TEDxQuestfield Intl College Youth

Speakers

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

• Alesia Kriesl

  Student

  Alesia has one passion that encompasses all the others: being heard. She has always pursued activities that give a voice to those who are ignored, guided by the belief that acknowledging one’s privilege means taking responsibility for those who are less fortunate or have had fewer opportunities for education. She is currently studying law, driven by a desire to understand the foundations of the justice system and the state, with the ultimate goal of one day helping to reform them for the better. Beyond law, she has a deep love for the arts in all their forms and hopes to combine her passion for educating young people with her creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

• Ana Bobeică

  Student

  Blending the skill of a performer with the fire of an advocate, Ana stands at the intersection of storytelling and social change. For her, speaking has never been just about being heard, but about being understood. With three years of formal training in acting, television, and radio — and a deep passion for reading, debate, and public speaking, which she relentlessly pursues through her classes with Better Speakers (betterspeakers.eu) — she has learned to wield her voice as both a spotlight and a mirror, all at just 13 years old. With a mic in one hand and conviction in the other, she speaks not for applause, but for awareness, action, and impact. She doesn’t just want to say something — she wants to say something that matters.

• Aurora Varin

  Debate Coach

  Aurora is a leading voice in Italy’s debate movement. A former competitor, she is now the Director of the Italian Debate Association, Coach of the Italian National Debate Team, and trainer with Better Speakers (betterspeakers.eu). She believes that deliberative education is the key to empowering young minds and strengthening democratic participation. Through her roles in both the national and European debate communities, she is helping to shape the future of Speech and Debate Education in Italy, Romania, and beyond.

• Brianna Dinca

  Student

  Briana is a 14-year-old student at Questfield International College. She loves playing volleyball, trying new foods, and travelling to exciting places around the world. Outgoing, sociable, and quick-witted, Briana is always ready for the next adventure! Even though she’s in Year 9, Briana told us she is still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up — there are just so many amazing possibilities to explore. Her favourite subjects are Biology, Global Perspectives, History, and English, because she enjoys learning about the world, how things work, and how people’s stories shape our future. Outside of school, she loves spending time with friends, discovering new hobbies, and challenging herself to step out of her comfort zone.

• Cătălina Pleșoiu

  Teacher

  Cătălina-Felicia Pleșoiu is a Romanian language and literature teacher at “Principesa Margareta” Secondary School and “Smart Kids” Theoretical High School in Bucharest. With more than 22 years of experience in education, she enjoys transforming Romanian language classes, with the help of digital resources, into a creative space where students collaborate, explore, and express themselves freely. As a member of the Digitaliada community, she believes that technology is not just a tool but a bridge to learning and connection beyond the screens. The curiosity, empathy, and energy she brings to both national and international projects make her a point of reference for colleagues and a role model for students. A visionary and innovative spirit, she always relates to the idea that education does not end at the teacher’s desk, but is meant to inspire and continuously respond to the real needs of children and others.

• Cezar Sperchez

  Student

  Cezar is a 10-year-old Year 6 student at Questfield International College, passionate about science, maths, and discovering how innovation shapes the world around us. In his TEDxQuestfield International College Youth talk, he explores how a visionary entrepreneur and his dreams brought change to the auto industry — by creating a fun, fast, and clean car. Outside the classroom, Cezar loves playing football. He began as a goalkeeper at the age of six and, two years ago, discovered the thrill of playing as a striker too. Surrounded by a strong community of friends, he values teamwork, play, and the joy of learning something new every day.

• Ciprian Zecheru

  Teacher

  Ciprian is one of the teachers at Questfield International College who has never been afraid to ask uncomfortable questions — both about the subjects he teaches and about the way they are taught. After more than a decade in classrooms, mentoring colleagues, and shaping young minds, he confides that the hardest part of education isn’t teaching — it’s honesty. His talk, “Education. Who’s Gonna Say It?”, challenges the audience to break the silence around what schools have become, what they’ve forgotten, and what it truly takes to bring truth — and people — back into learning.

• Dalia Bologan

  MBA Director

  After studying Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Dalia’s career evolved beyond the fashion industry. She founded her own outerwear label and collaborated with artists and curators on cross-disciplinary projects. Over time, she also designed social events in Bucharest that raised awareness about emerging trends, as well as collaborative creation projects exploring new forms of artistic exchange. Her focus gradually shifted toward education and innovation, leading her to develop a lifelong learning methodology that supports creative professionals in transitioning toward the jobs of the future. Passionate about building and empowering communities through the development of their creativity, Dalia now serves as the Director and Designer of the Creative MBA, a program dedicated to bridging creativity, business, and innovation, offered by Bucharest Business School.

• Daria Hosu and Ana Costescu

  Students

  At just nine years old, Daria brings a gentle kind of wisdom to the stage — the kind that comes from curiosity, creativity, and empathy. She loves painting, writing, and acting, and often says that imagination helps her understand people better. In her TEDx talk, she explores the idea that every system — whether a school, a friendship, or even the world itself — depends on the relationships within it. When those relationships break, the system begins to collapse. But when we take responsibility to repair, listen, and reconnect, everything can begin to heal. Ana believes that connections can be found everywhere — and so can relationships. She is on a mission to explore whether the most powerful system in life is, in fact, the system of relationships.

• Delia Tănase-Popescu

  Student

  Delia is an 11-year-old Year 6 student at Questfield International College, stepping onto the TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth stage for the very first time. She loves debating, drawing, and maths, as each allows her to express herself in a unique way. Maths challenges her to think critically and solve problems creatively. Drawing lets her turn imagination into something visual and meaningful, while debating helps her share her thoughts with confidence and learn from different perspectives.

• Denis Hanganu

  Actor

  Denis Hanganu is one of Romania’s most beloved film and theatre actors, admired for his talent, authenticity, and the emotional depth he brings to every performance. His most recent film, Cursa, is currently running in cinemas across Romania, further confirming his reputation as one of the leading voices of the new generation of Romanian cinema. A graduate of the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” (UNATC), Denis has since built an impressive career both on stage and on screen. He has appeared in many acclaimed and successful productions, such as the TV series Clanul and Cursa ( on PRO TV), Sacrificiul (on Antena 1), as well as feature films like Poppy Field, while continuing to perform on the big stages of theatres in Bucharest. At TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth, Denis joins us as a guest speaker to share his reflections on creativity, resilience, and how disruption can lead to growth — both in art and in life.

• Dennis Dumitrescu

  Legal Adviser

  Dennis Dumitrescu NEWEST POSTSOLDER POSTS Dumitrescu Dennis Christian is a dedicated legal advisor driven by a passion for justice, integrity, and the transformative power of law in shaping society. His academic journey began at the International Computer High School of Bucharest (ICHB), where he developed a disciplined approach to problem-solving and a curiosity for understanding how systems—legal, social, or digital—interconnect. During high school, Dennis was actively involved in a national anti-drug initiative, an experience that strengthened his sense of responsibility toward his community and deepened his belief in the role of law as a force for social good. As a legal professional, Dennis has built a reputation for precision, ethical judgment, and a forward-thinking perspective on modern legal practice. His work reflects a deep belief that the law is not just a set of rules, but a framework for progress, fairness, and human connection.

• Elena Giavasoglou

  Student

  Elena is a very kind and friendly person. She is speaking fluently Romanian, English and Greek, studying also French. Elena loves maths and science, being also talented in crafting. She likes swimming and karate. She enjoys travelling, discovering new places, cultures, local food, and flavours. If she had had a magic power, she would make all people happy.

• Erika Iovu

  Student

  Erika is a fun, sociable, and kind-hearted girl — a Year 6 student at Questfield International College who always brings positive energy wherever she goes. Calm and even-tempered, she handles pressure with remarkable composure and confidence. At only 12 years old, she is a naturally competitive person — even if she doesn’t always show it. Sometimes she wins, sometimes she doesn’t, but one thing is certain: she never gives up and never will, no matter how hard things get. Erika is still figuring out what she wants to become in the future, but she’s already exploring the idea of becoming a lawyer. Her favourite subjects are Mathematics, English, Romanian, and History. Another dream of hers is to become a primary school teacher, teaching young hearts about life — and, as she says with a smile on her face, maybe even work part-time as a Criminal Psychologist one day.

• Gelu Duminica

  Professor of Sociology

  Gelu Duminică holds a PhD in Sociology and is an Associate Professor at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, where he teaches courses on Roma communities, minorities, and equity. He has been active in the non-governmental sector for 25 years and currently leads the Împreună Agency Foundation, one of the most active NGOs representing the Roma minority. Gelu has extensive experience in community-level intervention, with a particular focus on participatory community development programmes. He has published numerous studies and analyses on inclusion, minorities, public policy, and equity — drawing on his experience as an activist, researcher, and consultant for various (inter)governmental organisations.

• Ilinca Viciu

  Student

  Ilinca is a Year 10 student at Questfield International College who already has a clear vision of her future — and she’s determined to make it happen. While many kids her age are still figuring out what they want to do, Ilinca stands out for her focus and ambition. Ever since she was a baby, she’s loved flying. There has always been something fascinating to her about being in a plane, but it was only during her teenage years that she realised this wasn’t just a fascination — it was her calling. Ambitious, creative, and intelligent, Ilinca knows that becoming an airplane pilot isn’t an easy goal to achieve, but she’s confident that with hard work and persistence, she’ll make her dream come true. For her TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth talk, Ilinca chose to speak about 9/11 — not only because that tragic day changed the world forever, but because it also stands as a reminder of the incredible strength people show when they stand together in the face of tragedy.

• Ingrid Ciurea

  Student

  Ingrid is an enthusiastic and sociable girl, fun and easy going. She likes to get involved in all sorts of projects and activities that challenge her to demonstrate her great sense of observation, her ability to solve problems, and her leadership skills. She can put great effort when something motivates her in order to achieve the expectations. She is fun, motivated, passionate and not the least competitive. She likes sports, mostly swimming and volleyball and she likes spending time with her friends inventing all sorts of games. Ingrid is still trying to figure out what career to pursue, most likely medicine as her favorite subjects are biology and chemistry.

• Irina Dijmărescu

  Teacher

  NEWEST POSTSOLDER POSTS Irina is a passionate class teacher at Questfield International College, where she also serves as Diversity Coordinator. Her main goal is to ensure that every student feels heard, valued, and genuinely included. Irina has always loved working with children. One of her favourite parts of teaching is combining her passion for education with her love of children’s books and storytelling. There’s something truly magical about reading stories aloud — it’s a powerful way to inspire imagination, build confidence, and create a sense of community in the classroom. Beyond her daily teaching responsibilities, she believes in continuous growth. To further develop her leadership skills, she earned a Middle Leaders Certificate from Dragonfly Training UK. She feels it has strengthened her ability to lead teams, design meaningful initiatives, and implement positive changes that impact students and colleagues alike.

• Jana Nagi

  Student

  Jana is a 12-year-old Year 7 student at Questfield International College, known for her curiosity, creativity, and determination. She describes herself as someone who is always chasing growth, new experiences, and meaningful connections. Jana believes that every person we meet, every challenge we face, and every opportunity we embrace shapes us into who we are meant to become. With an endlessly curious mind, she loves exploring new ideas — whether it’s learning something unexpected, discovering a new skill, or diving into an unfamiliar topic. Jana values creativity not only in art and design but also in the way we solve problems, make decisions, and express ourselves. She enjoys creating moments that leave a lasting impression, whether through storytelling, humour, or by simply bringing good energy into the room. Jana believes that kindness and ambition can thrive side by side. She strives to make people feel seen and valued while also working hard to achieve her own goals.

• Laura Drăgoi

  Debate Trainer

  Laura is the Head Coach of the Romanian National Debate Team. She is also many other things: a debate trainer, a certified English teacher, and, more generally — as she likes to describe herself — “an education nerd.” Outside the classroom, Laura is an amateur runner, hiker, and improvisational theatre actor. A friend, a daughter, a partner — and, above all, a human being. For this talk, though, she’ll be wearing her “Head Coach” hat. Last year, she had the privilege of guiding — and being guided by — an incredible team of debate trainers and an inspiring group of high school debaters who put Romania on the international debating map. The team qualified for the octofinals of the World Schools Debating Championships, ranking 7th in the world — Romania’s highest position so far. The debaters also received the 1st, 2nd, and 7th Best Speaker Awards in the English as a Foreign Language category.

• Luca Bolchiș

  Student

  Luca is a 15-year-old Year 10 student at Questfield International School, passionate about learning, creativity, and personal growth. He has won a drama contest, competed in Math Olympiads, and taken part in Model United Nations conferences, experiences that have helped him develop both confidence and curiosity. Always eager to challenge himself and explore new ideas, Luca believes that every experience — whether on stage or in the classroom — is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new perspectives.

• Maia Rugină

  Student

  Maia describes herself as a dreamer — but not an airhead. She is a storyteller and an artist, yet she brings rationality to all her creativity, for one cannot have feeling without logic, nor logic without feeling. A 10th-grade student, Maia’s main interests include psychology, stories, and philosophy. She has been debating for a few years now as part of the Better Speakers programme (betterspeakers.eu), and she says it has become an indispensable part of her life. She has taken part in — and won — several debate competitions, but what she finds most meaningful isn’t the results, but how debate itself has changed her as a person.

• Matei Naidinescu

  Student

  Matei is a 12-year-old Year 8 student at Questfield International College, who enjoys sharing ideas that inspire positive change. A firm believer in the power of words, he hopes to make a difference in the world through his voice — using communication as a way to connect, motivate, and create impact.

• Max Chiriac

  Student

  Maximilian, student at Questfield International College, is a creative and empathetic 10-year-old who loves exploring the world through movement, stories, and imagination. His greatest passion is football, where he learns about teamwork, perseverance, and the joy found in every small victory. When he’s not on the field, you’ll probably find him editing videos — transforming simple moments into stories that inspire. Curious and kind by nature, Max believes that empathy and small actions can make a big difference in people’s lives.

• Mihaela Ivan

  Teacher

  Mihaela Ivan is a passionate teacher at Școala Gimnazială Nr. 1 Vlădești in Argeș County, Romania. She believes that some of the most powerful lessons are not written in notebooks—they are lived. For her, education begins where curiosity meets enthusiasm. Together with her students, Mihaela Ivan explores the world through Erasmus+ projects and initiatives that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and a bold imagination. With each project, they redraw the map of learning, proving that when passion becomes the compass, school transforms into a space of infinite possibilities.

• Miruna Chivulescu

  Student

  Driven by AI’s game-changing impact, I’m on a mission to spark real change in the world. As Lukas Graham once said in his song “ I know the smallest voices, they can make it major ” that’s my ultimate goal – making the smallest voices impossible to ignore. 2022 – won 1st place in the Script Competition ,, Buftea Studios’’ movie camp June 2022 – 16th place in National Fencing Championship February 2022 – leading role ( Damiana ) in a short film produced by ,,Buftea Studios’’ Academy

• Natalia Bolchis

  Student

  Hi, I’m Natalia, and I’m grateful to be here today to talk about AI in education and my relevance to it as a rising artist. Music has always been a big part of my life. I spent the last five years playing piano, and at the age of 7, I had the chance to perform on Next Star, a TV show that gave me my first taste of performing. That passion for expression led me to new opportunities, like being invited to speak on Radio 7. But beyond music, I’ve also been drawn to exploring big ideas and new perspectives. That’s what led me to attend two CWMUN events in Rome, where I engaged in discussions about global issues and the future. I believe creativity and learning are deeply connected, and AI is shaping both in exciting ways.

• Olivia Ho

  Student

  Olivia is 13 years old and a student at Questfield International College. This autumn, she will step onto the TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth stage for the very first time. But before you hear the talk she has prepared, let us tell you a few things about this bright Year 9 student. Olivia loves journaling, cooking, reading, event planning — and she absolutely adores singing and dancing. She has always wanted to be part of something like TEDx; the idea of planning events, preparing for guests, and seeing what happens behind the scenes sounds incredibly fun and exciting to her. If you see her at TEDx Questfield, and she’s not getting ready to go on stage (or already up there giving her talk!), feel free to stop her and say hi — or even ask for directions if you need them.

• Ovidiu Ana

  Executive Director (NGO)

  NEWEST POSTS Ovidiu Ana, Executive Director in a corporate non-governmental organization, has a rich experience in adult education and management. Ovidiu has a strong interest in developing digital inclusion and education programs, focusing on equal access to technology and the acquisition of coding skills. He has initiated and led several projects in this direction, having a significant impact in facilitating social inclusion through education. These efforts have contributed to building a community of partners and volunteers dedicated to supporting technological education for young people, being recognized through important awards, including the social impact award at the Civil Society Gala, edition 2021.

• Raluca Popa

  Professional Coach

  Raluca Andreea Popa is dedicated to helping people evolve so that performance becomes not a race, but a sustainable way of being. Her purpose is to create the space where awareness turns into growth and balance fuels lasting impact. As an internationally Professional Certified Coach, she has completed over 700 hours of individual coaching, guiding people from diverse backgrounds toward greater alignment and purpose. A believer in the transformative power of education, Raluca has dedicated her academic career as an Associate Professor at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and Senior Researcher in productivity and sustainable development. Raluca is known for her for her grounded presence, depth, and authenticity — and for her ability to transform complexity into clarity, helping people reconnect with their direction and inner strength.

• Sorin Țiclete

  Student

  Sorin is a lively high school senior at Cantemir-Vodă National College, with a dynamic passion for exploring ideas on just about any subject — though he especially enjoys topics such as economics, the social sciences, literature, and film. A very proud member of Romania’s National Debate Team, Sorin has dedicated much of his time and energy to academic debating. His efforts have not gone unrecognised, as he has earned distinctions, including second place at the European Schools Debating Championship. Naturally inquisitive, he enjoys discussions about how trends in society emerge and how they actively shape our lives. Sorin is thrilled to share his idea with you today — and he truly hopes you’ll enjoy his talk!

• Theo Dumitrescu

  Student

  Theo, aged 11, is a proud student at Questfield International College. He deeply loves his school, his teachers, and his classmates. Sensitive yet strong, Theo is determined to see every task through to the end. He is highly responsible and dedicated to every project he takes part in. A passionate lover of animals, sports, and music, Theo plays the piano and often performs in concerts. He is also a registered member of a football club and actively participates in various sports competitions. For Theo, being part of TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth is more than just an event — it’s a unique and inspiring experience that helps him grow and prepare for his next big challenge: MUN 2026. Theo believes that every experience shapes who we become — and today, he’s here to share a part of his journey with all of us

• Tudor Faur

  Student

  Tudor is a 15-year-old student at Questfield International College, eager to embrace every challenge and opportunity that helps him grow and reach his full potential. Born and raised in Bucharest, he has always been curious, passionate about discovery, and confident when speaking to audiences — making TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth the perfect space to explore his voice and ideas. In his talk, Tudor explores how epidemics — from viruses to ideas — disrupt systems, reshape societies, and redefine what resilience truly means. He invites us to look beyond the fear of contagion and see how every crisis carries the potential for transformation, reminding us that understanding the hidden disruptors of the past may be the key to building a healthier, wiser future.

• Yuna Dodoc

  Student

  Yuna is a 12-year-old Grade 6 student at Questfield International College who is beyond excited to take part in TEDx Questfield Intl College Youth. From a very young age, she has been passionate about everything related to theatre — from acting and singing to musicals and voice acting — a journey she began at just five years old. Since then, Yuna has performed on stage in numerous productions, bringing to life beloved characters such as Matilda from Matilda the Musical, among many others. Enthusiastic and empathetic, Yuna loves challenges and enjoys discovering new things about herself and the world around her. This year’s TEDx theme inspired her to reflect on how much AI has evolved in culture and across different fields worldwide. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her thoughts and ideas with the audience.