TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet Showcases Young Voices Shaping the

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 10, 2025) — TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet returns this fall with a new lineup of young speakers, ages 12 to 24, sharing bold ideas and personal stories that challenge perspectives and inspire action. The live recording will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2025, at the Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education at Meharry Medical College. Admission is free and open to the public with registration required.

Organized under the global TEDx program, TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet offers a platform for emerging voices from across the region to explore how curiosity, courage and creativity can drive change in their communities. This year’s talks span a wide range of topics from the power of American music to the ethics of artificial intelligence, the legacy of family farming, and the pursuit of health equity.

“Pressure can silence creativity. TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet gives youth the space to rise, speak truth and prove that their ideas have the power to change everything,” said event organizer Trenay Perry Bynum, Assistant Professor of Public Relations at Belmont University and founder of Figures of Nashville, Inc.

Speakers for the 2025 event include:

• Addae’ Lane – Media professional and contributor at Halftime Chat, exploring the cultural legacy of music and film.
   
• Jenna Hammoud – Ravenwood High School senior advocating for ethics and inclusion in technology and AI.
   
• Keona Gwinn – Disability advocate and Master of Public Health candidate focused on health equity and community care.
   
• Levia Harvey – Thirteen-year-old seventh-generation farmer cultivating both land and leadership.
   
• Lina Samuel – Rockvale High junior and science innovator empowering peers in healthcare exploration.
   
• Madison Harbour – Central Magnet student leader blending STEM and the arts through advocacy and creativity.
   
• Mahi Nandrey – High school senior exploring how science and empathy shape modern healthcare.
   
• Mondale Dalon Smiley – Faith-driven strategist and Vanderbilt Divinity School M.Div. candidate connecting theology, leadership, and storytelling.
   
• Roderick M. Johnson Jr. – Belmont University student redefining leadership as an evolving journey of authenticity and purpose.
   
• Samisha Kumar – Ravenwood High senior and Potentia360 ambassador uniting business, ethics, and advocacy.
   

For educators, TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet offers a glimpse into how young people are connecting classroom learning to real-world issues. For parents and youth programs, it’s an opportunity to see young leaders take the stage—conquering fears, sharing ideas, and laying the foundation for future change.

The event is presented in partnership with Figures of Nashville, Inc., Maternal Health Excellence Research Center at Meharry Medical College, and Potentia360, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls in technology and leadership.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, November 16, 2025
🕑 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
🎟️ Free and open to the public | Registration required. Register Now

About TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet
TEDxYouth@JeffersonStreet is an independently organized TEDx event licensed by TED. It is designed to amplify youth perspectives and celebrate the power of ideas to transform communities. The program features student speakers, performances, and community partners who believe in the potential of young minds to inspire change.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
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, live speakers and recorded TED Talks combine to spark connection and conversation. These local events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx