TEDxChavis Way Youth

Speakers

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

• Aditi Ediga

  High School Student

  Aditi Ediga is a junior at Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. Aditi is passionate about mental health and digital wellness. She writes national columns and serves on a town advisory board. Aditi is also a Bharatanatyam dancer, promoting cultural awareness. With storytelling, Aditi wants to bridge the gap between healing and art.

• Aliza Gill

  High School Student

  Aliza Gill is a freshman at Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy. She is a curious student and lifelong learner passionate about growth, perspective, and intentional thinking. Actively engaged in advanced academics and extracurriculars, she enjoys exploring complex ideas and sharing thoughtful youth insights that challenge assumptions and encourage broader understanding.

• Anvi Mathur

  Student & Public Policy Advocate

  Anvi Mathur is an IB junior at Enloe High School, passionate about public policy and its intersection with youth restorative justice. She serves as a Poe Youth Empowerment Leader, SHAC Youth Representative, Teen Health Advisory Council Member, and Executive Student Council, advancing youth–adult partnerships and prevention initiatives in her community.

• Avani Bharadwaj

  Student

  Avani Bharadwaj is a humanities-focused student from Mysore, Karnataka, interested in law, business, and public service. An avid reader, she thrives in debate and mock competitions, hoping to work in international law. Always dancing, self-taught in hip hop and commercial, she learns music production, plays piano and guitar, explores theatre, fundraises.

• Elise Roberts

  High School Student

  Elise Roberts is a junior at Enloe High school She has a deep love for music especially pop, and R&B, Elise is passionate about exploring how everyday experiences shape identity and perspective, which fuels her interest in storytelling and public speaking. Through her work and ideas, she hopes to spark thoughtful conversations about culture, individuality, and the ways young people influence the future.

• Emily Chui

  Student & Tech Entrepreneur

  Emily Chui is a junior at Durham Academy, passionate about the intersection of technology and public policy. She serves as chair of the Student Academic Committee at her school and the North Carolina Director of ULaunch, where she works to increase access to STEM opportunities and empower youths within her community. She is also a researcher focused on explainable AI and machine learning, and the developer of a health-tech app who hopes to use human-centered technology as a force for positive change.

• Kessler Dickerson

  Student & Youth Advocate

  Kessler Dickerson is a sophomore at Millbrook High School driven by youth voice, social justice, and agricultural advocacy. As an FFA officer, 4-H club co-leader, presbytery youth council member, and more, he serves as an advocate and leader using collaboration to empower peers and strengthen community connections.

• Lithemba Ncaca

  Spoken Word Poet

  Lithemba Ncaca is a South African born Xhosa American, who is currently enrolled at J. D. Clement Early College High School. As an avid soccer player, he is no stranger to competition which has directly transferred to his poetry. A 2025 Poetry Out Loud State Finalist, writing and performing his poetry is probably his happiest place outside of a soccer field. His brand of poetry is deeply introspective while also offering much insight to not only his experiences but also external realizations and observations of his environment.

• Mansib Sacheha

  Student & Public Health Advocate

  Mansib Sacheha, a junior at Green Hope High School, is an aspiring healthcare professional and public health advocate. From speaking before the Raleigh City Council to leading within his school community through Student Council, he embodies intellectual curiosity and impactful leadership.

• Maya Sprenger Gonzalez

  Student & Environmental Advocate

  Maya Sprenger Gonzalez is a fifth grade student at Olive Chapel Elementary School, an Earth Day keynote speaker, and the Wakaboomee Ambassador for Environmentalism. She is passionate about protecting the planet and helping others. When she’s not learning at school, Maya enjoys volunteering, the performing arts, meeting new people, and traveling with her family.

• Nupoor Ambardekar

  High School Student

  Nupoor Ambardekar is a sophomore at Green Hope High School who is deeply interested in effective neuroscience in adolescence. She's also passionate about writing, and hopes to someday empower others facing mental health struggles through her words. If she's not attempting to study, she'll probably be listening to music, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

• Oleksandr Havrylyuk

  Student Athlete

  Oleksandr Havrylyuk is a student-athlete and student leader at Panther Creek High School. After immigrating from Ukraine and rebuilding his life more than once, he focuses on connection, resilience, and service. Through leadership and athletics, he encourages young people to grow, take risks, and make meaningful impact.