- Sepehr Hajizadeh Gashti
Sep is a Quality Engineering and Management Master's student at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and he is driven by a fascination with the human mind and its boundless potential. Fueled by a passion for transformative ideas, Sepehr is dedicated to exploring and sharing concepts that provoke thought and inspire action.
Drawn to the TEDx platform for its commitment to empowering voices and ideas, Sepehr took on the role of Organizer and President at TEDxSIUC. His mission: to create a space where compelling ideas ignite philosophies, spark conversations, and connect minds, ultimately fostering a community of thought leaders and change-makers in the community and beyond.
- Suhas Dantuluri
Suhas is a sophomore at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, enrolled in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences in the undergraduate biological science program. Suhas’ previous work has involved advocacy for underserved populations in healthcare, and he continues to work in aid of bridging the gaps in our current system. Suhas’ involvement in TEDx is driven by a desire to tell interesting stories and give people a platform to be their authentic selves while inspiring others who are on their own unique journeys.
- Jeremiah Stemm
Hello! My name is Jeremiah Stemm and I am a physiology major on the pre-medicine track. I am currently a sophomore at SIU, and I have loved my time here so far! I have joined multiple RSOs, and I love my coursework prepping me for medical school. In my free time outside of class, I enjoy playing chess, various video games, and hanging out with my friends.
I chose to be a part of the organizing team for TEDxSIUC mostly because of my interest in TED. I started gaining interest in middle school when a teacher had the class watch a couple different videos. Now, I enjoy watching them myself, and I frequently find myself scrolling through the different topics that are spoken on. Seeing this organization hosting an event at the college I currently attend was almost a dream come true. I am proud to be on the other side of the event, I love working with all the other team members, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish!
- Sarah Michalak
Sarah Michalak is a current junior in the Aviation Management program at SIU. After giving her TED Talk last year detailing the roots of the pilot shortage and the aviation industry's outdated practices, she was ecstatic to return to the TED scene. This year, she will be serving as a Curator and Speaker Coach, helping bring other speakers through the same process. When she's not working with TEDx, she can be found volunteering at O'Hare International Airport, inline skating at skate parks, or baking with friends.
- Natalie Eves
My name is Natalie Eves I am a freshman majoring in anthropology. I choose to help organize the TED talk because I think TED can share important messages that students otherwise may not be able to hear.
- John Fiagbedu
John is a master’s student majoring in Linguistics at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He is highly interested in Language Acquisition (First and Second) and helping children with communication disorders. Following his recent teaching for an undergraduate course, INTL 301 (Working Internationally), he developed a strong interest in how differences in culture can influence the way language is developed in linguistic and social context. After his BA studies in Linguistics and Chinese, he worked in three financial institutions as a customer service and business developer while building his professional experience that is geared toward providing services to humanity. As a people oriented, he is always passionate about impacting people’s lives by sharing his personal experience with others and he believes that joining TEDx SIUC is a great opportunity to join hands with like-minded people that aims at empowering people through sharing ideas.
- Maxwell Berry
- Rupa Yashaswi Panduga
I am pursuing graduate studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My passion lies in giving back to society and making a difference in the lives around me. As a result, I initiated a project aimed at providing education for underprivileged children living in the slums of India. The project involves the design of a cloud-based classroom and incorporates a cost-effective solution utilizing overlooked technologies such as television and radios. This innovative approach aims to empower children to break free from menial jobs and build a brighter future.
Why Ted? Information and knowledge are powerful and liberating. An idea is the premise of progress in every society and family. TED is the epitome of this idea. It creates an ecosystem in every community with no boundaries. My fervor for fostering community aligns seamlessly with TED's mission. TED is more than just a platform; it's a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions that can shape our world for the better. Hence, I consider working for TEDx as a privilege to take part in delivering something fantastic to our community.
- AJ Rice
- Margaret Krupp
Margaret Krupp is a communication studies major with a public relations specialization and a marketing minor. She is excited to be involved with TEDxSIUC because she wants to be part of the team that showcases "ideas worth spreading" in the Southern Illinois Community.
- Ainaz Fazlfarhadi
Ainaz Fazlfarhadi is a graduate student pursuing a degree in Architecture at Southern Illinois University. With professional experience in architectural design, photography, curation, and personal branding, Ainaz brings a diverse skill set and perspective to the TED team. Driven by a passion for creating positive change, Ainaz is excited to collaborate with other TED members to spread ideas that can build a brighter future.
- Itzel Campos
I lived most of my life in Mexico in my family's hometown. Then, I moved to the US for college, and I am earning a bachelor's in English with a minor in History. Since I can remember I have loved reading, writing, and learning about pretty much everything, especially History. I am quite a curious person. I sometimes write short stories and a long term goal is to publish a novel. I love watching TED talks. I have encountered many interesting and helpful talks that have impacted me personally and academically. It is an honor to have the opportunity to help plan the event, and I hope the speakers will inspire others.
- Jasmine Valadez
- Bethany Peppers | Advisor
