Niko Montes

Activist, Brainstormer, Job-seeker, Performer, Project manager, Student

I'm highly passionate about two things: Communication and Theatre. I believe these two fields work in tandem magnificently. Depending on the branch of communications studies, (my focus is on business and organizational communications,) one can comprehend the complex beauty of speech and vocabulary and its relationship with context. By changing one word or the way a word is spoken, the meaning of an entire phrase can shift to something more elegant or more perverse. Even the absence of words could have a profound impact on individuals depending on the context of the conversation! While communications takes a more analytical approach on language, theatre, on the other hand, embraces a more explosive and artistic approach. Theatre is not just limited to acting on a stage. There are directors, producers, costume designers, lighting directors, etc. Theatre requires massive amounts of creativity, energy, and leadership. Every person in a theatre company is required to have an understanding of the text about to be performed. Each individual will have their own interpretation of that text and will collaborate with others to create this brilliant piece of art that is more than the sum of its parts.

Business Communications, Communications, Directing, Theatre, Travel

My TED story began with a small query I had one night before I went to bed: Has my school ever held a TEDx talk? Since high school, I have always dreamed of speaking at a TED or a TEDx event but never would I have ever thought of actually hosting such a conference. The next morning, after class, I asked one of my professors if a TEDx event was ever held at our school. "No," she replied, "but I've always wanted to have one here!" "I'll do it." I said meekly raising my hand to volunteer. From that moment forward, my journey in planning TEDxOhloneCollegeNewark began. I was connected to Professor Larissa Favela who fervently agreed to become my co-organizer (and my rock) throughout the event planning. Then, I was immediately connected with other key members throughout Ohlone College including those from student government, the heads of the school's departments, and many more! What started as a small curiosity snowballed into this grand-scale event--and it still hasn't hit me! Becoming the lead organizer of a TEDx event was like fulfilling a dream I never knew I wanted until that moment. I have been able to make use of my skills in leadership, theatre, and communications. I felt honored to give individuals a professionally recognized platform to speak about their personal revelations about the world or ideas which could galvanize a community to action. I cannot wait to see what TEDx has in store for me in the future.

People don't know that I'm actually good at performing on-stage. People tend to view me as the business-type (which I enjoy delving into on occasion,) but I love embracing the artistic side of me through acting and directing!