TEDxCISB Youth

Speakers

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

• Aarush Thakar

  Student

  G8 CISB student Aarush Thakar gives an impassioned TEDx Talk about overcoming adversity and the importance of adaptability.

• Aizhan Seraly

  Life Coach

  Aizhan Seraly is a certified life coach and motivational speaker, specializing in young adults’ issues. Her research and expertise in this field has led her to develop proprietary frameworks for younger generations. She is accredited by the Association for Coaching and the Jay Shetty Certification School. She is also a Duke University graduate. She is passionate about helping young adults find their purpose and confidence in a new world.

• Angela Wang

  Student

  Angela Wang is Grade 9 student at CISB who describes herself as extroverted and a major sports fan. In this TEDx talk, she explores how technology can distract us, and shares the surprising viewpoints that Silicon Valley tech leaders have on the very devices they created.

• Jannet Ziiatdinova

  Student

  Zhannet is a student, filmmaker, and recovering actor in a play she didn't write. Her TEDx talk explores what happens when you finally say "cut" to expectation and start directing your own life. She believes bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's choosing your path while feeling it.

• Jawaher Alshamsi

  Student

  CISB Grade 8 student Jawaher Alshamsi had no idea, at six years old, how much her life was about to change. In just a few years, everything would turn upside down— and to become who she is today, she would have to go through moments that challenged her, broke her, and ultimately taught her the core lessons that shaped her into a stronger version of herself. She discusses all this and more during her moving TEDx Talk.

• Johnson Zhang

  Engineer

  Johnson Zhang is an electrical engineer and a lover of public speaking. A finalist in a major international speaking competition, Johnson talks today about overcoming insecurity, finding humility, and embracing challenges during his lively TEDx Talk.

• Ma Jun

  Conservation Activist

  Ma Jun is considered China’s foremost environmentalist. He was named one of TIME Magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2006, is the author of the influential book China's Water Crisis, and is the founder of the Blue Map app.

• Mathew Bergh

  Student

  Grade 11 CISB student Mathew Bergh is from Canada, and has lived in numerous countries throughout his life. He is excited to share his story about adapting to constant change with the TEDx audience.

• Rachel Weiss

  Influencer

  Rachel Weiss is an American media professional based in China since 2015, working across digital storytelling, travel, and cross-cultural content for both brands and her own platforms (on which she has amassed 85,000+ followers). She is the founder of Rachel Meets China, an award-winning blog and social media brand, and works full-time in digital marketing, leading content and audience growth for travel experiences across China and Southeast Asia.

• Sativa Onthatile Mashimbye

  Student

  Sativa Onthatile Mashimbye is a CISB senior who is about to graduate. Her TEDx Talk details her journey from her homeland of South Africa to Beijing, and how she feels about graduating and entering today’s rapidly changing job market.

• Shaheer Muhammad Zafar

  Student

  Muhammad Shaheer Zafar hails from Pakistan, but this is his 13th year in China. In the past he has been a TEDx MC but this year, as a G10 CISB student, he will be giving his first ever TEDx talk to show his growing passion for public speaking. His Talk explores our growing dependence on AI, its hidden consequences, and the fine line between using technology as a tool and losing our humanity to it.