In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Whitney High School
16800 Shoemaker Avenue
Cerritos, California, 90703
United States

Aneesh Vasishta

Student

Aneesh Vasishta is an eighth grader studying at Whitney High School. He pursues his dreams in the STEAM field. Aneesh is a talented musician who regularly gives performances locally. He is also part of his school’s robotics club, being the Head Programmer of his robotics team. He is also part of his school’s middle school science olympiad team. In his free time, Aneesh loves to race R.C. cars, learn astrophysics, build legos, and (try) to play the guitar. He is also an avid car enthusiast. Aneesh’s TED talk idea focuses on preserving cultural heritage through music seasons, emphasizing how music connects generations and keeps traditions alive. Through his talk, he hopes to inspire communities to celebrate and sustain their musical legacies.

Angelina Pendleton-Mendez

Student, Performer

Angelina Pendleton-Mendez is a sophomore at Orange County School of the Arts, where she studies in the Popular Music Conservatory and performs with Montage, the school’s performance ambassador group. In her TEDx Talk, “Living Fearlessly on the Edge: Embracing Seasons of Change,” she shares how she has turned life’s challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and advocacy. A passionate performer, Angelina uses her voice to inspire—whether singing in advocacy-driven ensembles, raising funds for organizations like CHOC Hospital, or creating short films and PSA's that empower Hispanic women and youth. She has performed on America’s Got Talent and at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, The Forum, and the Hollywood Bowl. When she’s not on stage, she loves to eat sushi or rock climb.

Brayden Go

Student

Brayden Go is a sophomore at Whitney High School who finds joy in creating, whether through drawing—something he has been passionate about since the age of four—or designing graphics as Commissioner of Publicity for ASB. As a runner in cross country and track and field, he understands the value of perseverance, both on and off the course. Beyond school, he teaches art at his local church and actively participates in SEASA and Club Kaibigan, celebrating his cultural roots. Tonight, Brayden will speak about “embracing seasons”—navigating change, growth, and the natural rhythms of life.

Fouzia Usman

Entrepreneur

Fouzia Usman is a passionate entrepreneur, mother of three, certified NLP practitioner, and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She is also a full-time Software Engineer and a visionary dedicated to inspiring excellence in families worldwide. As the founder of Ummah Stars and Muslim Nation Builders, Fouzia has developed transformative platforms that empower parents to raise children who excel in character, purpose, and leadership. Her work focuses on fostering values-driven living, strong moral foundations, and a sense of responsibility to create a positive impact in the world. Her journey exemplifies how a clear vision and determination can ignite meaningful change. Fouzia believes that excellence isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Through her programs, she and her team have helped families across the globe embrace a culture of excellence, raising confident, purpose-driven children ready to lead with integrity.

Helena Donato-Sapp

Student, Activist, and Youth Poet Laureate

Helena Donato-Sapp is a sophomore at Orange County School of the Arts. She is a globally award-winning activist in disability justice, a youth scholar with multiple books and journal articles, and the youngest Commissioner in Long Beach where she is a member of the inaugural Commission for Women and Girls. She is also the Youth Poet Laureate of Long Beach, a Los Angeles County Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, and a Runner-Up for the Youth Poet Laureate of the Western Region of the U.S. Her talk combines the two passions of disability rights and inclusion and her love of poetry.

Joy Green

Global Meditation Leader, Bestselling Author and Transformational Coach

What if you didn’t have to wait to be happy? What if it wasn’t something that just happens to you—but something you could create, anytime, anywhere? Global Meditation Leader, Bestselling Author and Transformational Coach Joy Green is an advocate for change. She specializes in working with youth in the foster care system, and educational organizations like the Fulfillment Fund, to provide mentorship and a stable support system. Joy's here to share a powerful truth and change the way you think about happiness. In her TEDxWhitney talk, she’s breaking down the secret to unlocking joy—no matter what life throws your way. With real-life stories, surprising science, and powerful mindset shifts, she’ll show you how to turn even the toughest moments into opportunities for growth and joy. This isn’t just another talk. It’s a game-changer. If you’re ready to stop waiting for happiness and start creating it, you don’t want to miss this.

Katie Kim

Student

Katie Kim is a junior at Whitney High School who has been involved in TEDxWhitneyHigh since eighth grade—learning about and growing through the process of building a show and stage from various angles over the years. Beyond TEDx, she is also a dedicated member of the Whitney High School Mock Trial team, where she spends hours refining the art of asking the “right” questions. In her free time, she also enjoys writing poetry and observing insects through documentaries, especially if they are about dung beetles. While her respect for STEM is just as strong, her passion for the humanities is undeniable. In her TED talk, she will also talk about the intersectionality of the humanities and STEM in society.

Shravya Sethi

Student

Shravya Sethi is an ambitious and versatile sophomore at Whitney High School. She has a passion for performing—whether it be for dance, music, theater, or to share her ideas with the world. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of nine, she’s overcome a variety of challenges, fueling her dedication for healthcare advocacy. Shravya’s background as a public forum debater and past TEDx speaker has brought her to the stage once more to spark conversations about the current healthcare system and how it affects diabetics nationwide.

Vanshika Khanna

Student

Vanshika Khanna, an 11th grader at Whitney High School, has always been fascinated by psychology and finding ways to help the world in her own way. Whether it's understanding how people think, exploring medicine, or simply overanalyzing life itself, she's always searching for meaning. Sometimes, the best way to do that... is to just stay quiet. A strong believer in mindfulness, she views silence not as a void but as a means to reflect in today's fast-paced world. In her TEDx talk, Season of Silence, Vanshika invites the audience to embrace quiet, a way to find peace in life's chaos.

Xinyi Li

Student

Xinyi Li, a junior at San Marino High School, is passionate about law, politics, and journalism. She runs Democracy Decoded, a platform simplifying political events through objective reporting and interviews. A top-ranked speaker, she has qualified for the Tournament of Champions in debate and is ranked #11 nationally in Moot Court. She also interns under renowned lawyer Christopher Norgaard, gaining hands-on experience in media and law. With a strong foundation in legal argumentation and public speaking, Xinyi thrives in advocacy. In her talk, she will explore the hidden dangers of the “Never Give Up” mentality.