It’s critical that today’s youth—the leaders of tomorrow—find new opportunities to engage with the world around them. To that end, TEDxJacksonville will be hosting TEDxYouth@Jacksonville, its first conference designed for area high school students. We’re excited to help students from an array of local schools harness their energy, creativity and enthusiasm into a unique event that brings ideas worth spreading to all ages. Working alongside TEDxJacksonville’s own volunteer team, student leaders will plan every element of the event, from performer and speaker selection, coaching and team development, social media and marketing efforts, tech and stage design, and overall conference organization.
The TEDxYouth@Jacksonvlle conference will feature six speakers and two performers, and will take place Tuesday, March 3rd, at the Florida Blue Conference Center. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is open to adults as well as students. Tickets are free for high school students; adult tickets are $25.
SPEAKERS
Jabrea Ali
Jabrea is a high school senior. She also is the President of her school’s Black Student Caucus, a member of the National Honor Society and Golden Eagle (School) Ambassador. Jabrea also participates in the Student Government Association as a 12th-grade Representative. Outside of school, she plays for the United Soccer Alliance, a team in the United States Soccer Federation Developmental Academy. After high school, she plans to attend Howard University and major in Psychology, and then to pursue a Ph.D. in that field. In her talk, Jabrea will discuss the three steps in self-transparency that can improve mental health among our youth.
Mario Barrozo
Mario is a high school junior and an aspiring doctor. He is active in and holds leadership roles in numerous school clubs, including Key Club, Chief Executive Student Ambassador, Great Decisions Club, and National Spanish Honor Society. Additionally, Mario is an alumnus of Youth Leadership Jacksonville, a program that fosters connections with local leaders and promotes leadership skills in students across Northeast Florida. Mario has completed over 400 hours of community service with various Jacksonville organizations. In his talk, Mario will propose solutions for how the American education system can be changed to be better aligned with the highly productive education models used in other countries.
Aidan Chau
Aidan is a high school junior. Formerly the principal clarinetist at the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Aidan is also the founder and CEO of Artfully Green, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for climate change through art and conducts climate change research. Aidan sees an opportunity for humanity to take a step in the right direction against climate change. In his talk, Aidan will discuss how algae might serve as a potential solution to climate change along with many other practical applications.
Jessica Malosh
Jessica is a high school sophomore. She is on her school’s Cross Country and Track teams and is a member of the Spanish Honor society. Jessica’s academic interests are diverse: she enjoys psychology, chemistry, and journalism. Through her involvement in Youth Leadership Jacksonville, she discovered an interest in public policy and inspiration to make positive environmental and social changes in her community. She volunteers at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Willow Branch Library. She also has created and edited a yearbook to raise funds for the Florida Ballet, where she danced prior to becoming a runner. In her talk, Jessica will discuss how the constant interconnectivity fostered by today’s social platforms comes at a cost; she will argue that by consciously posting more inclusive content, teenagers can relieve feelings of isolation and decrease instances of depression.
Winston Seabrooks
Winston is a high school junior. He is the President of his class and volunteers in his community. He plans to attend college at Florida A&M University and is interested in studying law. In his talk, Winston will discuss how to bring pride back into his inner city school and how to motivate its students to take the lead on projects big and small.
Zariah Swanigan
Zariah is a high school senior. She is co-vice president of her school’s Tea and Poetry club and enjoys writing poetry in her free time. Although she is an identical twin, Zariah likes to embrace her unique qualities and is fascinated by different languages, societies, and cultures. After graduation, she plans to attend college as a double-major in Criminology and Musical Theatre. In her talk, Zariah will be discussing how negative labels and stereotypes impact our youth.
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
TICKETS
Student tickets (must show high school ID at event): Free
General adult admission tickets: $25
Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite.
SCHEDULE
9-9:30 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. Welcome & Session 1
10:30 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Lunch
12:15 p.m. Session 2
1:00 p.m. Close
1:30 p.m. Buses load to return students to select schools
FOOD
Conference attendees will enjoy an Italian buffet.
LOCATION
The Florida Blue Conference Center is located at 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246. Parking is free and signage will direct attendees to the conference center.