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

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.

Andres Gallego Poguio

Student

Hello my name is Andres Gallego Poguio I’m a senior in Ossining high school. I plan to go study at Westchester community college for architecture and the first ever student to win two Golden key’s from the scholastic art & writing competition from Ossining. One of my art pieces is going to be in a art magazine and I'm proud to be the fourth generation in my family to graduate.

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

Joel Jennings started as a kid from the Bronx, but moved to Ossining when he was seven; he is a senior at Ossining High School and participates in clubs like Human Rights and MBK. He is the current MBK Fellow for 2024 and plans to study accounting next year in college. He loves to spend time with his family and friends and watch movies. Joel is very passionate about injustices and how wrong people treat each other based on the outside of a person.

Jonathan Pozo

Student

My name is Jonathan Pozo, a junior at Ossining High School. I consider myself untalented, but what l do have is discipline and perseverance, which is all I need to excel no matter the situation. My hobbies are lifting weights and watching movies. My life has been composed of a series of stages that define who I am, throughout my journey as a human being and also in my future career with aspirations that contrast the meaning of the law and democracy itself.

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

Mahib Casso is a student at Ossining High School who comes from humble beginnings. He is currently a sophomore and participated in the JV Football team this year. Mahib enjoys acting, a handful of sports, including football, lacrosse, and basketball, in his leisure. Recently, Mahib has picked up playing chess and enjoys the challenge of the game. One thing you can always notice about Mahib is his headphones. He really loves music. He loves listening to music while chilling, doing school work, or just escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday teenage life. An Ossining native, Mahib lives with his mother, and recently, his sister took the big step of moving out. Growing up, Mahib has always been close to his mother and has always strived to be the best version of himself to not just do well for himself, but to also continue to make her proud. In his TED Talk, Mahib will discuss overcoming mental obstacles and share some of his steps towards positive mental health.

Marcelo Roque

Student

My name is Marcelo Roque and i'm a 11th grader currently attending Ossining High School and soon to transition into my senior year. During my time at the high school, I participate in the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) and National Honor's Society (NHS) programs. I'm motivated to lead by example and authenticity, I have also modeled, sung, and am also into fashion, art, playing sports such as Track and Football, and I work with the youth at my job and outside of jobs and overall aid my community whenever I have the possibility to. I love the topics of engineering, art, music, fashion and many more things! I want to go off to college soon to study engineering in hopes to someday start a prosthetic business! As a survivor to a lot of mental health situations, i'm also huge on the topics of mental health and how we should treat each other in our community, and overall how we can learn to better ourselves as people in the best way possible! Therefore that is why I chose to be a TEDX speaker!

Mary-Soledad Garcia

Student

Mary-Soledad Gracia, or just Mary as she is known to her community and peers, is a first-generation immigrant born in Uganda. She is a distinguished student at Ossining High School and a proud member of the Class of 2028. In 2024, Mary was elected by her peers as Student Body President. She is actively involved in the Model United Nations club and attended the National High School Model UN Conferences in New York City earlier this year. She is also a member of the Science Olympiad and Student Council, and she is looking forward to joining the Engineering club in the next school year as well as running for president in the following years. In this TED Talk, Mary confronts the internal and external barriers faced by dreamers today, boldly asserting that you don’t need permission to succeed. Her message is clear: Breaking down barriers to overcome limitations will put you on the track to achieve your dreams.

Maya Cohen

Student

Maya Cohen is a sophomore at Ossining High School. She has been involved in both the drama club and as the event coordinator for her second club, Project Lit. Maya currently holds 2 jobs, as well as starting a babysitting business at the age of 12. She has been practicing karate for nearly 11 years now and has enjoyed being a part of the highly competitive leadership program at her dojo. Maya has been committed to being informed about plastic pollution and its negative effects. She is passionate about education and is graduating from high school early. Maya loves to make everyone smile and extends the greatest appreciation for being offered this opportunity

Mirianny Beltre Bobea

Student

Hi, my name is Mirianny Beltre Bobe. I’m a student at Sleepy Hollow High School, currently transitioning from 11th to 12th grade. I’m someone who stays actively involved in my community in many ways. I use my voice to speak up as a member of the Student Equity Team and the Student Advisory Committee. I also share my perspective and personal journey through leadership roles, like leading the ENL Ambassador Club and participating in the Safe School Ambassador program. These experiences—along with many hours of community service—have helped shape me into the open, outgoing person that I am. As a first-generation Hispanic student from the Dominican Republic, I’m passionate about using my voice and story to shine a light on the challenges non-English speakers face, including language barriers, exclusion, and culture shock.

Oumar Sarr

OHS Teacher

Dr. Oumar Sarr is the My Brother's Keeper Coordinator in the Ossining schools, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting youth development and educational equity. Dr. Sarr is a graduate from Pace University where he received a Masters in Adolescent Education from the School of Education, and a doctoral degree from the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. In addition to his role with the My Brother's Keeper, Dr. Sarr has been teaching French at Ossining High School for 16 years.

Owen Brennen

Student

I am a junior at Ossining High School with experience in leadership roles both in the school and in the community. I have a passion for law, politics, and research. Within the school, I am a member of the Science Research Program; specifically, I am researching negative language on social media and its relationship with adolescents' social media usage. I am also a member of the Mock Trial Team and the starting pitcher on the baseball team. Beyond school, I am involved with local politics as a member of the Westchester Democratic Committee and interned for the Mondaire Jones for Congress Campaign. I hope to pursue a career as a lawyer and remain actively involved in politics, and in my free time, I enjoy watching the Yankees and the Knicks.

Shae Cohen

Student

Hi. My name is Shae Cohen. I am a 17 year old junior here at Ossining High School. My presentation is on Neurodivergency in early childhood education. I chose this topic because I grew up unaware of my own neurodivergence until I was 15 and diagnosed with autism, and after that, a handful of other neurodivergent disorders.