Theme: Voices Of Change

Join us at TEDx CSUMontereyBay 'Voices of Change,' where students and community members of diverse backgrounds come together to share their inspiring stories and innovative ideas. In a constantly transforming world, these voices are the catalysts, the visionaries, and the change-makers. Be prepared to be moved, motivated, and mobilized as we explore the power of ideas, the strength of resilience, and the limitless potential of collective action.

In-person space is limited. Empty spaces for no-shows will be given to those who show up on a first-come basis.

Otter Student Union
100 Campus Center
Seaside, California, 93955
United States

Aaron Villarreal

Flower Boy

Aaron is a student at California State University of Monterey Bay studying Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. He is a junior standing student and transferred from West Hills College Lemoore (WHCL). He served previously as his college's Student President, the district’s Student Trustee for his college's Board of Trustees, and represented the Central Valley of California as a Regional Affairs Director associated with the Student Senate of California Community Colleges. In the Spring of 2023, he was one of three students awarded the Board of Governors Student Leadership Award in the state of California. Aaron continues to explore and work on his leadership abilities, incorporating them into his professional career development. He wants to break down the stereotypes of toxic masculinity and demonstrate beautiful vulnerability in the form of flowers that men need to express. He is excited about his future and is open to new opportunities that come his way.

Alora Skustad

Researcher, ocean advocate, and student

Alora Skustad is a Marine Science major with a minor in Environmental Health Policy at California State University, Monterey Bay. Her research focuses on innovating oceanography by creating a device that attaches to a surfboard fin for data collection in the surf zone, an area often overlooked in current scientific methods. She encourages people to understand there’s no one way of doing something in science. The drive to explore unconventional ideas is reshaping our understanding of coastal ecosystems. Post-graduation, she aims to pursue advanced studies in Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness, leveraging her scientific expertise to serve her community. Alora is an avid surfer and outdoor enthusiast, her love for the waves fuels her commitment to environmental stewardship and continuous learning.

Armando Arias Jr.

Educator

Dr. Armando Arias is a professor & Founding Faculty in the Social & Behavioral Sciences & Global Studies division at CSU Monterey Bay. He has spent his entire career assisting in the build-out of brand new universities in Colorado, Texas, California, Mexico and Africa. He specializes in the use of Active Knowledge Models (AKMs) to design, manage and reconfigure enterprises, such as universities, as they are being built and uses AKM models to address ongoing What If? scenarios. He first learned of AKMs when observing the assemblage of jet aircraft and transferred what he learned to building universities. He is currently applying the lessons learned from these setting to the study, research and care for dementia patients. The Dementia Project he is directing has as a goal to reengineer the current processes in the cognitive sciences that can literally translate brain impulses into words and recode the self-same impulses in ways that are much less confusing for people with dementia.

Damaris Ispache

Student

My name is Damaris Ispache. I will be receiving my bachelor's in agricultural plant and soil science from California State University, Monterey Bay. I plan on attending graduate school to pursue a research career in soil science. To better understand and sustainability support one of our most valuable resources in the agricultural industry, soil. A native to Monterey County I have lived and worked amongst valleys of fruitful soil. I believe that through research we can sustain the health of our soils and with that support a healthy environment for our communities.

Emma Buehler

Former Foster Youth & Advocate

Emma Buehler is a first-year student at Cal State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She later on wants to attend medical school to get her PhD and become a psychiatrist. Emma shares her story of growing up in an abusive household and her personal experience with the foster care system. As a former foster youth, she is spreading information about the importance of accessible mental health services for foster youth and how they should be provided to foster youth and covered by the government. She also introduces ways our communities can become more open-minded and inclusive that help break the stigma that surround foster youths and help them find their voices.

Jhoana Morales-Lopez

Student

I am Jhoana Sarai Morales-Lopez and I am a first generation Chicana student here at CSU Monterey Bay with a major in psychology and a minor in statistics and spanish language & hispanic culture. I intend to obtain my PhD in forensic psychology while also conducting my own research. I want to research the effects of inter partner violence by working with both sides of the law, victim and perpetrator. I aspire to diminish the effects of Inter Partner Violence and also provide resources that are needed in our community. This includes shelters, a protective program, court help, free lawyers, and daycare for victims who are running away, to name some.

Kody Storms

Student

Kody Storms is a senior honor roll student at California State University, Monterey Bay. They’re pursuing their B.A. in Humanities & Communication with a concentration in Creative Writing & Social Action, as well as a minor in Social Justice & Community Leadership through Service Learning. Xe is currently in the process of applying to law schools, with the intention of pursuing work in the corporate sector as well as pro bono social justice work. They have wanted to be a lawyer since the age of five and have never lost sight of that goal. Throughout the years xe has found themselves as a speaker for open mic events, theatre productions, and protests. He is also a drag king in the Bay area community with a deep passion for the arts. The stage isn’t new to him, but xe has had very few opportunities yet in life to have that spotlight as his chosen name and true identity. They’re very excited for that opportunity now.

Max Guerrera

Journalist

Max Guerrera is a journalism major and staff writer for the Lutrinae, CSUMB's student newspaper. His passions are writing about cultural phenomena in his opinion column, photography, and riding and working on his motorcycle. He can be found on Instagram, @_nvmmax_

Michaela Velasco

Student Leader and Actor

Michaela is a 4th-year Environmental Studies major with a minor in music and is currently the President of The Performing Otters theater club at CSUMB. She had very low self-confidence before finding the performing arts, but over the years her theater and performing experiences allowed her to gain knowledge and skills on how to exude stellar confidence in every aspect of her life. She is excited to share her personal insight with everyone who wants to learn a little bit more about how they can reassure themselves and feel secure in their own skin. She wants to thank her family and friends for always being her biggest supporters in everything she does as well as her theater community for giving her a safe space to fully be herself.

Pedro Diaz

Computer Scientist

I'm Pedro Santiago Diaz, a Computer Science major at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Hailing from Mexico, my journey into technology began early, and I've been captivated by coding and computer systems. Excelling in programming, software development, and data analysis, I'm dedicated to promoting diversity as a Mexican in computer science. Actively participating in hackathons, I'm driven to make a positive impact on society through innovative solutions. Nature inspires me, and exploring California's landscapes fuels my creativity. At CSUMB, I'm determined to become a rising star in Computer Science, driven by my passion for technology and cultural pride.

Ramsha Iqbal

Lifelong Student, Equity Advocate, Cross-Disciplinary Researcher

Ramsha's professional journey is shaped by her social sciences and political economy background, providing her with a strong foundation for exploring the intricate interplay of health, humanity, and systemic dynamics. Having observed firsthand the devastating effects of fractured communities, her mission is to quantify pain and trauma through a neurobehavioral approach to map the silent suffering experienced by underserved and overlooked communities. She is dedicated to empowering these communities through her work, making them active collaborators in the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ramsha champions cross-disciplinary collaboration, drawing inspiration from a multitude of fields and integrating community engagement into her research. She employs a holistic approach, marrying quantitative precision with qualitative depth. Ramsha is firmly rooted in her dedication to equity and her commitment to making a tangible, compassionate impact.

Shannon Snapp

Associate Professor in Psychology

Dr. Shannon Snapp is an Associate Professor in Psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay. Her research focuses on reducing (mental) health and educational disparities through supportive relationships and educational/health practices and policies. She uses an intersectional lens to study the lives of sexual and gender minority youth. She strives to do asset-based, justice-driven, critically conscious research that has the potential to create social change and reduce inequality. Her teaching focuses on love, relationships, and social justice. She currently teaches a course she developed called How to Love: The Art and Science of Love and Intimacy.

Tejas Chopra

Professional

Professional