring in linguistics and PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics), and holds a master's in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. His writings have appeared in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, MIT Technology Review, and Playboy. As a speaker, he has lectured at dozens of institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, Georgetown University, and the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. John-Clark serves as research lead at Kurzweil AI, and frequently consults for governments, NGOs, and corporations on issues spanning both technical and political dimensions of AI.