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).

Winston Churchill High School
11300 Gainsborough Rd
Potomac, Maryland, 20854
United States

Aryana Doshi

High School Sophomore

Aryana is a sophomore at Churchill High School. She’s passionate about mental illness and anxiety awareness, and has been diagnosed with OCD and trichotillomania. When she’s not in school, she can be found doing her calculus homework, playing the violin, or reading.

Ebenezer Zeleke

Certified Yoga Instructor + Mental Wellness Advocate

Ebenezer Zeleke is a senior at Winston Churchill High School (WCHS). He enjoys participating in a wide range of activities, from performing enthralling music repertoire with MCYO (Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras) Philharmonic and YAA (Young Artists of America) to swimming and coaching for JFD (Joe Flaherty’s Dolphins). As a mental health advocate and Co-president of the Mental Illness Matters Club (MIMC), Ebenezer loves to educate fellow peers on mental health coping skills while spreading wellbeing throughout his school and outside communities. Throughout the past several years, he has developed a deep passion for yoga and has recently become a certified teacher, having completed his training at one of the world’s best yoga ashrams: Rishikesh Yogpeeth. Throughout senior year and beyond, Ebenezer is committed to sharing his love for yoga and wellbeing with those around him.

Julianne Elam

Highschooler

A junior at Winston Churchill High School, Julianne Elam is an avid advocate of sustainability and environmental protection. She is an 11 year member of Girl Scouts, and a member of multiple local student-led advocacy organizations. Her first experience lobbying occurred last February in Annapolis at the State Capitol for a bill to lower the voting age for local elections. In her free time, Julianne enjoys reading, writing, and gardening along with researching ways that she and others can live a greener, healthier lifestyle.

Leah Kisin

Student

Leah Kisin is a junior at Winston Churchill High School. She loves psychology and aspires to help teens struggling with their mental health. Her talk explores the stigma surrounding mental health and how she thinks addressing this stigma could help her peers. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking and hanging out with friends. She hopes that her talk inspires to help destigmatize mental health and start conversations about mental health.

Naomi Wright

Student

16 years old and a graduating high school senior. Likes to workout and cook. This topic was inspired by personal events from her father’s life

Noor Aly

Student

Noor Aly is a student at Winston Churchill High School. She is interested in the field of Biology and studying human behavior. After facing her own struggles, she aspires to limit stereotypes about mental health and create equitable diagnosing criteria by gender.

Rania Ahmed

PR Director of CRPS Warriors

I am the PR Director of CRPS Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and raising awareness about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). I was diagnosed with CRPS at the age of 10, and my personal journey through chronic pain has inspired me to advocate for better understanding and support for those living with invisible illnesses. As a passionate speaker, I’ve shared my story with medical professionals, students, and patients, raising awareness about the challenges of living with CRPS while promoting resilience, hope, and compassion.

Zhedong Han

Student

Zhedong Han is currently a student at Winston Churchill high school, showing a passion toward the diversity of different countries. After graduating elementary school in America, he moved to China and experienced the rigid and intense education system, where he developed a unique perspective on learning. Alongside academics, Zhedong Han has an interest in airplanes and is passionate about contributing to the future of the world (though too big of a vision), particularly in finding innovative solutions for renewable energy and sustainable energy initiatives. In his free time, he enjoys stand-up comedy, working out and reading philosophical books and hopes to use his experiences to inspire and connect with others.