The 2026 TEDxChavisWay Youth is a celebration of young people grounded in their identities, communities, and cultures, while boldly stretching toward new ideas, possibilities, and impact.
This year’s speakers and performers represent a dynamic cross-section of student leaders, artists, advocates, scientists, storytellers, and change-makers from across North Carolina and beyond. From public policy to poetry, neuroscience to sustainability, restorative justice to cultural dance, each participant brings a perspective shaped by where they come from — and a vision for where they hope we can go.
Together, they embody what it means to be rooted in purpose and reaching toward transformation. Explore their bios below and meet the young voices shaping our present and future.
Host
Shreeya Pande is a student at Green Level High who believes every voice can shape communities. An avid speaker inspired by business, law, and cinematography, she leads with empathy and advocacy. After speaking at 2025 TEDxYouth@ChavisWay, she’s delighted to return to co-host, guiding new speakers and their transformative ideas forward.
Speakers
Aliza Gill is a freshman at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She is a curious student and lifelong learner passionate about growth, perspective, and intentional thinking. Actively engaged in advanced academics and extracurriculars, she enjoys exploring complex ideas and sharing thoughtful youth insights that challenge assumptions and encourage broader understanding.
Anvi Mathur is an IB junior at Enloe High School, passionate about public policy and its intersection with youth restorative justice. She serves as a Poe Youth Empowerment Leader, SHAC Youth Representative, Teen Health Advisory Council Member, and Executive Student Council, advancing youth–adult partnerships and prevention initiatives in her community.
Avani Bharadwaj is a humanities-focused student from Mysore, Karnataka, interested in law, business, and public service. An avid reader, she thrives in debate and mock competitions, hoping to work in international law. Always dancing, self-taught in hip hop and commercial, she learns music production, plays piano and guitar, explores theatre, fundraises.
Beau Combopiano is a junior at Green Level High school, where she serves as Debate Captain, Class President, and leader of the Leadership Academy. She is passionate about the future of Generation Z, and is excited to have the opportunity to share at the upcoming TEDx event.
Elise Roberts is a junior at Enloe high school She has a deep love for music especially pop, and R&B, Elise is passionate about exploring how everyday experiences shape identity and perspective, which fuels her interest in storytelling and public speaking. Through her work and ideas, she hopes to spark thoughtful conversations about culture, individuality, and the ways young people influence the future.
Kessler Dickerson is a sophomore at Millbrook High School driven by youth voice, social justice, and agricultural advocacy. As an FFA officer, 4-H club co-leader, presbytery youth council member, and more, he serves as an advocate and leader using collaboration to empower peers and strengthen community connections.
Kevin Agyemang is a junior at The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. Passionate about developing a strong interdisciplinary mindset, Kevin has worked to address sustainability issues through academic research, community concerns through public advocacy, and to lead initiatives both in and out of school that uplift minorities and youth. Driven by a desire to merge academia, policy, and service, he seeks to create practical solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity. When he’s not conducting research or building community-centered projects, Kevin is learning French, watching thrillers, and spending time with friends and family.
Mansib Sacheha, a junior at Green Hope High School, is an aspiring healthcare professional and public health advocate. From speaking before the Raleigh City Council to leading within his school community through Student Council, he embodies intellectual curiosity and impactful leadership.
Maya Sprenger Gonzalez is a fifth grade student at Olive Chapel Elementary School. She is passionate about protecting the planet and helping others. When she’s not learning at school, Maya enjoys gymnastics, the performing arts, meeting new people, and traveling with her family.
Nupoor Ambardekar is a sophomore at Green Hope High School who is deeply interested in affective neuroscience in adolescence. She’s also passionate about writing, and hopes to someday empower others facing mental health struggles through her words. If she’s not attempting to study, she’ll probably be listening to music, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
Oleksandr Havrylyuk is a student-athlete and student leader at Panther Creek High School. After immigrating from Ukraine and rebuilding his life more than once, he focuses on connection, resilience, and service. Through leadership and athletics, he encourages young people to grow, take risks, and make meaningful impact.
Performers
Aditi Ediga is a junior at Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. Aditi is passionate about mental health and digital wellness. She writes national columns and serves on a town advisory board. Aditi is also a Bharatanatyam dancer, promoting cultural awareness. With storytelling, Aditi wants to bridge the gap between healing and art.
Lithemba Ncaca is a South African born Xhosa American, who is currently enrolled at J. D. Clement Early College High School. As an avid soccer player, he is no stranger to competition which has directly transferred to his poetry. A 2025 Poetry Out Loud State Finalist, writing and performing his poetry is probably his happiest place outside of a soccer field. His brand of poetry is deeply introspective while also offering much insight to not only his experiences but also his glance through his eyes.