TEDxMiramar Youth

Speakers

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

• Al Loureiro

  Al Loureiro is a Managing Director at TIAA. With over a decade in wealth management before moving into enterprise leadership, he brings a rare combination of technical depth and people-first leadership to everything he does. Alfonso holds the CFP®️, CIMA®️, and Six Sigma Black Belt designations, an MBA in Financial Management. The son of immigrant parents and bilingual in Spanish, Alfonso is passionate about expanding access to financial literacy. He is Chairman of the Board for Junior Achievement Palm Beaches and founder of The Standard Path, a free leadership program for young men. He also coaches youth soccer, and as a lifelong speaker has delivered keynotes to audiences ranging from corporate offsites to youth conferences of over 1,000 students. He is a father of four, and his work — on and off the stage — is anchored by one belief: You Are the Investment.

• Dr. Terrance Leftridge

  Dr. Terrance Leftridge is an empowerment coach, speaker, and communication strategist who helps entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging leaders find the confidence to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Through years of coaching speakers and business leaders, he has witnessed how discovering one's authentic voice can transform not only careers, but lives. Passionate about helping others unlock their potential, Dr. Leftridge equips people to lead with conviction, inspire meaningful action, and become the fullest expression of who they were created to be.

• Gavin Edwards

  Gavin Edwards is an 8-year-old adventurer who believes every day should include a new challenge. Heading into fourth grade, Gavin is known for his wild personality, big heart, and fearless spirit. From dog sledding in Alaska to swimming with sharks in Hawaii and snake hunting in the Florida Everglades, there isn’t an adventure he doesn’t want to try. He’s also an avid fisherman who has already landed a blue marlin and a sailfish. Earlier this year, Gavin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Instead of letting it slow him down, he made it just another adventure to overcome. Today, Gavin is excited to share how courage, a positive attitude, and a little determination can help you face life’s biggest challenges. Because if an 8-year-old can face life’s biggest challenges with courage and a smile, maybe we all can.

• Giovanni Carlozzi

  Giovanni Carlozzi is a student, wrestler, and DJ. He is also involved in church and Toastmaster youth leadership. He has traveled to 3 continents so far. He has an affinity for water sports, exploring the culinary world, and mastering music production and DJing. His main project is sharing ideas worth encouraging and inspiring positive leadership skills to youth by participating and engaging in talks, feeding the homeless, and outreach with the elderly. Giovanni’s passion is fueled by his core beliefs and values with the importance on discipline and determination. He believes the focus on technology could use a closer observation.

• Jaeda Lebrun

  Jaeda Lebrun is a 16-year-old high school junior at Western High School with a passion for public speaking and advocacy. She serves as the secretary of her school’s Speech & Debate team and she was a 2026 qualifier to the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Outside of debate, Jaeda has collaborated with a D.C. law firm on a case and advocated on Capitol Hill. Additionally, she led teams to re-start a business and develop a public health campaign in Nigeria. Knowing that people still need help motivates Jaeda to share her message even further. In her talk, Jaeda hopes to inspire and motivate teenage girls who grew up online and fell victim to comparison, highlighting that their worth is not based on how they look. Even the “harmless” social media trends that young adults follow online often has a greater impact than what meets the eye. A fun fact about Jaeda is that she is a sucker for good ol’ puns!

• Jayson Eugene

  Jayson Eugene is 14 years old and an upcoming freshman in high school. He is the third child in his family and is proud to be both a son and a brother. From a young age, Jayson has focused on growth, discipline, and becoming the best version of himself. Jayson has developed valuable skills through athletics, participating in basketball, track, and wrestling. These experiences have taught him the importance of teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. Sports have helped shape his mindset and his belief that success comes from hard work and commitment. Looking toward the future, Jayson is interested in pursuing a career as an electrical engineer or in cybersecurity. He is passionate about technology, problem-solving, and learning how innovation can help improve the world. As a young leader, Jayson hopes to inspire others his age to believe in their abilities, set goals, and work toward creating a successful future.

• Jonathan Kleyman

  Jonathan is a 17 year old student from Miami who attends Scheck Hillel Community School. He is passionate about business, investing, and learning about the stock market. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball, reading, cooking, and traveling. One of his favorite things about traveling is that every place teaches him something new and helps him see the world from a different perspective. Jonathan is always looking for ways to grow and become a better version of himself, and he loves asking questions that challenge the way he thinks. This TEDx talk is especially meaningful to him because it comes from his own experience growing up with technology. He hopes sharing his story encourages others to see technology from a different perspective and sparks meaningful conversations between teenagers and adults.

• Joseph Tapper

  Joseph Tapper is an author, recording artist, inspirational speaker, and saxophonist whose mission is to prove that music is more than entertainment—it is a catalyst for healing, hope, and human connection. After more than 25 years in technology, health, and recovery, he embraced his calling to inspire lives through the universal language of music. Joseph has performed for governors, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and dignitaries from around the world, yet his greatest achievement is touching one heart at a time. Through his signature message, Music That Heals, he invites audiences to rediscover joy, gratitude, and resilience. Guided by the belief that love is our greatest gift, Joseph lives by a simple philosophy: “I don’t ask for anything, but I’m thankful for everything.”

• Kelsey Latimore

  Kelsey Latimore is a rising sixth-grade student at Glades Middle School whose passion for leadership, academic excellence, and service is already making an impact. A straight-A Honor Roll student, Kelsey is dedicated to achieving excellence while encouraging others to reach their full potential. Kelsey is the recipient of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Character Award, recognizing outstanding character, integrity, and leadership. As the Head Gem in the GEMS and GENTS Mentoring Program, Kelsey inspired peers through mentorship, encouragement, and leading by example. Kelsey is also a member of the Sea Castle Debate Team, where a love for public speaking, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue continues to grow. Through the TEDxYouth stage, Kelsey hopes to inspire others to embrace their voice, lead with confidence, and understand that age is never a barrier to creating positive change

• Lyla Milcent

  Lyla is a passionate speaker who brings energy, authenticity, and a fresh perspective to every audience she meets. Growing up in the digital age, she embraced the opportunities and challenges that came with the rise of the internet, learning how technology shapes relationships, creativity, and personal growth. As a child, Lyla found joy in dancing, using movement as a way to express herself and connect with others. Her love for dance taught her confidence, discipline, and the importance of embracing who you are. Today, Lyla combines her life experiences with a relatable storytelling style to inspire young people to pursue their passions, use technology wisely, and never lose sight of the simple joys that make life meaningful. Her message encourages audiences to stay true to themselves, dream boldly, and dance through every season of life.

• Micah Aristide

  Micah Aristide is a 15-year-old sophomore at Chaminade Madonna who enjoys challenging himself both academically and personally. He values hard work, spending time with his family and friends, and staying active while always striving to become the best version of himself. His TEDx talk focuses on the importance of hard work and believing in yourself, sharing lessons that have helped him grow and overcome challenges. Although he is still working toward many of his goals, Micah is committed to learning, improving, and making the most of every opportunity. A fun fact about him is that he wears a size 15 shoe.

• Nova Duncanson

  Nova Duncanson is a 10-year-old fifth-grade student at Horizon Learning with a curious mind and a natural instinct to lead. After hearing Hidden Figures, Nova developed a fascination with aerospace engineering and the people who make space exploration possible. A proud NASA enthusiast, she loves the idea of exploring space—but from the safety of Earth, designing the technology that makes those missions possible. Nova enjoys coding, kung fu, reading, art, and dance. She also serves as Horizon Learning’s Community Youth Ambassador, where she encourages young people to lead, serve, and make a positive impact in their communities. Through her TEDx talk, Nova invites audiences into the curiosity, uncertainty, and imagination that come with discovering who they’re becoming—at every stage of life.

• Nya Adrien

  Nya Adrien is an 11-year-old multifaceted student, athlete and emerging leader who is stepping confidently into middle school. Inspired by her family and teachers, she brings curiosity, courage and determination to everything she does. Nya enjoys dancing, running track, and spending time with the people she loves most. Throughout her elementary school years, Nya has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. She is a recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Achievement and the 2026 Certificate of Honor – Deputy Head GEM for exceptional leadership. She also earned 3rd Place in Dramatic Interpretation at the Debate Broward Elementary Championship. One of Nya’s proudest accomplishments was earning a perfect score on Florida’s Grade 4 B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment. In her talk, Nya shares what she is learning about growing up, embracing change, and navigating life’s transitions with joy, confidence, and resilience, encouraging others to believe in their ability to succeed.

• Sofia Barone

  Sofia Barone is a 16 year old high school junior who has spent much of her life between Italy and the United States. Fluent in both Italian and English, she is the oldest of six children, three girls and three boys. Growing up in a large family has helped shape her leadership skills, sense of responsibility, and appreciation for meaningful relationships. An active member of Scouting America, Sofia enjoys reading, public speaking, traveling, and learning about different cultures. While most teenagers have grown up immersed in social media, Sofia's experience has been different, giving her a unique perspective on how young people connect, communicate, and build relationships in today's digital world.

• Taylor Berry

  Taylor Berry is a 17-year-old student-athlete, youth leader, and community advocate at Everglades High School, where she is in 11th grade. Driven by a passion for golf, public speaking, and meaningful change, she believes young people have the power to lead and create impact now. Taylor serves as President of the City of Miramar Youth Advisory Council, President of her school’s Black Student Union, and Captain of the golf team. She is also a member of the National League of Cities Youth Advisory Council, contributing youth perspectives to national conversations. Inspired by growth, faith, and representation, Taylor is committed to uplifting voices that are often unheard. Her TEDx talk explores belonging in a digital age, reflecting on identity, pressure, and connection. In her free time, she is learning Mandarin Chinese while continuing to grow as a leader.

• Yakov Bensabat

  Yakov Bensabat, 16, is a junior at Scheck Hillel Community School and a multi-sport varsity athlete who has learned as much from the locker room as the classroom. Selected as one of just five Gilinski Ambassadors at his school, he has built a track record of leadership and community impact, alongside honors including Most Improved Basketball Player and Honor Roll recognition. Driven by faith, family, and a genuine desire to lift up the people around him, Yakov spends his time fishing, training, and mentoring younger students. In his TEDx talk, he explores how to strike a real balance with technology, treating the internet not as a replacement for life but as a tool to fuel growth, learning, and in-person experience. His middle name, Sasson, means "happiness" in Hebrew, and he tries to live up to it every day.