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).

Jill Solberg Performing Arts Center
1999 Prarie City Road
Folsom, California, 95630
United States

Angela Joy

Student

Angela is an ambitious, hardworking, and creative freshman at Folsom High School. She is passionate about technology and its real-world applications. She is eager to explore the countless possibilities that technology offers for the future and is committed to expanding her knowledge about the field. In her spare time you can find her reading, spending time with close ones, or being around her pets.

Dhanya Papanasa

Student

Dhanya is a current freshman attending Folsom High school. She is extremely interested in working in the medicine industry. She can be found competing at Speech & Debate competitions. Dhanya also happens to be an extremely passionate dancer. Her weekend's are filled with volunteering at her language school, hanging out with family and friends, shopping and not to mention procrastinating over her homework.

Donna Walters

Teacher & Excecutive Director of College eSports

Donna "BasicTaq" Walters is an award-winning founder and Executive Director of College Esports, a nonprofit focused on promoting project-based learning through video games. She is also a co-founder of the California Esports Association, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering educators to create sustainable, engaging, and inclusive esports and video game programs. She has partnered with organizations such as the City of Rancho Cordova, University of the Pacific, and more to develop impactful esports initiatives. A frequent speaker at national conferences, Donna shares her expertise in both esports and higher education as a speaker, moderator, panelist, and event host. Recently, she joined Folsom High School as a Computer Science teacher, using her expertise in online spaces to inspire students through career-building opportunities that connect with their interests and technology-based experiences. For more insights into her work, check out her interview on the Gamers Change Lives.

Hansi (Henry) Lin

Student

Hansi (Henry) Lin is a junior who transferred to Folsom High School from China recently. He was the grade leader and student council president at his previous school. Additionally, he has joined the volunteering program at Folsom History Museum. Henry loves golf, vocal music, and hosting; he has won over 40 championships in golf competitions and currently sings in the school chamber choir. As a student who has experienced two distinct educational systems, he has developed a unique perspective on the impact of cultural and academic environments on personal growth and ambition. Motivated by a desire to challenge traditional notions of success, he encourages others to pursue their true passions beyond scores and rankings, aiming to inspire change through self-awareness and innovation.

Julia Nicholson

Author

Julia Nicholson’s life is a masterclass in resilience and determination. Raised in a military family of six hovering just above the poverty line, Julia grew up with big dreams—but life threw her curveballs that shattered those dreams. After surviving a near-fatal car accident at 18, she faced countless challenges, including rebuilding her life as a divorced single mother of two young children. Against all odds, Julia rose to become the first female CEO of MPI, a multibillion-dollar entertainment company in Hollywood. Along the way, she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, founded a successful consulting business, and became a bestselling author of the award-winning book Move Forward Stronger. Her story has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and Business Insider. Julia is passionate about equipping people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.

Junyi (Alice) Chen

Student

Junyi (Alice) Chen is a current junior at Folsom High. She is an active member and officer of the Model UN Club in FHS, an English teacher and board member of non-profit organization Eon English, a swimmer, and a pipa player. Outside of school, Alice also enjoys reading, painting, taking pictures, and doing crafts. Through TedxFolsom High Youth 2025, Alice hopes to bring to light the power of acceptance, through accepting ourselves and accepting others.

Rhea Michael

Student

Rhea Michael is currently a junior at Folsom High School. She has always been interested in piano and has been playing since she was a child. During this performance, she encourages the audience to embrace themselves in the melodic tunes. Take this moment to feel and reflect upon your life. Outside of piano, she is interested in pursuing astrobiology as well as engineering.

Samara Shaheen

Student

Samara Shaheen is a freshman at Folsom High School. She has been in Hands4Hope, a community service club, for three years, and has been treasurer and vice president of the club. She has earned 150+ service hours through organizing and participating in many fundraisers for non profit organizations, such as a carnival held last year for a nonprofit called WeEmbrace, and has won the National President’s Volunteer Service Award twice in recognition for her work. She was also a part of the Speech and Debate team in middle school, and has participated in many tournaments. Passionate about science, math, English, and reading, Samara hopes to do something in the future that combines her academic interests with her leadership philosophy.

Shohini Chakraborty

Student

Shohini Chakraborty is currently a senior at Folsom High School whose dream is to reach people around the globe with her music. She has been singing since she was four years old. She loves listening to artists worldwide and is often awed by different cultures and their music. She has sung in more than ten different languages and continues to explore more. Shohini is the winner of the very prestigious YoungArts 2024 in Voice - Popular category and has qualified for the 2024 All-State Honor Choir where she participated in February 2024. She also had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Kings Game in the Golden 1 Center, the River Cats Minor league games at Sutter Health park and at the Homeless World Cup Street Soccer, 2023 at the Sac State Hornet Stadium - an international event. Shohini is also a songwriter and producer and has released an EP and two albums which are now on all music-streaming platforms.

Shruthika Nunna

Student

Shruthika Nunna is a current Junior at Folsom High School. She has been practicing Bharatanatyam since the age of 4 years old. She has won numerous awards such as the 2021 World Dancers International Dance Contest and the California Telugu Samithi 2023 competition. She is also working on her degree in Bharatanatyam by Sampada. Shruthika enjoys learning about classical dance forms as a way to connect to her roots and discover more about her culture.