Past TEDx event
TEDxEF Academy Youth
Global Interaction
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Aleu Ballabriga Soteras
Student at EF Academy
Aleu Ballabriga Soteras is an IB student from Catalonia (currently in the States) who has always loved math, science and philosophy. Theoretical Physics in particular is one of his favorite scientific subjects. Early on, he loved asking questions in my classes, not just the what, but also the how and the why: how we know about the distance from the Earth to the Sun, the mathematical proof for the Pythagorean theorem, and so on. Since then, he has competed in various competitions like the AMC, USAMTS, Fma and Math Kangaroo, in which he placed 11th and 8th in Catalonia. He has also been invited to the summer camp eXplòrium and entered the science program Joves i Ciència. He believes that critical thinking is one of the most important skills to have, that reason is what makes us human. Thus, he has always advocated for science communication, skepticism towards misinformation and ensuring we are not over reliant on AI, both as a species and as a society.
Hailey Pena
Student at Westlake High School, Thornwood
Hailey Pena is a student at Westlake High School in Thornwood, New York, with a passion for personal growth and understanding the importance of self-worth. She is deeply interested in how mindset shapes confidence, relationships, and the way individuals navigate challenges in their lives. In her talk, Hailey explores the concept of self-love, not as a trend, but as a foundation for resilience and well-being. She reflects on the pressures many young people face and the difficulty of accepting oneself in a world that often encourages comparison. Through her perspective, Hailey encourages her audience to rethink how they view themselves and to recognize that self-love is not selfish, but essential for building a healthy and fulfilling life.
Hồ Ngọc Nam Phương
Student at EF Academy
Nam Phương (Liz), is a sophomore from Hồ Chí Minh City, Việt Nam, who is a politics and Model UN enthusiast. Recently she has participated in ILMUNC Vietnam, earning the honorable mention award in the crisis committee; the Manhattan Project. (though she did almost get bombed twice during the duration of the conference but nonetheless emerged victorious (to a certain extent).) Aside from debate and diplomacy she is also deeply intrigued by the world of literature, often so writing her own pieces ranging from academic essays to fictional stories. She also believes that the arts of literature, theatre, poetry, music and romance are what makes us human, what we stay alive for. (Yes, this is a Dead Poets Society reference.) After all, one can always pursue what is necessary to sustain life, but what truly keeps us, the soul, alive isn’t always what we need in order to survive.
Juhyun Seo
Student at EF Academy
Calvin is a high school senior who is into rockets and philosophy. With experiences of talking with his philosophy teacher for 2 hours every week, he shares his philosophical view of the world and his beliefs about the future.
Minji Ko
Student at EF Academy
Hi! My name is Minji, and in my talk, I explore why failure can feel so personal, like a final judgment rather than an opportunity for growth. From my own experiences with self-doubt and leadership challenges, I realized how comparing myself to others made even small mistakes feel much bigger than they actually were. By incorporating ideas from psychology, I illustrate how failure can be viewed as valuable data that helps us learn, adjust, and improve. Instead of seeing failure as proof that we are not good enough, I hope this talk helps individuals view it as a normal and important part of growing.
Saroni Ghosh
Go-To-Market Lead at Google
Saroni Ghosh is a Go-To-Market Lead at Google in the United States, where she works on work tracking, planning, and assistance solutions. With over 14 years of experience across media, FMCG, real estate, and education, she has led brand and product initiatives in both global corporations and high-growth environments. Prior to her current role, Saroni led brand and reputation strategies for startups and small businesses at Google India. She has also driven large-scale marketing and digital transformation projects for companies including Monsanto and Oberoi Realty, shaping campaigns across multiple countries and platforms. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, Saroni focuses on building meaningful connections between ideas, brands, and people, using creativity and strategy to drive real impact.
Sofia Gaiardo
Student at EF Academy
Sofia Gaiardo is a 17-year-old student from Torino, Italy, currently studying at EF Academy in Thornwood, New York. She moved to the United States with curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a talent for finding meaning in everyday moments. She loves traveling, spending time with friends, and saying yes to new experiences, even the unexpected ones. Among her favorite activities is something often misunderstood: napping. What began as a simple habit turned into a question, was it laziness or something more? After facing skepticism, Sofia explored the science behind rest and discovered that short naps can improve focus, memory, and mood. In her talk, she challenges the constant pressure to always do more and invites her audience to reconsider the value of rest. Sometimes, listening to your body is not weakness, it’s awareness.
Sofia Poccia
Student at Westlake High School, Thornwood
Sofia Poccia is a student at Westlake High School in Thornwood, New York, with a strong interest in understanding how people connect and communicate. Curious about the dynamics behind everyday interactions, she explores how communication shapes relationships, influences perception, and impacts the way we navigate the world. In her talk, Sofia focuses on the importance of clear and intentional communication, especially in a time where misunderstandings are more common than ever. She encourages her audience to become more aware of how they express themselves and how they listen to others. Through her perspective, Sofia highlights that effective communication is not just a skill, but a powerful tool for building stronger connections and understanding one another more deeply.
