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).

Jefferson High School
1600 N Marion Rd
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57107
United States

Aayush Mohapatra

Student

I was born on May 28, 2007 in New Delhi, India. I am just your average Indian child. Im a programmer (obviously), as well as a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. I’m also the captain of the quiz bowl team. I really like curry (it’s in my genes), and love anime. Just your typical average human living a typical average life.

Audrey Akkerman

Student

A firm believer in defeating misinformation and shedding light on relevant topics, Audrey Akkerman may not be an influencer or famous TikToker, but she does hold a great deal of interest in learning about what goes on behind our screens. Working on this idea worth sharing has been something she will cherish for the rest of her life and she thanks all of her coaches and peers for their support!

Beneyam Hassen

Student

Beneyam was born as a normal anime hating kid without ever actually watching it, and transformed into an anime addicted nerd when he finally let go of biases and unreasonable hate. Ben loves to work out and is scared of animals except for cats, which he loves.

Carter Van Ruler

Student

At the time of recording, Carter Van Ruler is a 17 year-old speaker from Sioux Falls, SD. Even as a full-time student, this is the first speech Carter has performed. He participates in the Washington chapter of National Honor Society, and dedicates his time to his schoolwork.

Ida Pickner

Student

Ida is someone who is extremely interested in how the world works. Topics that involve intense feelings and experiences are her favorite to talk about and explore, especially around justice and freedom. Most days Ida is full of thought, whether that’s from daydreaming about food or thinking about how the world is closer to any dystopian levels in books.

Isabela Azumatan Aceituno

Student

Isabela was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a duel citizen to the US and Guatemala, and is bilingual. She is second class rank, took 12 ap courses, and earned has earned herself a full ride to Haverford College.

Jenisha Gurung

Student

Jenisha Gurung was born in Jhapa, Nepal to a Bhutanese Refugee couple. Gurung and her parents immigrated to America in 2009 and have lived here ever since. In her life, she has received numerous opportunities to showcase her talents through dance, Oral Interpretation, and singing.

Joudy Wahbi

Student

Joudy is a student of the Sioux Falls, SD School District.

Lexi Hopp

Student

Lexi is a senior in highschool of the Sioux Falls, SD School District, and one of her favorite hobbies throughout her life has been art.

Luis Gaspar

Student

Luis is a Senior in high school and is planning on attending Dakota Stare University post grade school. Luis was chosen to give a TED Talk, so he is going to go through with giving one. Luis is shy and doesn't do a lot of public speaking yet, so this Talk was really scary for him but also fun.

Masha Doering

Student

Masha is currently seventeen years old and is about to graduate high school. She is from Shanghai, China where she was an international student for fourteen years until moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2020.

Moriah Mulamba

Student

Moriah is a Junior in High School that would have even thought she would ever give a Ted Talk. When she was younger she aspired to be a young power speaker and was always told "hey, you should do a Ted Talk".

Sunday Rose

Student

Sunday Rose is a junior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, She is involved in Bsue, Deca, Trio Lss mentoring, and loves to volunteer on her spare time.

Will Schmidt

Student

Student of the Sioux Falls, SD School District.

Zouhera Mahamed

Student

Zouhera was born in Chad Africa but grew up in Cameroon. She is a risk-taker who loves saying yes to every opportunity to try new things. But she wasn’t always like this. It wasn't until the wake up call that Zouhera received during covid that made her want to change. She knew she needed to start saying yes to things and stop conforming to my constant fear of failure.