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).

QDHS Auditorium
No.3233, Hongxin Road, Minhang, Shanghai
First floor
Shanghai, Shanghai, 201101
China

Aileen Qi

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2025

I am a community-based storyteller who is not just in documenting facts but in telling stories that bridge perspectives and connect people. We often lose touch with the surrounding communities in a world that thrives on speed and efficiency. My journey has been seeking my "voice" through the camera lens. During this path, I encountered "Buy42," a charitable store that resonated deeply with me. It's altruistic projects, and inclusive spirit stirred something profound within. Through documentary filmmaking, I strive to dismantle stereotypes surrounding the "disabled community," to weave narratives that foster connection and understanding.

Alex Mao

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

I am Alex, a grade 11 student from Qibao Dwight and an advocate for minority voices. Through the process of exploring different perspectives, I have come to realize the value of underappreciated voices and why they deserve to be heard. For example, the voices of elderly people in our rapidly aging society often remain a taboo subject for many. I hope this speech will encourage people to shift their perspectives, respect and listen to the ideas of older adults, and appreciate the valuable messages they have to share.

Brittany Johnston

English Teacher from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School

Brittany Johnston is from a small suburban town in Ontario, Canada. She completed a BA in English and Sociology at Queen’s University (in Canada, not Ireland) and has an education degree from the University of Western Ontario. She began her teaching career here in Shanghai, working for two years in Jinshan District and then moving to the city proper where she has lived for the past two years. As an educator, she tries to foster a love of learning by guiding students to apply and extend what they have learned through a variety of activities and projects. Outside of the classroom, you may find her meandering through the streets of Shanghai in search of a good cup of coffee; or exploring the world and China through food at one of the many excellent restaurants in the city.

Elisia Wang

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

Elisia Wang is an enthusiastic and open-minded explorer who maintains a strong curiosity and passion for discovering the world. She has a deep interest in both the sciences, such as chemistry and mathematics, enjoying the precision of logical reasoning and analytical thinking, and the humanities, particularly history and culture, seeking to understand the world from multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary passion allows her to find a unique balance between rational analysis and humanistic reflection. Beyond the classroom, traveling is an essential part of her exploration. She enjoys observing and reflecting in unfamiliar destinations, embracing the diversity of the world, listening to different stories, and growing through cultural and scenic experiences. She has also been actively involved in TEDx for three consecutive years—working behind the scenes as an organizer in the first two years, and this year, stepping onto the stage as a speaker.

Leo Zhi

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High Schoo, Class of 2025

My name is Leo Zhi, and I am about to graduate from Qibao Dwight to continue my academic journey in Ithaca. I am energetic, cheerful, and optimistic, and I enjoy both collaboration and competition. I love using science and engineering to solve real-world problems while embracing my own creative ideas. In addition to my interests in mathematics, computer science, and engineering, I am also passionate about literature, history, and philosophy. I have a wide range of hobbies, including video games, badminton, long-distance running, playing drums, chess, and video editing. My greatest talent is finding joy in the mundane and hope in disappointment. My favorite kind of weather is a sunny day with a gentle breeze.

Lisa Guo

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

Lisa Guo is a thinker and introverted explorer who is concerned about social issues. She observes the pain, weakness and suffocation of people around. She hopes to use psychology and sociology as prisms to dissect the collective symptoms of modern people's mental dilemma: social depression. When structural oppression erodes thel iving space of individuals, she chooses to cultivate a new symbiotic relationship: neither blindly confrontation nor passive escape, but builds a own safe zone deep in our hearts. She hopes that through this speech, to give power to the lost; and tells everyone that the reason we feel so powerless and sad is because we are flesh-and-blood, people.

Serena Zhang

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

Hi everyone, I'm Serena Zhang Sirui, a student in my second year of high school. I've always dreamed of starting my own social media account to share my thoughts on social issues or record my life and so on. However, the reality is that for the past 17 years, I've been a "silent" user on social media because I'm afraid of all the noise out there. I've found that I'm not alone. "Cyberbullying" is a social problem of our generation that needs to be known by more people and efforts should be made to improve it. Everyone's voice deserves to be heard!

Sky Niu

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

I’m Sky Niu, someone in deep love with humanity and the world around us. In an era where algorithms and emotions gradually become inseparable, AI technology makes our understanding of love, gender, and identity increasingly nuanced yet ambiguous. Is love an intangible mystery portayed by lyrics and poetry, or a quantitative product of biological instincts and hormonal reactions? Encoded gender expectations and quantified emotional paradigms are reshaping the identity coordinates of our generation. In my talk, I aim to explore, through neuroscience and Science, Technology, and Society perspectives, the human biases and limited viewpoints embedded within AI-generated voices, and their potential impacts on us. Only by doing so can we better safeguard our essence of humanity amidst the turbulence of technology.

Tingru Liu

Math Teacher from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School

I’m Tingru Liu, a math teacher and a dog owner. To me, my dog is not just a pet but a beloved family member. Her silent companionship has taught me that love and care can be wordless yet incredibly powerful. That’s why I’ve chosen to take the TEDx stage with my talk, “Giving Voice to the Voiceless,” where I’ll share my thoughts and call for action on animal protection. In this world, many animals cannot speak for themselves or express their pain and needs. Through this talk, I hope to inspire more people to respect and care for all lives, ensuring that every living being is seen and protected. As an educator, I firmly believe that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about spreading love and responsibility. Let’s join hands to give voice to those who cannot speak and bring more warmth and hope to this world. I look forward to meeting you on the TEDx stage and raising our voices together for life!

Zoe Chen

Student from Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Class of 2026

Hi everyone! I’m an idealist who loves to explore, try new things, and stay curious about life. I think getting to know myself is a fun and ongoing journey, so I enjoy learning about who I am through conversations with others and moments of self-reflection. In my free time, I love watching dramas and movies—getting lost in different stories and seeing the world from new perspectives. I also enjoy traveling, visiting new places, and experiencing different cultures. Every trip teaches me something new about the world and about myself. Today, I want to share some simple tips that have helped me feel more confident. I hope my experiences can offer you something useful, and through this speech, I’d love for you to get to know a version of me who truly enjoys life and isn’t afraid to try new things!