TEDxYouth@TASOK

Speakers

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

• Alizain Tajdin

  Student

  Alizain Tajdin is a student in TASOK (Gr 8). He loves reading, music and writing. He also likes playing basketball, boxing and watching UFC. He has recently got into self improvement, specifically building habits. He has lived in the DRC and was born in Canada to an Afghan mom and dad of Indian origin. He is brought up in a multi-cultural home and is a global citizen. He has traveled the world and gotten exposed to many different lifestyles. He has spent most of his summers in Montreal, Canada where most of his family resides. He loves writing and he has recited many speeches in front of crowds. He started building habits in march 2025 and since, he has always wanted to share his knowledge to the world in ways like infographics and TED talks.

• Arthur Katalayi

  Global Strategist

  Arthur Katalayi is a strategist working at the intersection of critical minerals, energy transition, and global investment flows. Of Congolese descent, born in France and educated in the United Kingdom and the United States, he has built an international career with organizations such as Bloomberg L.P., FedEx, and the New York Stock Exchange. He previously served as a senior executive adviser at Gécamines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now works as a global mining expert with Gerson Lehrman Group in Manhattan, advising investors on strategic commodities. He is the founder of A2k Advisory and host of the podcast The Right Advice. In his TEDx talk, Arthur explores how Congo’s copper and cobalt are reshaping industrial strategy and the future of the global economy. Known as “The Katalyst,” he works across Africa, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

• Finn Ossmann

  Student

  Finn Ossmann is a 10-year-old Third Culture Kid who has lived in Singapore, Austria, Egypt, North Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Growing up across cultures has shaped his curiosity, empathy, and love for connecting with others. Finn enjoys traveling, making new friends, and playing sports, and he believes that play and kindness are universal languages. Through his TEDx Youth talk, Finn shares how growing up globally has taught him that home isn’t one place; it is the world.

• Jeremie Sukami Mbengi

  Teacher

  Jeremie Mbengi is a Congolese educator and entrepreneur, born and raised in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. With nearly seven years of experience in education. He currently works as a Teaching Assistant at the American School of Kinshasa (TASOK), where he continues to support student learning and growth. Jeremie is also the cofounder of RAJEY Training Center, an English language center dedicated to helping learners strengthen their communication and academic skills. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied business management at Brigham Young University–Idaho. In addition to his work in education, Jeremie is a musician and a writer, passionate about inspiring young people to make choices that shape a brighter future. His personal motto is “Always ready to learn and share.” His talk, “The World as a Mirror: How Our Choices Shape Tomorrow,” explores how personal decisions influence the kind of world we create for ourselves and others.

• Joyce Kangudia Mapendu

  Student

  Joyce Kangudia Mapendu is a student at TASOK who is passionate about understanding how personal experiences shape who we become. In her talk, Une petite déchirure, des effets durables, she explores how small moments—whether personal or historical—can create lasting changes, and how those changes can become sources of strength rather than weakness.

• Kathleen Alviar

  Music Educator

  Kathleen Alviar is the PYP Music Teacher at The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK.) Prior to her time in Kinshasa, she taught high school and middle school choir in the United States. Kathleen received her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Eastern Washington University and her Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. She is a passionate advocate for music education access for all children, but believes that music educators must also evolve amidst a rapidly changing technological landscape. In addition to music, Kathleen enjoys hiking, traveling, writing, painting, and spending time with her family and her two Basset Hounds.

• Olivia Panou

  Student

  Hi my name is Olivia Panou I have grown up in Niger and DRC. I have been at TASOK since first grade. And I am very passionate about human rights and will talk about domestic workers' experiences along with my own personal experiences regarding the subject so strap in and prepare to be hopefully more knowledgeable on what goes on in that field!

• Salem Mvumbi Omari

  Teacher

  I am a Behavior Technician from the BACB-Colorado USA Board, internationally accredited as a Special Educator and Elementary Teacher from American Board, and I have authored my first book entitled " Boussole de Destinée (Compass of Destiny in English). I am a public speaker, curious thinker, and lifelong learner, passionate about human development, purpose, and transformation. I am dedicated to empowering individuals through education, psychology, and personal growth. I am married to Mr. Taris Omari and currently serving at TASOK. My Tedx Talk will showcase the courage it takes to be at peace with and celebrate your personal story and culture, and how to tap into the power required to freely choose who you want to be in this world. This helps you to choose today how you want to serve humanity regardless of any roadblocks that life can throw at you. I am eager to see you on May 16th to unlock the keys that can help you achieve that goal. If that’s you, grab your seat and be my guest.