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).

York School Gatanaga Theatre
9501 York Road, Monterey, CA, United States
9501 York Road
Monterey, California, 93940
United States

Bodhi Brunings

Bodhi is a Junior at York School who is passionate about a great number of things. Bodhi is known for being an insightful participant in class discussions, a player in York athletics such cross country and track, a member of student council and an organizer of community service projects. He is known outside of York for his actives in California YMCA Youth and Government and as an upcoming member of the High School Student Congress in Lexington, Kentucky. Bodhi has learned the value of risk taking through these activities and now seeks to express to his community the special significance of this ability. Bodhi is excited to give this TEDx talk and share his ideas with the community.

Brianna Bailey

Brianna Bailey, a York High School junior, sometimes finds it challenging to balance her many extra-curricular interests. She helps to lead her school’s Model UN club, participates on student council, plays piano and saxophone, and competes in team sports all three seasons. Sometimes the over-programmed nature of Brianna’s life leaves her feeling somewhat unbalanced. So, over the years, Brianna has developed an appreciation for the importance and significance of purely pointless fun. Through TEDx, Brianna hopes to share with others what she has learned about acquiring balance in her life.

Danica Tang

Danica and Issac are both undergraduate students at UC Berkeley who are passionate about computer science and education. Issac serves as a senior mentor teaching two of Berkeley’s largest CS classes. Danica serves as the director of CS Kickstart, introducing over 120 incoming students from underserved communities to areas of computing. They believe that computer science education has the potential to be immensely fun, fulfilling, and useful to students of all backgrounds. They are developing tech exploration programs for students at Berkeley’s innovation ecosystem. Starting this summer, they are collaborating with York School to offer a CS-focused summer program for the Monterey community. Through this talk, they aim to provide insights into AI models and technology, empowering individuals and communities to use them for positive change and innovation.

Issac Chen

Danica and Issac are both undergraduate students at UC Berkeley who are passionate about computer science and education. Issac serves as a senior mentor teaching two of Berkeley’s largest CS classes. Danica serves as the director of CS Kickstart, introducing over 120 incoming students from underserved communities to areas of computing. They believe that computer science education has the potential to be immensely fun, fulfilling, and useful to students of all backgrounds. They are developing tech exploration programs for students at Berkeley’s innovation ecosystem. Starting this summer, they are collaborating with York School to offer a CS-focused summer program for the Monterey community. Through this talk, they aim to provide insights into AI models and technology, empowering individuals and communities to use them for positive change and innovation.

John Dennis

As the executive creative director, music, for Walt Disney Imagineering, John Dennis is responsible for the visioning, creative development and production of music for Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships and more around the world. Currently, Dennis is the music supervisor for the World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT opening in late 2023. He is the music producer and supervisor for the new, eighth themed port of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney Sea opening in spring 2024, and he is the music supervisor for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024. Most recently, Dennis completed work on the music for Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, Disney Wish and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. He was the music producer for Tokyo Disneyland’s Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast and he supervised the music for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He also was the overall music producer for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Prior to his current role, he was promoted to director, music production, in 2001 and oversaw music for Disney California Adventure Park including producing the music for Soarin’ Over California. Later that year, he produced music for two Tokyo DisneySea attractions, StormRider and the Magic Lamp Theater. The following year, his focus turned to Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris Resort. Dennis was responsible for the music of each of the park's attractions. In addition, he produced music for One Man's Dream, a tribute to the 100th birthday of Walt Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. In 2005, he served as the show producer and music supervisor for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Dennis’ work with Imagineering began in 1990 when he served as a production assistant on Le Visionarium, a Circle-Vision 360 film for Disneyland Paris Resort. As a post-production and sound coordinator, he worked on Honey, I Shrunk the Audience and Ellen's Energy Adventure, both for EPCOT. In 1999, Dennis was promoted to music/audio production supervisor with responsibility for all music and audio production for theme park films. In this role, he worked with Aerosmith during the creation of Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction that integrates the legendary rock band's most popular songs with a thrill ride through Hollywood in a super-stretch limousine. Prior to Imagineering, Dennis worked at Walt Disney Pictures and Television as a production intern during his senior year of college, and later, as a staff assistant in the product placement department Dennis worked on several Walt Disney Pictures films, including Pretty Woman, Turner & Hooch and Three Men and a Little Lady. He has also worked as an assistant to the producers of the feature film What's Love Got To Do With It and assisted the president of the Krost/Chapin talent management agency. Dennis attended California State University, Los Angeles on an athletic scholarship, majoring in film and television and he holds a BS in Communications from University of Phoenix. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and a board member of the non-profit, Education Through Music – Los Angeles. A resident of Thousand Oaks, California, Dennis enjoys traveling with his family and friends, swimming, playing golf, wakeboarding, snow skiing and sharing a great bottle of wine with friends.

Maria Elena Mejia Contreras

Maria Elena is a junior who takes part in many on and off campus activities. To name just a few, she is president of the Hispanic Culture Club, head of yearbook, and executive student council activities coordinator. She has worked with the Village Project Inc., as a tutor, speaking at events and panels, and teaching summer classes. In addition, she is a singer, actor, dancer and is currently a company member of TheWesternStage.

Normandy Filcek

Normandy, since the day she was born 17 years ago, has loved the art of learning absolutely anything. In fact, in her eyes, life is just a learning experience and the world a harbinger of curiosity. You will often see her running around on campus engaging in one of her many hobbies and interests. Reading books or webcomics in the library, laughing too loud in the commons, playing video games in place of homework, writing and reciting poetry, drawing on any nearby piece of paper, crocheting in class, singing to herself, and staying at school until late at night for robotics or theater… she’s always up to something. After her highschool career of self discovery, she aspires to be a rocket scientist and social leader, among other things.

Orion Godfrey-Dacuyan

Orion is known throughout the school for loving Frank Herbert's Dune. But she also loves hiking, cats, and Whole Food's runs. Orion is a confident and independent teen, who can't wait to meet her goals and overcome challenges on the way.

Rose Finn

Rose Finn is a current 11th grader at York School. She is an ambitious student and is constantly striving to improve in everything she does. Rose throws herself into all sorts of activities, whether it be playing soccer, studying French and Spanish, learning Arabic and sign language for fun, singing at open mic nights, performing on the violin, playing viola in orchestra, accompanying her sister on the piano, baking a cookie monster cake for a friend, participating in an after school robotics club, attending Model UN conferences, or simply making connections with new people. Wherever life takes her, she knows there’s always more to learn and more to enjoy!