Introducing a different perspective of music

Chandra Gangavarapu '21, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

10:05 AM - 10:15 AM

Chandra is a current senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. Some fun facts about Chandra are that she is the founder and president of Music Box Project, an Indian Classical trained dancer, and a violinist. She was inspired by a TEDx talk given by an Indian singer, which helped change how she viewed productivity. While not giving away too much, Chandra’s talk focuses on music and how it can positively unite communities. With this talk, she hopes to connect with others who share a passion for music and mental health awareness. She is excited to speak at a TEDx event because she thinks it is important to reach as many people as possible when spreading her new ideas. We hope you are as excited as us about hearing Chandra’s TEDx Talk!

Solving for Forte

Shailushi Baxi Ritchie 08, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

10:19 AM - 10:30 AM

Shailushi is an Illinois Math and Science Academy alumni who has started her own consulting business to help non-profits. She helps various non-profits ranging from social justice, domestic violence, abortion access, and more!Some of her hobbies include being with her partner and 2children, taking spinning classes, kick-boxing and being physically active, and cooking. Without giving away too many details, Shailushi plans to tie in the idea of strength and following your dreams throughout her TEDx talk. She plans to discuss what this process can feel like on a personal level and how you can live your best life. We cannot wait to hear Shailushi’s TEDx Talk and we hope you’re excited as well!

My first lie

AnneMarie Bacon '22, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

10:43 AM - 10:54 AM

Annemarie is a current junior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. A few of her hobbies include playing tennis, going to the gym, reading, writing, and art. Annemarie believes that TEDxYouth@IMSA is important because it allows students to shine a light on topics important to them by speaking from personal experiences. Without giving too much away, Annemarie’s talk was inspired by how she realized that mental health was an unaddressed issue on most campuses. She believes the more genuine TEDx talks are, the better they will be because it is the easiest to write about something when it directly pertains to you. We hope you are all also excited to hear Annemarie's TEDx Talk!

Don’t let racism stop you!

Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

11:08 AM - 11:20 AM

Dr. White is a faculty member at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. She has been at IMSA since 2008 and has held the position of a science teacher and is also the PROMISE director, programs offered to seventh to ninth graders which aim to offer activities and instructions in math and science. Dr. White advocates for diversity and education for all. She hopes to increase the number of minority and CLED students and to increase the number of students applying to the PROMISE program. We are very excited to hear Dr. White’s TEDx Talk and we hope you are excited too!

TedxYouth@IMSA Talk

Shawon Jackson '11, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

11:31 AM - 11:45 AM

Shawon is an Illinois Math and Science Academy alumni who is deeply passionate about social justice and education. Some of his hobbies include dancing (Hip-Hop, Bachata, and Merengue Salsa), chatting with friends, and reading. Shawon has started an education non-profit for undervalued high school kids to have an opportunity to advocate for social justice, and while doing this he realized that education holds a lot of power. Shawon emphasizes that it is important for youth to raise awareness for others and to speak up about the real world to make a difference. While at IMSA, Shawon was heavily involved in leadership and he still is today. He has centered his work around marginalized groups, such as the Latinx community. We are so excited to hear Shawon’s Tedx Talk and we hope you are too!

Beyond the Barre: the neurological foundations within ballet's culture of neurotic perfectionism

Ariela Asllani '22, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

11:45 AM - 11:58 AM

Ariela is a current junior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. She is heavily involved in IMSA campus activities, such as Eastern European Club, Gender Equality Now, Dance Team, Writing Center Tutor, and more. She is excited to see how TEDx’s event will come together and hear her fellow peers speak! Ariela is beyond excited for this opportunity to express her words and experiences to let others know they’re not alone. Without giving away any secrets, Ariela’s talk will focus on ballet and the stigma within dance. Throughout the writing process, she often searched for resources about girls speaking up against vulnerability and took the time to reflect on ending the silence. Her primary focus is on calling out what is lurking in the darkness to break the stigma. We cannot wait to hear Ariela’s TEDx Talk!