Claire Berggren is a senior at Singapore American School. She saw a different side of life when her twin brother was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma cancer as a freshman; Claire knows the Singaporean hospital system from personal experience as she stood by her brother during his treatments for eighteen months until complications claimed his life. Her exposure to the resiliency of cancer patients, as well as the complex relationship between patient and doctor, cultivates her passion for research in the medical spectrum of integrative cancer care to help patients cope with distress and increase their quality of life. She will be pursuing her academic interests within the field of healthcare research and psychology in university next year. Claire’s passion for enabling cancer patients continues on in supporting the Love, Nils annual toy drive for pediatric cancer patients that she and her family created at National University Hospital Singapore.

Matthew Oey is a junior at Singapore American School. He has always enjoyed playing video games, but what makes him unique is what he was able to do with this passion-- for him, video games weren’t a way to escape reality. Instead, he has made money, met countless new people, and and discovered a whole world in the industry of professional gaming. He himself was a member of one of Singapore’s professional video gaming teams, and he has competed in several tournaments around Asia. When not playing games, he enjoys running, playing the cello and watching movies.

Anjali Mehta is a junior at Singapore American School as well as a yoga instructor and yoga therapist. When Anjali started yoga, she was 10 years old. Amidst the extreme expectations for her future, yoga brought her comfort and relaxation; after training to teach at Vyasa Yoga, she started teaching at only 14 years old. She has taught at many places, including the Indian High Commission, Nola Yoga, as a PE teacher for the elementary school at SAS, and even as a trainer for other teachers. Her passion for yoga is boundless, and she plans to continue her involvement for years to come.

Matthew, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Singapore American School for 12 years, currently lives in Singapore with his wife and high school student, Callie. His other two children, Cameron and Alicia, are tackling university at Western Washington, just north of Seattle. He enjoys traveling around the world and learning about different people, places, and events. He is also the author of When The Akimotos Went To War. When he is not researching history topics on his own, he enjoys making the lives of his students difficult.

Roopal Kondepudi, senior, is a Geek Girl: CSar of Computer Science Club, founder of Geek Girls SAS, and programmer on the SAS robotics team. Roopal is a Girl Scouts Ambassador and recipient of the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award. In college, she hopes to major in computer science. Her latest project tackles a global issue - the Digital Divide. As a Global Ambassador of Global Issues Network, Roopal leads the Digital Divide committee and has created a curriculum for a basic computer skills class that is being taught in underprivileged schools all over the world. When she's not coding, she's writing short stories, playing with her dog Chessy, or exploring Singapore with friends.

Topaz Winters is a writer and junior at SAS. From ages 15 to 17, she was diagnosed in succession with depression, anxiety, hyperacusis, and OCD; through the years, she has used words both to guide her own healing process and reach out to the neurodivergent community she has found online. Her poetry, essays, and fiction at topazwinters.com have been recognised by the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the National YoungArts Foundation, profiled in The Huffington Post and Cicada Magazine, and read by millions around the world. Topaz is the author of Heaven or This (2016) and Monsoon Dream (Platypus Press, 2016), and the youngest Singaporean ever to be nominated for the Pushcart Prize, America’s most prestigious literary award. She is grateful you’re here.

Alex Cuozzo is a co-lead organizer of TEDxYouth@SAS: Prism of Possibilities and has been involved with the TEDxYouth@SAS executive team since its inception. To Alex, TEDx is a way for people to speak out and share their ideas in the hopes of making an impact on the world around them. Alex is passionate about Chinese, coding, soccer, and more! Currently a senior, Alex is excited to put on an event that will leave a lasting impression.

As the co-lead organizer of this year’s March 2017 event, Hana is known to be a TEDx fanatic. At TEDxYouth@SAS, she constantly finds herself inspired by her peers - both speakers and executive team. She believes that TEDx is the platform to learn and empathize with the world around her and is excited to do so through the eyes of her peers. As a junior at SAS, she hopes to create something truly magical alongside her team and is honored to be leading this incredible group. In addition to TEDx, she has been heavily involved in numerous SAS centric activities including Forensics Society, Peer Support, and Student Council. Outside of SAS, Hana enjoys baking and aspires to one day be an amateur ripsticking.

This is Vanessa’s third year on the TEDxYouth team. Currently a senior, she is passionate about public speaking and quirky ideas, and devotes most of her time to reading books and crafting speeches. Aside from “idea-development”, she is actively involved in track and cross country. She is excited to be an Executive.

This is Jaclyn’s third year in TEDxYouth executive team. Currently a junior, she is passionate about computer science and chemistry-- but aside from science, she has always been actively involved in the service community, and the robotics and dance/performing arts programs. She is excited to be an executive producer for the TEDxYouth @ SAS executive team and hopes that this event will give unrecognized voices a chance to speak.

Paige Freeman is an eleventh grader and the one and only assistant executive producer of this year’s TEDxYouth event. This is her third year with TEDxYouth@SAS; her TED talk in freshman year opened a discussion on mental illness in SAS, and the following year found her working as a curator on the other side of the stage. TEDx, she believes, allows for a truly miraculous spreading of ideas by a truly diverse group of people. Her other involvements include Forensics Society and Singapore Lyric Opera. Paige does an inordinate amount of art and writing, and she considers there to be no greater joy in the world than high-quality chocolate.

Rhea, a senior, has always been intrigued by ideas. Her TEDx talk last year looked for ways to better understand creativity, and she believes that nothing captures the diversity of ideas, stories, and thoughts better than TEDx. She loves to learn about everything, and every talk from relatable TCK stories to exploring life outside our world has given her a new perspective to see the world through. Outside of TEDx, Rhea is involved in a wide range of activities, from Debate, MUN, and HMC to Math Club. In her free time, she loves listening to music, going rollerblading near her house, and drinking bubble tea.

Avinash, an 11th grader, discovered his passion for public speaking, analytics, and problem solving, at his first Model United Nations conference in 2012. Ever since, he has devoted his time to helping others express their ideas and their voices -- believing that TEDxYouth@SAS is a perfect opportunity to do so. As a curator, Avinash will work closely with speakers by improving their speeches and their delivery, while still maintaining the speaker's original voice. Outside of TEDx, Avinash is actively involved with MUN, Harvard Model Congress, the UN Women’s Rights movement in Singapore, and the Whole Tree Foundation, a foundation that actively seeks to combat mental health issues. He also enjoys playing the guitar and occasional walks -- to the fridge.

Tanvi is a junior in her third year of participating in TEDxYouth@SAS. An avid wildlife photographer and blogger, in her freshman year she gave a talk on the intersection between the Internet and conservation. The potential of TEDx as a platform for SAS’s rich and diverse community to share their ideas hit her hard and she’s unbelievably excited (read: fangirling) about the chance to be facilitating the display of those ideas to the world this year as a speaker curator. Outside of TEDx, Tanvi can often be found with a permanently bent neck looking for a bird that just flew past, and, oh my god, did you see its wings. Otherwise, she is an officer of Photo Club, Students Against Violation of the Environment, and Global Issues Networks, and shouts excitedly about nature to members of the public in the Toddycat’s Love MacRitchie walks.

Naya is a passionate someday-author, speaker/yeller and English nerd in general. Years ago, her mother started constantly sending her links to TED videos, and though she’ll never admit it, they got her hooked. From slam poetry to statistical analyses on the effects of global warming, she’s been held captive by too many TED talks to have passed up an opportunity to help people give their own. Being part of TEDxYouth@SAS is a wondrously surreal experience, and coaching the event’s speakers is going down on her list of favourite accomplishments. Besides getting pumped about TED and wondering who Ted is, Naya has maybe two hobbies, plus some semblance of a personality; she can usually be found working with Student Council, singing, teaching SAS’s little kids how to act, or-- surprise, surprise-- writing.

Yana, a junior, is currently entering her 11th year at SAS and is honored to have the role of curator and event host in this year’s TEDxYouth@SAS event. Her passion lies with people, ranging from learning about lives and perspectives to experiencing the world through stories. No event emphasizes and showcases the uniqueness of people better than TEDx. What she finds inspiring about it is the openness she feels when talking to her fellow executive team members and speakers. No idea or person can ever feel out of place. Outside of TEDx, Yana is involved with Peace Initiative, Varsity Basketball and out of school service at National University Hospital. She enjoys debating about politics, watching dog videos on Facebook and experiencing cultures through food, particularly sushi.

As an art student in 10th grade, hearing about the chance to design for a TEDx was a dream for Tim. Designer of many posters for other school organisations and Snapchat geofilters in Singapore, Tim’s world is gravitated towards graphic design. He believes that TEDx is the best way for anyone to communicate their ideas, and that it could provide a unique perspective of the world. Other than TEDx, Tim is in Student Council, Peer Support, and loves discussing history and politics with friends.

Quinn, an SAS junior, is beyond excited to be a part of the TedXYouth@SAS team. She joined TEDxYouth@SAS after being enticed by the idea of a platform where people could speak about their ideas and share their passion with the rest of the SAS community. Having a love for color and creation and design, Quinn found the design role to be a perfect fit that would allow her to contribute to the inspiring event that is TEDx. Outside of TEDx, Quinn is enjoys designing for SAS Communications and working with multiple service clubs, especially those who help children in need. After school, you can find her in the pool, out with her dog, or at home baking cookies.

Marking her 13th and final year at SAS, senior Justine de Jesus has developed a deep connection with the school, and jumped on the idea to get involved with one of the most empowering student-led events offered here, TedxYouth@SAS. With a love for all things art and design, Justine believes working as a Designer is the best way for her to not only pursue her passion, but make an impact. Beyond Tedx, Justine loves participating in both MUN and HMC, and is a senior officer for the National Art Honor Society. Outside of school, she loves exploring Singapore’s food scene and grabbing bubble tea with friends.

Having attended SAS for almost ten years, Jane, a current junior, has discovered that there are so many members of the SAS community who have incredible ideas, insights and stories that are left untold. Jane strongly believes that TEDx is the perfect platform that can bring people together. A valuable platform and opportunity where people can not only share and learn, but to be empathetic and vulnerable. This year Jane is excited to be part of the TEDx Executive Team as she genuinely loves organizing events and giving back to the SAS community. Aside from TEDx, Jane is constantly involved with Student Council/House Council, Peer Support and many other service clubs and honor societies. Outside of school, Jane loves spending time with her friends, making art, dancing for fun and going to new places to explore.

Alexis is currently a junior at SAS. She is excited to be a part of the TEDxYouth@SAS Executive Team because she believes it provides a platform for students and teachers across SAS to express themselves in a way that is unique. She loves planning, implementing and organizing events, and TEDxYouth has given her an outlet to pursue such interests. Beyond TEDxYouth, Alexis plays on the Varsity Touch Rugby team, is Vice President of the Gawad Kalinga service club, enjoys facilitating EAA activities with elementary school kids, and plays the trumpet for both the wind ensemble and the HS jazz band. Outside of school, she is heavily involved with organizing activities for the youth group at her church. She enjoys trying new food and jigsaw puzzles.

Patricia has been attending SAS for ten years and is currently a freshman. While looking through the many activities and extracurriculars that SAS High School had to offer, one thing that caught her eye was the TEDxYouth@SAS program. As she has always been interested in organizing events, public speaking, and working with others, Patricia thought that this was a great program for her and applied instantly. She is now incredibly excited and looking forward to working with other individuals who share similar passions to create an incredible event that she believes is a great opportunity for people in the SAS community to share their unique ideas in a public setting. Other than TEDxYouth@SAS, Patricia is involved in Peer Support, several different service clubs, dance club, and volleyball. Outside of school, she loves to bake, play the piano, and eat Italian food.

Two years ago, Ruth attended the very first TEDxYouth@SAS event and was instantly hooked. She believes that there are few other events which give members of the SAS community such a unique chance to share their stories, and this has led to her passion for helping these stories be told. As a junior, this is Ruth’s second year as a member of the executive team, and she could not be more excited to be a part of something so special and to work with this amazing group of people. Other than TEDx, Ruth enjoys giving back to the SAS community through the Executive Service Council, and is a member of the Debate team and multiple music performance groups. Outside of school, she is heavily involved in her church and loves to make Spotify playlists.

In her second year of being a part of the TEDx Executive Team, Zi Yi, a senior, is excited to do it all again as the head delegates coordinator. She was first inspired to join the team by the incredible people around her doing incredible things everyday. She believes that TEDx is important in that it gives a voice to these students and promotes discussion on fascinating topics within the SAS community. Outside of TEDx, Zi Yi is a leader in multiple service clubs and honor societies. She loves reading novels and writing poetry, and is also a passionate member of the music community. After school hours, you would normally find her at a debate practice session or a choir rehearsal.

When Unnati, a freshmen, heard about the TEDxYouth@SAS program, she was instantly hooked to it. She has always been keen in organizing events, and learning about the TEDx Executive Team, she applied immediately. Additionally, she believes that the TEDxYouth program is a great platform that gives the passion in spreading your enthusiasm and viewpoints on the many topics to chose from. Furthermore, she believes that the TEDxYouth program creates and unifies groups of people into one as they start to learn about each other's interests and believes. Other than organizing events, Unnati is a part of many extracurricular activities at SAS like the Girls Soccer team, Peer Support, and Debate Club. In addition, she spends a lot of her time in the dance studio either teaching as a MS choreographer, or learning as a student.

Madeline is currently a sophomore, participating in the TEDx Event for the second time as a Delegates Coordinator. Madeline has developed a strong interest in TEDxYouth@SAS because it has provided students and teachers with a platform to be heard. Outside of TEDx, Madeline is a violinist, varsity athlete, and involved with service clubs including Caring for Cambodia, Grassroots Soccer, and S.A.V.E.. In school, Madeline has begun to develop a passion for math and science, as these have been her favorite courses. Madeline is unbelievably excited for the spring TED event!

As a junior, Annie is the head finance and sponsorship coordinator of this year’s event. She believes that among her 12 years at SAS, starting an annual TEDxYouth@SAS event is one of the best things that has happened to the school. For two years in a row, she experienced not only the inspirational talks but also the magical teamwork that TEDxYouth creates, which fueled her passion for TED. Other than TEDx, Annie is also passionate about solving global issues through Global Issues Network, and loves math and science. She is involved in the school’s Math Club, and is also a part of the SpaceLab team at SAS.

Christina Yoh, a freshmen this year, is one of the Finance and Sponsorship coordinators for this year’s TedX event. As this is her 10th year at SAS, Christina is honored and excited to help coordinate this remarkable event and be a part of this amazing experience. She is really looking forward to working together with amazing individuals to bring inspiration to the SAS community and beyond. Beyond TEDx, she extremely interested in anything STEM-related, hence, she is currently involved in multiple clubs such as GIN (Digital Divide) and Geek Girls, which help her pursue her interests. On the varsity XC team this year, Christina also loves to run and then devour great food afterwards!

As a new student in 11th grade, this is Sarthak’s first year in both SAS and the TEDxYouth Executive Team. Sarthak has always enjoyed watching TED talks due to their captivating and inspiring nature, and he is excited to be involved in this year's TEDx event, as the role of website manager allows him to contribute through his love for coding. He feels that this event can provide a congregation of ideas and deeper thinking within SAS. Outside of school, Sarthak has deep interests in math, science, and martial arts, and has intense passions for computer science and teaching others how to code. He loves to apply computer science for both meaningful and fun purposes, whether it be to solve a real-world problem, or to just create something new.

After attending SAS for three years, Jahvon is elated to finally be apart of the TedxYouth@SAS Executive Team for the first time as Event Host. Currently a junior, he is passionate about improving student life within the school and raising school spirit by being actively involved in Student Council and Peer Support. Jahvon is honored to host such a unique and engaging forum and cannot wait to be blown away by the talented students who will grace the TedxYouth stage. In addition, he is grateful for the chance to work alongside some of the most dedicated and diligent students here at SAS and is looking forward to hosting the event with a longtime colleague of his. Outside of school, Jahvon enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball with his brother, and catching up on the latest political news surrounding the presidential election.

As a senior, this is Julia’s second year at SAS and her first year with TEDxYouth. She is excited to have the opportunity to join this team as Head of Marketing and Communications during her last year in high school. Julia has always loved TED Talks, listening to them regularly with her mom. Coming from a small high school in Rhode Island, she never had the opportunity to get involved in something like this, until now. Julia thinks TEDxYouth is very important to the SAS community because of the voice it gives to young people, using a platform that creates a passion to share within the SAS community and the TEDx community. Apart from TEDx, Julia is passionate about her role in the 24 Hour Race SG, Cambodia’s Future Foundation, National Art Honor Society, and her lacrosse team. Julia enjoys art museums, bubble tea, and her dog.

This is Jaelen's first year as a member of the TEDx Executive Team and for him, TEDx Youth is the opportunity to share ideas that can influence others on a personal level or even on a global scale. The power of meaningful and captivating talks is what initially drew him to join the team. As one of the Communications and Marketing Directors, Jaelen is both enthused and honored at the idea of using his experience in the concepts of both marketing and advertising to help promote many of the fantastic speakers at this year’s event. Besides being a rookie to TEDx, Jaelen also is a part Student Council, Peer Support, and a member of the Varsity Basketball Team. Other than that Jaelen can be found to be an avid sneakerhead and a hip-hop enthusiast.

As a sophomore, Daniel is excited to have the opportunity to be the Head Photographer for TEDxYouth@SAS. In his eleventh year at SAS, he is extremely passionate about connecting with fellow students and giving back to the community he has been part of for numerous years. This being his first year helping organize TEDx, he feels a determination to learn as much as he can and help this event to accomplish what it’s suppose to do: inspire others, share each other’s ideas and to help people connect with each other. In addition, Daniel is involved in numerous extracurriculars such as Student Council, Peer Support, Photo Club and is also an officer for the Rustic Pathways: Children’s Home and For Kids: Growing a Greener Future service clubs. He is also has been part of the high school swim team and continues to swim outside of school. In his spare time, he likes to take artsy photos, drink bubble tea and binge watch Netflix shows.

When Margi heard about this inspirational event, she knew it was something she wanted to take part in. As a sophomore, eleven years at SAS have motivated her to cultivate her passions by being involved in the SAS community. She feels that incredible events like TEDx do the same for others. Margi has been involved in school activities Student Council, Peer Support, EAA Service, and she is currently an officer for the Gawad Kalinga service club. She has also been a part of the school track and field and touch rugby teams. Outside of school, she is involved in the youth group at her church. Photography is one of her great interests; she adores travel and loves to share her experiences through this art. You will normally find her at the track, or at home drinking iced milo while watching The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on YouTube.

Chloe is a junior, and a Photographer and Videographer for TEDxYouth@SAS. This is her 7th year at SAS, and third time helping to organize a TEDx event. Ever since Chloe was introduced to TED talks, she was fascinated by the range of topics and importance of the subjects brought up. She found TED talks to be an engaging platform in which to share an issue, idea or story with a crowd, and hopes that it will continue to allow students an eager audience for all the ideas and stories they have to tell. Besides TEDx, Chloe is involved in a number of extracurricular activities, such as Climbing Club, Photo Club and Academic Quiz Club, and is currently an officer for the Global Issues Network service club.

Robin is a junior who is very passionate about the art of filmmaking. As the vice-president of Film Society, he not only enjoys making movies, but likes to help out with promoting various events and organizations within SAS. Besides film, Robin is engaged in the service community by serving as the president of the SAS Liberty in North Korea rescue team. He also loves listening to jazzy tunes and playing the sax and drums in both Jazz Band and IPAU. Robin is ecstatic about working with the rest of the TEDxYouth@SAS executive team.

Being a junior in his 11th year at SAS, Faisal is the Set & Technology Specialist for this year’s TEDx event. His expertise with the stage spans multiple events and nearly a year of technical training at SAS’s world-class theatrical facilities. In addition to seeing TEDxYouth@SAS as a logistically enticing challenge, Faisal also feels it is a communicative anchor to unify ideas from students and teachers with those most willing to listen; he hopes to provide the medium to convey these “flashes of genius” to the entire school. Outside of TEDx, Faisal is passionate about communication and analysis, and works as a part of Promise for Pakistan, Science National Honor Society and Model United Nations, among other activities at SAS. Travelling and solving complex problems are what charge him and he always seeks out work which allows him to do both.

Marielena is a sophomore in her first year at SAS, after having moved from Mexico City to Singapore. She is a Set & Technology Specialist for the TEDx team this year. After running Set & Technology for productions at her former school, she is excited to be part of this program, which she has admired for most of her life. She can’t wait to help the speakers be able to pass on their messages to audiences, as well as to inspire and motivate them, and feels she can put her skills to use on the technical side. Outside of TEDx, Marielena enjoys playing junior varsity soccer, as well as tennis at home, and is passionate about music, creative writing, and a developing interest in psychology. She is also involved in various service clubs including READ Bhutan and Food From The Heart, and is hoping to be able to make an impact on her new community.