TEDxColegio Maya Youth

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alexa Benavente

  Student

  Alexa Benavente is a resilient 10th grader driven by a passion for self-growth. Alexa’s story reflects perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that setbacks can become stepping stones toward greater purpose. At just 15, she has faced the challenges of chronic illness. Her journey has taught her that strength is not only individual but also shared, even though it may seem like a lonely process.

• Camille Tetreau

  Student

  Ever since she could walk, Camille Tetreau has been passionate about the mountains. From climbing and biking to mountaineering, the peaks have always been both her home and her teacher. Outside the mountains, Camille loves football, the gym, and playing the drums. Furthermore, her biggest pillars in her life are her family and God. Together they inspire her to live everyday fully and build and live the life of her dreams. To do so, she has to understand and embrace her emotions, inspiring everyone that they should too.

• Eitan Lavi

  Student

  Eitan Lavi is currently a 10th grade student who is passionate about meeting people and learning about new cultures. Eitan wants to make a change for people in the world no matter who needs help. This is shown in his day to day activities. Eitan decided to join the Colegio Maya Tedx event to show how even taking a small act can change people's mentality about things. Eitan is currently in Maya's track team which shows his determination and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to. Eitan is someone that loves sports and is inspired by athletes who always try their hardest to better their team/themselves.

• Eliades Xavier Zielinski-Gutierrez

  Student

  Eliades is a 10th-grade student at Colegio Maya who is passionate about robotics, engineering, and track and field. He is an active member of the robotics team, the weather balloon project, and the track team. Eliades enjoys exploring new places and looks forward to finishing his school year at Colegio Maya with dedication and growth.

• Gabriel Salazar

  Student

  Gabriel is a 16 year old teen. He has a lot of hobbies, interests and a vibrant personality. He enjoys exploring creativity through drawing where he brings that creativity to life and skiing, which boosts his love for the outdoors and adventurous spirit. Beyond those hobbies, Gabriel values the time with his friends and family, whether it’s spending time with them or even laughing with them in class. Teachers have recognized him for his balance. He is a combination of a dedicated student and someone who enjoys every moment. His commitment in class and learning shows in his work, yet he never loses sight of having fun and staying connected with the people who are around him. With curiosity and positivity, Gabriel blends hard work with joy, showing that, even if it might not make sense, these two can go hand in hand. He is continuing to grow as a student, friend, son and brother while having fun and staying focused on his schoolwork, hoping for a bright future ahead.

• Haizea Martinez

  Student

  Haizea is a dedicated sophomore who has been part of Colegio Maya for two years. She is passionate about international relations and business administration, interests she has nurtured since a young age. Growing up around the world has given her a strong international perspective and a rich appreciation for cultural diversity. Beyond academics, Haizea enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is an academically driven student who actively participates in NHS, Debate, the school play, and other activities that foster and promote school spirit.

• Ina Silva Rodriguez

  Alumna

  Ina Silva Rodriguez is an alumna of Colegio Maya de Guatemala.

• Ivanna Marti

  Student

  Ivanna Marti is a dedicated and passionate student who values hard work, creativity, and faith. Born to Dominican and Swiss parents, she has lived most of her life in Guatemala, where she has embraced cultural diversity and community values. Ivanna loves dance, fashion design, and interior design, as they allow her to express her creativity. Having experienced divorce at a young age, she chose to speak about it to raise awareness and support others going through similar challenges. Guided by her strong values, Ivanna embodies school spirit and is always willing to help and uplift those around her.

• Karen Boehm

  Teacher + Bibliophile + Inveterate Traveler

  Karen Boehm is a teacher of English and social studies, a bibliophile, and an inveterate traveler. She currently teaches English 8, AP World History, AP Psychology, and AP English Literature at Colegio Maya in Guatemala City. She spends her summers traveling the world with journal and camera in hand.

• Keitaro Deki

  TEDx Club Founding Member + Student

  Keitaro is one of the founding members of the TEDxColegio Maya Youth Club and is in 8th grade.

• Lillian Mishkin

  Student

  My name is Lillian Emily Mishkin, and I am 16 years old. My parents work for the foreign service so I've pretty much traveled around my whole live. I started struggling with my mental health about 5 years ago, pretty much ever since the start of COVID. I can say honestly that it has been a rough couple of years, but I really hope to give people a perspective on my journey with my ted talk "How We Think About OCD".

• Madeleine Berthelemy

  Student

  Madeleine Berthelemy is a dedicated high school student who has a passion for playing tennis from a very young age. Through her journey as an athlete, she has recently been able to understand the power of mindset and how, in decisive, high-pressure moments, it determines the outcome and how everything goes. Her experiences and research have proven that approaching challenges with a growth mindset can make a significant difference in how and when true success is reached. Madeleine hopes to inspire others to reflect on their own mindset when facing challenges and wants them to recognize and understand how shifting their mindset towards positivity creates better outcomes.

• Michael Pettersch

  Director

  Mike Pettersch is the Director of Colegio Maya.

• Penelope Sevilla

  Student

  Penelope is a dedicated sophomore at Colegio Maya who has spent the past two years living in Guatemala after moving from Miami. She is passionate about business and the economy, always eager to learn about how the world works and the ways people can make an impact. At school, she is an active member of the National Honor Society, the debate team, and Model United Nations, where she enjoys collaborating with others, building leadership skills, and exploring global issues. Outside the classroom, she loves baking, playing tennis, and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to continue growing as a student and leader while pursuing her passions.

• Samantha Fogelson

  Student

  Samantha was born in Peru, has an American father, and lives in Guatemala, which makes the question “Where are you from?” hard to answer. Growing up between cultures, schools, and languages, she’s learned that home isn’t always one place it can be in many.

• Sofia Obregon

  Student

  Passionate about soccer from a young age, has loved God since a little child, and has opened windows to a faith journey she strives to share with the people around her. Sofia finds happiness in soccer, sports, family, and friends. Her thrill for the game has taught her discipline and how to have faith even in the toughest moments. Directed by the faith journey in God, Sofia upholds gratitude and a genuine love for those around her. She treasures time with loved ones who inspire her to grow and stay grounded. Sofia is eager to inspire others to pursue their passion with faith, dedication, and heart.

• Triana Castro

  Student

  Triana Alessandra Castro is a 10th-grade student at Colegio Maya and a Mexican American who dedicates her time to academics, theatre, personal health, clubs, and loved ones. She is part of NHS, MUN (operations officer), Student Council (public relations officer), debate, yearbook, and this year’s main character in the Colegio Maya play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Triana is passionate about speaking the truth and being a voice for others. She wants people to feel included and unashamed of themselves. Her characteristics are optimistic, dedicated, humorous, outgoing, and generous. She enjoys taking part in her community and helping others. In Antigua, Guatemala, she teaches English, dance, cooking, and math to students with fewer educational opportunities. Triana hopes to study Political Science at the University of Austin to become a Civil Rights lawyer. Charlie Kirk is her inspiration for speaking the truth. Triana wants to be the voice for those unable to speak for themselves.