TEDxYSE was brought to you by:

Caraleigh Holverson – Speaker Coordinator, Promotion, Volunteers

Caraleigh is currently working at Ashoka’s Youth Venture to build stronger networks between young social entrepreneurs around the United States.

I am: a scholar, wordsmith, facilitator, planner, consciousness-raiser, INFJ, life-long Model UN nerd, and a Scorpio

Talk to me about: graduate fellowships, international development, feminist critique, Chicago, mentorship, tutoring, the power of networks and communities, and the beauty of failure

I’m passionate about: social entrepreneurship, public service, gender justice, politics, and cooking – especially local/sustainable/delicious food

If I didn’t do what I do, I would be a writer, a dreamer, a boulanger in a little Parisian neighborhood, an alternative medicine practitioner, or a donor aid coordinator at a UN agency

People don’t know that I’m good at… supporting others to reach higher.

I’m a changemaker because I pour my energy and my passion into public service for a better world.

An idea worth spreading: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato.  We all have our own challenges; empathy and collaboration are essential, and lead us to enlightened solutions.

Favorite TED talks: Aimee Mullins: The opportunity of adversity, Derek Sivers: How to start a movement, Dan Barber: Foie gras parable, Hans Rosling: New insights on poverty

Romina Laouri – Lead Licensee, Sponsors and Partners

Romina is currently working at Ashoka’s Youth Venture leading its global efforts to support young changemakers in the launch and sustainability of their community benefiting social ventures.

I am: connector, young professional, idea generator, change-agent, adventurer, personal shopper, foodie, global citizen

Talk to me about: innovation, structured dialogue, change, conflict resolution, wicked problems, Cyprus, books, chocolate, ideas, young people creating change, your wardrobe, your life

I’m passionate about: peace movements, social change, travel, writing, reading, dancing, swimming, friendship, TEDtalks, imagination, enjoying life

If I didn’t do what I do, I would be a psychologist, full-time writer and poet, explorer, astronomer, food critic, life mentor

People don’t know that I’m good at… solving all kinds of problems

I’m a changemaker because I make peoples’ ideas a reality

An idea worth spreading: It’s ok if it takes you a while to figure out your path and role in the world

Favorite TEDtalks: Jane McGonical: Gaming can make a better world, LXD Performance, Elif Shafak: The politics of fiction, Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids, Hillel Cooperman: Legos for grownups, Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity, Dan Barber: How I fell in love with a fish

Twitter: @RominaL

Sarah Brooks – Event Production, Marketing, In-kind donations

Sarah is currently working with Ashoka’s Youth Venture in marketing and communications to raise awareness about the power of young changemakers and to inspire others to create change

I am: changemaker, artist, rower, dreamer, goofy, in love with the potential of the future

Talk to me about: social entrepreneurship, social media, interactive design, rowing, music, creativity, Ghana, Maine, adventures, creating movements, you

I’m passionate about: social change, the power of stories, user experiences, being outdoors, cooking, interior design, graphic design, dancing, live music

If I didn’t do what I do, I would be an interactive designer, career or college counselor, rowing coach, ski instructor

People don’t know that I’m good at… bringing people together

I’m a changemaker because I create tools and experiences that influence the world for better

An idea worth spreading: We can change the world by changing how we communicate with each other

Favorite TED talks: Coming soon!

Grayson Caldwell - Speaker Coordinator, In-kind donations

Grayson is currently working at Ashoka’s Youth Venture as a fall associate on the TEDxYSE event.

I am: changemaker, foodie, idealist, vegetarian, outdoorsy

Talk to me about: international development, Malawi, traveling, concerts, Spain

I’m passionate about: music, sustainable products, Spanish, children, making a difference

If I didn’t do what I do, I would be a doctor, an ambassador for UNICEF, owner of a farm to table restaurant

People don’t know that I’m good at…listening to others.

I’m a changemaker because I listen to people’s ideas and help facilitate these dreams into reality.

An idea worth spreading: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
- Henry David Thoreau

Favorite TED talks: William Kamkwamba: How I harnessed the wind, Sejal Hathi: Empowering Girl Changemakers

Lauren Viehbacher – Social Media

Lauren is currently working at Ashoka’s Youth Venture as a fall associate on the TEDxYSE event.

I am: reader, changemaker, foodie, planner, rider, third-culture-kid

Talk to me about: social entrepreneurship, international politics, travel, France, history, horse-riding, Asia, sunflowers

I’m passionate about: social change, horse-riding, cooking, being outdoors, languages

If I didn’t do what I do, I would be a horse-riding instructor, UN aid worker, book store owner in a medieval European town, children’s book author

People don’t know that I’m good at… seeing both sides of an argument

I’m a changemaker because I listen and encourage

An idea worth spreading: Be kind to all, and cultivate cultural understanding

Favorite TED talks: Coming soon!