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).

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
1500 Sullivan Rd
Aurora, Illinois, 60506
United States

Lee Eysturlid

Dr. Eysturlid is currently a history teacher at IMSA. Dr. Eysturlid earned his PhD from Purdue University, where he specialized in Intellectual Military History, the Habsburg and Ottoman empires. Dr. Eysturlid currently conducts classes in Ancient World Religions and Philosophy, Conflict in World History, Political Theory, and The World in the 20th Century.

Marguerite Dimarco

Maggie is a current junior at IMSA. Since an early age, Maggie has been immersed in musical theater making it one of her greatest passions in life. Her experience has shown her that involvement in musical theater has several benefits that extend into almost all facets of life. Especially with budget cuts looming from the pandemic, theater makes us appreciate its reflection of the world and all-around skepticism

Mary Zuidema

Dr. Mary Zuidema, or as she is lovingly called by all her spanish students, Profe Z. Profe Z has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has taught courses in all levels of Spanish, as well as topic courses on Voices of the Past, Diversity in the Spanish-speaking World, Linguistic Human Rights, Second Language Acquisition, Spanish Art and Performance in the Pursuit of Social Justice, and World Language Education.

Maya Holland

Our second student speaker for tonight is Maya Holland! Maya is a senior at IMSA and from a young age they had their heart set on joining the military. However, due to their biological sex they were told that they would not succeed in the military. Maya realized that there needs to be a change—a metamorphosis—so to speak.

Sajal Shukla

Sajal is a senior here at IMSA. As a young woman passionate about computer science, Sajal has experienced firsthand the effects that lack of representation and inclusion can have on females' confidence in the classroom

Valeria Castellanos

Val is currently a senior at IMSA who has done a lot of advocacy work and research in the IMSA and Aurora community, spreading awareness through clubs and organizations like SCRJ of corruption and disparities in the US Criminal Justice System.