Theme: Human Behavior

TEDx ASM Youth is an independently organized TED event that will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 in the auditorium of the American School of Madrid.
This year’s theme, “Human Behavior,” will explore the ways we think, connect, and interact in our ever-changing world. From culture and family to fashion and technology, our speakers—students, teachers, and parents—will share their unique perspectives and ideas worth spreading. By examining these human behaviors, ASM will foster greater empathy and collaboration in diverse settings, ultimately enriching our global school community.
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, innovation, and meaningful conversations as we celebrate the power of ideas to shape our community and beyond.

American School of Madrid
3 Calle América
Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, 28224
Spain

Aileen Na Hyun Hwang

Student

Aileen Hwang is an 11th-grade student who recently moved from South Korea to Spain. Deeply passionate about neuroscience and psychology, Aileen is fascinated by how cognitive processes influence identity, behavior, and human connection. She is particularly interested in emerging technologies that blur the boundaries between biology and machines and how they may redefine the human experience.

Alejandro & Andrés Restrepo Gómez

Audiovisual director and equine therapist / Psychologist

Alejandro and Andrés Restrepo Gómez are brothers united by a shared mission to reconnect people with nature and their true selves. Andrés, a trained psychologist, transitioned from the business world to a career in personal development, leading self-knowledge workshops rooted in deep introspection and human connection. Alejandro is an award-winning audiovisual director and equine therapist who blends ancestral wisdom with modern storytelling. Together, they offer a unique perspective that bridges psychology, nature, and emotional healing.

Angela Gomez Montoya

Endeavor Entrepreneur

Angela Gomez Montoya is the co-founder of Envoys, a global education organization that designs transformative learning experiences for students around the world. Born in Colombia with Austrian heritage, she earned her master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and spent many years living in Boston before settling in Madrid. A passionate traveler, mother of two, and Endeavor Entrepreneur, Angela believes that mindset shapes how we face challenges—and that we often have more agency than we think. Her mantra, “The rain is our fault,” reflects a belief in ownership, responsibility, and the power of perspective.

Daniel Sheth

Student

Daniel Sheth is a 12th-grade student who has lived in Spain for six years. With plans to study mechanical engineering, he is passionate about innovation and the future of space exploration. Daniel works as an analyst at the space venture capital firm E2MC, where he researches pioneering companies that are reshaping how we engage with space. His deep interest in science, technology, and the intersection of policy drives his long-term ambition to work in the space industry.

David Sandler

Student

David Sandler is an 11th-grade student with a keen interest in psychology, technology, and how digital design influences human behavior. Fascinated by attention as a resource, he studies how platforms are engineered to hijack focus and how that affects mental performance. David advocates for reclaiming attention through intentional living and disciplined digital habits.

Laney Bartos

Student

Laney Bartos is a 10th-grade student with a deep love for literature, music, and global affairs. A dedicated member of the MUN and Speech & Debate teams, Laney also plays multiple instruments and performs in the school's music ensembles. Her interests lie at the intersection of emotional intelligence and storytelling, and she hopes to pursue studies in international relations and English with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, writer, and diplomat.

Mikel Garcia Mondragon

Student

Mikel Garcia Mondragon is a 10th-grade student, originally from Mexico. A dedicated student and community member, he is actively involved in the French and National Honor Societies, the student council, MUN, and the Red Cross. Beyond academics, Mikel is a passionate athlete who competes in tennis and enjoys golf. He has also co-founded clubs and is always driven by his entrepreneurial spirit. Mikel plans to pursue a future in business or finance, combining innovation with a drive to make meaningful change.

Paula Serrano Lizarralde

Student

Paula Serrano is an 11th-grade student with a passion for fashion, philosophy, and creative self-expression. Her curiosity about the concept of free will and personal identity led her to explore how trends influence our choices. Paula designs and sews her own clothing, seeking authenticity in a world shaped by fast fashion and digital influence. She is also an active participant in the National Honour Society, theater, and MUN, and she helped organize this year’s TEDx ASM Youth event.

Roque & Cosme Lavín Delgado

Students

Brothers Roque and Cosme Lavín Delgado are 9th and 10th-grade students with a strong passion for golf, academics, and personal growth. Both are highly competitive athletes who have played golf at national and international levels. Through years of experience on the course, they’ve come to realize that success in golf—and life—relies more on mental strength than technical skill. Their commitment to excellence, combined with a shared competitive spirit, fuels their desire to improve constantly.

Vasilisa Stoliarova

Student

Vasilisa Stoliarova is a 9th-grade student with a strong passion for public speaking, politics, and philosophy. She is an ambitious student who has often prioritized academic and extracurricular success over personal well-being. Her journey through perfectionism has given her powerful insights into self-compassion, balance, and the emotional toll of striving for unattainable standards.