Theme: Collective Ideas for Change: How we can use our various voices, and cultures for positive impact

In our current climate it is more important than ever for us to listen to the wisdom of our young people, while also sharing messages that will resonate with them, and fortify them. TEDx Ossining Youth is looking to do all of this.

The students of Ossining High School have so much to share and this event will leave you thinking, asking questions, and feeling overall inspired. You will hear from a variety of student speakers, educators, and community partners. The talks will cover a diversity of topics all answering the essential question of how we can make positive change.

Our speakers are dynamic, funny and informative. This is one event you do not want to miss!

Ossining High School
29 South Highland Avenue
Ossining, New York, 10562
United States

Adamaris Alvarez Ordonez

Student

12th grade student

Aiden Mendez

Student

Aiden Mendez, a Junior at Ossining High School and a My Brother's Keeper Fellow, has worked with groups like Hoops & Mentors and NYGearUp to help guide younger students through their academic and personal journeys, as well as teaching Black History at the Bethany Arts Center. Aiden represents a common stereotype and statistic for people of color: being raised by a single mother. He has overcome other stereotypes like being a failing student with no drive for stability and success. Throughout high school, Aiden has studied the history of classism, racism, and politics, which has helped to define his worldview. Two of Aiden's priorities are to uplift fellow students who struggle with the same problems he once did, and still does, and to make sure that young men who struggle with identity crises no longer feel misunderstood. With his TEDx presentation, he will discuss the evolution of education for people of color and how it's led them to today's dividing societal standards.

Alexis Nicholas

Educator

Alexis is an ASL teacher at Ossining High School, an advisor for the Black culture club, a Doctoral candidate, and a board member of the NYC Pride Basketball League.

Andres Gallego Poguio

Student

12th grade student at Ossining High School

Andrew Curiel

Founder of Be You Stay True

I am a passionate higher education professional with a decade of experience in leadership development, student engagement, and mentorship. I have dedicated my career to creating opportunities that empower students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Over the past decade, I have impacted 1,000 youth through my Bronx-based non-profit organization, Be You Stay True. We promote character building in the youth through basketball. To date we have run basketball camps annually in the Bronx, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and Limerick, Ireland. With expertise in program development, strategic partnerships, and student success initiatives, I excel at building meaningful connections that support growth and innovation. I am committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments and making the people and places I’ve connected with better than when I first interacted with them. This in all is my - "why"

Casey Okunevich

Student

Hi! My name is Casey Okunevich and I am a 10th grader at Ossining High School. My hobbies include playing drums and bass, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. I am passionate about mental health and how it effects everyone in specific ways and makes up our individuality. I would like to pursue a career as a child's psychologist and be able use the techniques of music therapy to treat patients. There's one quote I like to live by everyday; "No one is you, and that is your power" -Dave Grohl. I am my own power, and you are yours. Mental health is just a part of who you are, you must continue to build yourself as you grow older regardless of that.

Derick Campos

Student

Born in Peru, Derick is a proud first-generation Hispanic student driven to become the first in his family to graduate from college. He is the aspiring founder and future president of the Education Club at OHS, an active member of the Westchester Youth Congress, and a participant of the Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers. Passionate about working with children and empowering others through learning, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and is diligently leading initiatives aimed at bettering his community. Outside of academics, Derick enjoys playing chess, the piano, and writing creative pieces for his anthology. He hopes to use the TEDx platform to share his passion for education and make a lasting impact on others!

Gavin Thomas Walters

College Student

Gavin just completed his freshman year at Binghamton University. He is also an Educational Opportunity Program ambassador for the State University of New York

Ianna Harrison

Student

Hi! My name is Ianna and I'm a senior at Ossining High School. I plan on attending The University at Albany this coming fall to study Business Administration. Some of my hobbies include playing volleyball, spending quality time with my family and friends, traveling, and ceramics. I am very excited for this opportunity and I thank you all.

Joel Jennings

Student

Hello. My name is Joel Jennings, and I am a senior at Ossining High School. I am a current MBK Fellow for 2024 and try to spread any form of kindness to everybody.

Jonathan Pozo

Student

11th Grade Student at Ossining High School

Kaymbri Wells

Student

Kaymbri Wells is a senior at Ossining High School with a passion for leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy. Originally from Utah and now based in New York, she has spent her high school years founding and leading clubs, moderating public debates, and speaking at political events—including the inauguration of a New York State assembly woman. As president of her school’s Debate Club and Human Rights Club, and a member of Northwell Health’s Junior Leadership Council for two years, Kaymbri champions youth voice and action on issues ranging from public health to global women’s rights. Her experiences organizing large-scale events, mentoring peers, and driving community impact have inspired her to pursue a future in law. Whether she’s leading a conversation or crafting a compelling argument, Kaymbri is driven by a deep belief in the power of informed, purposeful voices to create real change.

Mahib Casso

Student

10th grade Ossining High School student

Marcelo Roque

Student

11th grade Ossining High Student

Mary-Soledad Garcia

Student

9th grade student at Ossining High School

Maya Cohen

Student

10th grade student at Ossining High School

Mirianny Beltre Bobea

Student

Mirianny is a student at Tarrytown High School

Owen Brennen

Student

11th grade student at Ossining High School

Shae Cohen

Student

Shae is currently an 11th grader at Ossining High School