Abygail Schafir-Mendez
Avid Listener & Learner
Abygail Schafir-Mendez is 17 years old and is hoping to pursue a career in forensic science as an FBI Agent. Although not seemingly related to her path, she is an active advocator for both students and adults alike to pursue the idea of public speaking in order to better understand society and all the complex ideas that make it so unique. Through political speeches, social speeches, or even just speaking to the general public, she believes that people may better themselves by listening and understanding the world around them, the good and the bad.
Fabian Rodriguez
Dreamer + aspiring lawyer
As a high school freshman with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, Fabian is passionate about becoming a lawyer. He is passionate about public speaking and enjoys sharing his experiences to help others. Through his own reflections, he highlights the importance of embracing life's challenges and finding strength through self-awareness and growth. Fabian hopes that by sharing his journey, others can feel empowered to face their own obstacles and learn from them.
Kristen Agudelo
Writer
Kristen Agudelo is an avid reader with a passion for both writing and analyzing literature. She enjoys examining the intricacies of works throughout the entire spectrum from the novels of Jane Austen to the newest Disney fairy tales. Her achievements include several awards for her original plays, The Half of Me and Ángeles Maracayeros. Kristen lives in Miami, Florida and hopes to continue doing the thing she loves: writing.
Nicolas Batista
Speaker + Dreamer
Nicolas Batista is an 18-year-old speaker and founder of The Doral Speech & Debate Initiative, the first public speaking and debate club in his school’s history. As a Brazilian immigrant, he blends speech, music, and entrepreneurship to empower others and create space for self-expression. Whether performing, leading discussions, or mentoring peers, Nicolas uses words to inspire change. He plans to study political science and business to continue building platforms that elevate voices and ideas.
Sahara Idler
Life Long Learner
Sahara Idler is a lifelong learner with a deep passion for discovery. She finds inspiration in the world around her, always seeking new knowledge and experiences that expand her perspective. Whether she's diving into a new film, exploring different cultures, or immersing herself in the melodies that move her, Sahara believes that learning is a journey with no limits. Passionate about the power of interpretation, she delves into the theme of subjectivity, sparking conversations that encourage others to see the world through new and diverse lenses.
Sofia Bances
Nonprofit Founder + Student Researcher
Sofia Bances is a 17-year-old with a passion for learning in both the classroom and in her everyday world. With a passion for neuroscience, she's a student researcher looking at how behavior affects our society. She is also a competitive ballroom dancer with a nonprofit organization that introduces hospitalized children to ballroom dancing. Having lived through two shootings in her area, she shares findings that indicate that mental health may be a significant factor behind school shootings, but society's behavior towards those struggling may be more significant.