TEDxCCSD Youth

Speakers

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

• A’layja Wilson

  Student

  A’layja is a proud student leader at W.R. Coile Middle School in Athens, GA. A journal writer and an advocate who is passionate about speaking up for what’s right. She is actively involved in the Student Council and Girls with Goals, loves wings, and brings bold energy, just like her favorite color, royal blue.

• Aidric Johnson

  Aidric, a 6th grader at W.R. Coile Middle School in Athens, GA, is a creative and driven student who enjoys basketball, singing, and expressing himself through art. Inspired by his father’s success in entrepreneurship and his mother’s creativity, he is motivated to pursue his passions with both innovation and imagination.

• Aniya Grimes

  Aniya is a proud member of Lead Out Loud who brings positivity and energy to everything she does. She enjoys spending time outside and values making memories with her family and friends. With a love for connection and community, Aniya continues to grow as a thoughtful leader.

• Brandon Frazier

  Through Brandon’s unique perspective, shaped by his work at Gardenview Funeral Chapel, he has learned the importance of empathy and resilience, thus reflecting on the value of human connection, offering a perspective that challenges others to see meaning in unexpected places. Brandon is an 11th-grader at Clarke Central High School in Athens, GA.

• Caitlin Davis

  Caitlin is a 7th Grader who attends Hilsman Middle School in Athens, GA, enjoys running (cross country and track and field), playing the violin, crocheting, and reading. She is inspired when she sees other people leading and helping others, and when people take initiative and do the right thing, even when they aren't told to do so.

• Eden Moye

  Eden, an 8th-Grader at Burney Harris Lyons Middle School in Athens, GA, is a driven student who excels as a leader, entrepreneur, and athlete. With a passion for creativity and problem-solving, Eden aspires to become an engineer and continues to make an impact in everything she pursues.

• Emmaline Benson

  Emaline, a 4th-grader at Whitehead Elementary in Athens, GA, is an aspiring singer-songwriter who actively volunteers in her community through her school’s C.L.A.W.S. program, as well as Meals on Wheels and Lukas’ Fund. She enjoys crafting, cooking, and experimenting with cosmetics, and spending time with her family.

• Essex Forker

  Essex is an 11th-grade honor roll and varsity-level student athlete at Clarke Central and Athens Community Career Academy in Athens, GA, who houses limitless ambition.

• Kayla Walker

  Kayla is an 11th grader at Clarke Central High School who enjoys cheerleading, living life to the fullest, and strengthening her relationship with God through Bible study. She is inspired by the challenge of pushing herself to succeed and grow.

• Kenji Funato

  Kenji, a 3rd-grader at Timothy Road Elementary School in Athens, GA, is a proud Japanese-American who loves Legos, astronomy, and reading. He is inspired by his dad and hopes to become a scientist just like him when he grows up!

• Laila Nobles

  Laila, a 10th-grader at Clarke Central High School in Athens, GA, is known for her leadership, energy, and passion for connecting with others. She is a dedicated student leader who serves on the Athens Mayor’s Youth Council while balancing cheerleading and track. Music is central to who she is, and she believes it has the power to bring people together.

• Leah Hussain

  Leah is a 4th grader at Barnett Shoals Elementary in Athens, GA, who enjoys reading, drawing, crocheting, and other forms of art. She enjoys learning about history and other people through stories. She is inspired by the fact that all things are created with a purpose, and she wants to fulfill her purpose.

• Mariah Carson

  Mariah is a 12th-grade senior who spends much of her time volunteering at a local food bank, spending time with her family, and reading the latest novels on her Kindle.

• Ruby Smothers

  Ruby, a 5th-grader at Gaines Elementary School in Athens, GA, is a student leader who loves art, cheerleading, and hanging out with her friends and family. Her passion in life is encouraging others to use positive self-talk to make them the best versions of themselves.

• Ryan Watkins

  Ryan, an 8th Grader at Hilsman Middle School in Athens, GA, stands out for her leadership, scholarly ambition, and compassion for others. She is a driven and purposeful leader in her school’s student council, while also being a student athlete. She approaches goals with focus and a strong commitment to excellence. She aspires to become a lawyer.