“From Here To Everywhere” shines a spotlight on the incredible ways youth are igniting change that echoes both locally and globally. This year’s TEDxYouth@ChavisWay theme highlights the powerful idea that actions within our communities send out ripples of inspiration, touching individuals, communities, and the world at large. The second annual TEDxYouth@ChavisWay event featured  seven remarkable young speakers, along with three captivating performances and engaging community interactions. If you missed the event or want to relive the inspiring moments, we’ve compiled all the videos for you to enjoy!

Our Speakers

1. Aditi Rao | Vision for an Equitable World

Aditi Rao is a 6th grader at Oberlin Magnet Middle School who excels at vocal performances and robotics. With a passion for social justice, her legal blindness brings a unique drive to champion changes for an equitable world for the Visually Impaired community, where obstacles dissolve in the face of human potential.

Aditi shares her remarkable successes while highlighting the challenges she faces in education and daily life. She advocates for inclusive practices and accessibility solutions, urging everyone to open their hearts and minds to create a more equitable world where everyone can thrive.

     2. Alekhya Kotha | Why You Should Seek Out Mentors

Alekhya Kotha is a Junior at Triangle Math and Science Academy who is always looking for new ways to become connected with her community. She constantly works to create free opportunities for nearby neighborhoods. Alekhya hopes to foster meaningful connections in order to carry her efforts globally.

Her TEDx talk emphasizes the limitations of traditional education systems, highlighting the importance of teaching life skills alongside academic knowledge. Alekhya Kotha shares a personal story of overcoming a fear of public speaking through mentorship, which inspired her to start their own public speaking program, ultimately impacting the lives of numerous students.

     3. Amaris Iwara | The Butterfly Effect

Amaris Iwara is a junior at Voyager Academy High School. She loves volunteering and serves as a Member of the Student Action Board, conducting monthly service projects in the Triangle. She is also a Changed by Youth Ambassador partnering with the City of Durham to create opportunities for the youth.

Amaris Iwara explores the Butterfly Effect in her TEDx talk, illustrating how small actions can lead to significant impacts. She emphasizes the importance of not dismissing seemingly insignificant actions, as they can profoundly affect individuals and communities globally. Acknowledging the potential for even minor actions to spark meaningful change.

     4. Anvita Anaja | Roots of Restorative Justice

Anvita Anaja is a junior at Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC, passionately promotes juvenile advocacy as a dedicated Youth Attorney at the Raleigh Teen Court. Drawing from her personal experiences, she exemplifies the significance of this cause but also serves as an advocate for youth within the system. Anvita eagerly anticipates engaging in discussions about the emerging judicial practice among teens – Restorative Justice and the long-standing impact it may have on our historic legal system.

In her TEDx Talk, Anvita delves into the concept of roots, reflecting on personal experiences and the transformative power of restorative justice. She emphasizes the need for a shift in societal perspectives towards youth offenders, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and urges individuals to become bridges in restoring justice and supporting historically underserved youth.

     5. Claire Eveson | Better Urban Green Spaces with Food Crops and Native Species

Claire Eveson is a sophomore at Saint Mary’s School, where she participates in Science Olympiad, volunteers in the community garden, and is co-founder of the Sustainable Saints. She also participates in 4-H Teen Council, is a docent at the Greensboro Science Center and loves to upcycle materials to make art!

Claire shares her vision for enhancing urban spaces by incorporating native plants and food crops, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting biodiversity. She introduces the concept of edible landscaping as a sustainable solution to address food insecurity while beautifying urban environments.

     6. Eshaan Prashanth | What AI Can Do For Sports

Eshaan Prashanth is an eighth-grade online schooling student from Cary, NC, actively trains and competes in the USTA Junior Tennis League. Beyond tennis, Eshaan is an avid reader with a keen interest in physics, computers, and technology. This passion has led him to delve deeper into artificial intelligence and its applications in sports.

Eshaan Prashanth’s TEDx Talk explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sports at all levels, from grassroots to professional leagues. He emphasizes AI’s potential to empower individuals and create job opportunities within the sports industry, highlighting the importance of combining sports with technology for societal well-being and advancement.

     7. Justin Lee | Why understanding music history makes for better music listening

Justin Lee is a homeschooling senior. As a committed interdisciplinary learner, he has a tendency to philosophize during physics class and link Homer’s epics to symbolist art. When he’s not playing academic connect-the-dots, you’ll find him reading, listening to Mahler, or creating curriculum for one of his many teaching initiatives.

In his TEDx talk, Justin delves into the misconception surrounding music history, challenging the notion that it’s dull or irrelevant. Instead, he emphasizes how understanding the historical context of music enhances our appreciation, urging everyone to engage with it as a means of understanding and shaping our shared narrative.

Our Performers

     1. Andee Bullard | Let Hope Spread

Andee Bullard is an Accounting Major at NC State University. She is a Club Tennis Team member and Co-Founder of Service Randolph, the organization aids the less fortunate in her county. A horseback rider from an early age, Andee teaches the sport to children aged 4 and above, blending her love for outdoor activities with community service.

Her spoken word poetry represents the negative impact society has had on youth, both now and throughout history, and provides a pathway toward a more hopeful future.

     2. Devanshree Jampala | Bharatanatyam Indian classical Dance

Devanshree Jampala is an eighth-grader at AFMS, has cherished the art of Bharatanatyam since the tender age of 4. Transforming her tiny footsteps into a powerful dance narrative, she illustrates her dedication and passion for the ancient art form. Her journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of her esteemed Guru, Smt. Karpagavalli Sai Sankar. Devanshree’s love for dance has evolved into a celebration of tradition, where the intricate movements and expressions of Bharatanatyam come alive. Proudly completing her Arangetram (Dance Graduation) at the age of 12 last summer, her commitment to her art is more evident than ever. Beyond the dance studio, she holds a Black belt in Karate, having completed her First & Second Degree she’s aiming for the Third. Additionally, Devanshree holds diplomas from SPMV University in India, showcasing her dedication to both physical and academic pursuits. Engaging in communal activities, she lends a helping hand to children in need and contributes to the betterment of her neighborhood. Her pursuits reflect her commitment to growing personally, enriching her community, and making a positive impact.

     3. The Triangle Youth Music String Quartet | Dvořák’s American String Quartet

The Triangle Youth Music String Quartet performs repertoire for two violins, viola, and cello. This ensemble has a long tradition of musical service and has performed in competitions, festivals, retirement communities, museums, and at numerous community events throughout the Triangle. Currently coached by North Carolina Symphony’s Kurt Tseng, this ensemble continues to attain high levels of musicianship. All musicians are also part of the Triangle Youth Philharmonic, the North Carolina Symphony’s official youth orchestra.

They are:
Kelly Kim, violin
Jason Lee, violin
Noah Chen, viola
Mary Fjellanger, cello

Wow! What an incredible event it was! A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined us, performed, and to our amazing speakers. Your presence truly made it a memorable occasion! We’re already buzzing with excitement thinking about next year’s event – can’t wait to see you all there for even more unforgettable moments!