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).

Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park N
Dayton, Ohio, 45405
United States

Avani Jain

Avani is a junior at the Miami Valley School. She is the president of the Indian Student Association, an advocate for inclusivity, and volunteers whenever possible. She is an avid swimmer on the school swim team, loves photography, traveling, and believes everyone needs some kindness. She also delights in anything craft-related, embracing creativity as a means of expression and exploration. Avani aims to shed light on the beauty of imperfection by drawing parallels between the imperfect process of painting and the complexities of life.

Eleanor Dakota

Eleanor is a musician raised in Dayton, Ohio. When she isn’t hanging out with her friends, skateboarding, or working her day job, she is writing and performing her original music. Music has always been an emotional outlet for Eleanor, and she hopes to help people process emotions they may not have the words to express otherwise.

Harman Kaur

Harman is a sophomore at the Dayton Regional STEM School, and plans to study computer science in college. She is a board member of her school’s Racial Alliance Collabortive Effort Club, yearbook committee, and Key Club. She is now working towards obtaining suicide prevention certification through the National Conference for Community and Justice. Harman is very passionate about systemic race issues in our communties and wants to destigmaize conversations about race. She hopes that her talk willl encourage listeners to embrace being themselves and to stand out rather than blend in!

Henry Almoney

Henry, a junior at Oakwood High School, is a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado. As the youngest of four siblings, he has always been driven to carve out his own unique path. He is the captain of his Speech and Debate team in humorous interpretation, and a classical pianist studying at the University of Dayton. However, Henry’s true joy lies in making coffee for others. Whether it’s brewing the perfect espresso or crafting intricate latte art, Henry finds fulfillment in the shared experience of a delicious cup of coffee.

Kay Handler

Kay is a sophomore at Oakwood High School and has always been extremely fascinated by the ins and outs of psychology, identity, and mental health. She enjoys her free time by participating in Speech and Debate, swim team, and marching band. She enjoys many types of art (including storytelling, poetry, and painting), but she has connected the most through music. She recently discovered that she loves telling stories, which is what inspired her to apply to be a TEDxYouth speaker.

Kendall Ohlemacher

Kendall is a hardworking student, a captain of the Beavercreek High School competitive show choir, a leader of her school’s suicide prevention group, a passionate volunteer with the Luekemia and Lymphoma Soceity, and more. Her dad, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2016, is the reason she is who she is today. Losing him taught her to be resilient and strong. Through the pain, she has learned the value of time, and how every minute is an opportunity to love, grow, make memories, and be the person her dad taught her to be.

Mars Chhabra

Mars is a junior at Coffman High School, and she is obsessed with change. She is passionate about photography, fashion, philosophy, true crime, and writing. She also loves volunteering, and will do anything to make positive change in her community. She is extremely vocal in advocating for the common human experience. She enjoys dissecting ideas and putting them back together into one hot, esoteric mess. Alongside her existential and artistic pursuits, she is also a pun connoisseur.

Martin Casas Ayala

Martin has navigated the challenges of immigrating to this country, settling in, and discovering a place he proudly calls home. This newfound stability has sparked positive transformation within him, propelling him to evolve into a better person. Martin, now seventeen, is eager to broaden his social circle, expand his horizons, and make lasting connections. With a newfound sense of belonging, he’s determined to bring his best self to this opportunity and embrace the chance to build meaningful friendships.

Megan Gantner

Megan is a senior at Archbishop Carroll High School, where she is involved in Youth and Government, Model UN, Latin Honor Society, and is the Editor-in-Chief of Write-On, Carroll’s literary publication. She plans to study political science, English, and philosophy after high school. She is passionate about women’s rights, politics, and literature, and wants to encourage her audience to reconsider feminism and act on their love for the women in their lives and communities.

Navya Garg

Navya is a junior at Centerville High School and a member of her school’s Speech and Debate team, orchestra, and HOSA chapter. She believes that learning from our mistakes, discovering our identities, and working to improve ourselves are fundamental to shaping our contributions to our community and society as a whole. She hopes to provide comfort to those who feel like they are leading a life that isn’t truly theirs. In her free time, you’ll find her listening to all types of music or playing the violin.

Norah Glovka

Norah is a sophomore at the Dayton Regional STEM School. She is a part of her school’s key club, Chinese club, and is also a student ambassador. She has many passions, but the most important one is making sure no one feels judged at school.