2025’s presenters and performers are a dynamic group of young people who are eager to share their “Stories Beyond Boundaries” on April 12th.
Host
Niko Wiguna is a senior at Green Level High School. As an avid explorer of creative mediums, Niko enjoys choreographing hip-hop dance combos and filming concept videos for his local chocolate business. Having spoken at TEDxYouth@ChavisWay in 2023 and co-hosting in 2024, he is overjoyed to co-host again and mentor this year’s speakers in hopes of tailoring their innovative ideas.
Speakers
Sonia Daptardar, a sophomore at Panther Creek High School, is a passionate advocate for literacy, leadership, and empowerment. Founder of Seeds of Reading, she collaborates internationally to advance literacy efforts. A proud 3 time recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, she hopes to continue making an impact.
Aditi Ediga is a sophomore at Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. With a passion for mental health and cultural arts advocacy she hosts a mental health podcast to encourage open conversations on mental wellness and serves on her town’s Cultural Arts Committee. Aditi is also a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer, promoting cultural awareness and exploring the intersection of culture and mental health stigma.
Christelle Espinosa is a Business Transfer Student at Wake Technical Community College and a first generation Hispanic-American. She blends creativity and leadership in her roles as Social Media Representative for Cosmetology club and Wake Review Magazine. As a proud advocate for education and opportunity, she is a member of DECA and works with Juntos, an organization that promotes Latino youth entering higher education. Christelle is committed to fostering connections and inspiring growth, both in her community and beyond.
Brandon Estevez is a high school junior and the Eastern U.S. Director for the National 4-H Geospatial Team, where he leads innovative initiatives at the intersection of technology, community service, and leadership. Passionate about empowering youth to solve global challenges, Brandon uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to tackle issues like food insecurity and urban development. When he’s not leading workshops or developing partnerships, Brandon is planning his future in civil engineering and urban planning, aiming to create sustainable solutions for communities everywhere.
Ankit Durbha is a freshman at Enloe Magnet High School. He enjoys turning seemingly mundane moments in life into opportunities to learn science, technology, or engineering, and maybe even have some fun along the way. If he’s not building a robot or tinkering with some tech, he’s probably making music on his flute or saxophone.
Mackenzie Fennell is a student at Southeast Raleigh High School. She is passionate about bringing light and positivity into the lives of others. Through her involvement in a girls’ group and as an ambassador for her community, she learned the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and advocating for individuality.
Shailen Fofaria, a junior at Enloe High School, participates in numerous academic and extracurricular activities. Shailen is Junior Class President, President of Enloe’s Academy of Creative Design, and runs varsity Cross Country. His passion is service, which he fosters through work with numerous nonprofits and the startup he co-founded.
Devanshree Jampala, a high school freshman at AFHS, is passionate about Neuroscience and Technology. As a member of her school’s Academy of Engineering, she is committed to exploring innovative solutions in health and science. An active participant in the speech and debate team at her school. Devanshree also plays the flute outside of school, further developing her communication and creative thinking skills. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has achieved excellence in Bharatnatyam, completing her Arangetram and earning recognition in National Competitions. Devanshree holds diplomas from SPMV University in India, demonstrating her dedication to both intellectual and physical disciplines.
Zara Miller is a senior at Durham Academy, passionate about the intersection between environmental policy and diplomacy. She’s a civic intern with a Durham-based organization called Kids Voting Durham, working to engage youth in local, state, and national elections. Zara hopes to become a future US diplomat, and she’s worked in the United States and India on agro-research and food insecurity.
Shreeya Pande is an 8th grader at Mills Park Middle School who uses her passion for public speaking to address real world issues. She aspires to promote the growth of her peers through leadership roles, and believes that communication is key to advocate for herself and others. When she’s not fiddling with her piano and violin, you’ll see her walking her goldendoodle, reading, and daydreaming about the next dish she’ll cook.
Anandhi Selvaraju, a junior at Green Hope High, is a passionate advocate for mental health along with classical Indian dance and music. As secretary of the North Carolina Youth Health Council and founder of Nurture Foundation, she blends creativity with purpose, championing awareness and breaking stigma to empower youth and foster positive change.
Camille Vereen, a junior at JD Clement Early College High School, is a passionate environmental advocate. She manages a native plant garden, serves on the Museum of Life and Science’s Youth Advisory Board, and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. In her free time, she enjoys baking, biking, and playing the piano.
Performers
Karla Gomez is a 13 year old 8th grade student who attends Neuse River Middle School. She loves playing sports and boxing. She would like to be a psychologist or an automotive technician. Karla is here to share her story of being an immigrant here in the United States.
Stephanie Abigail Muñoz Moyeda is a 14 year old eighth grade student at Neuse River Middle School. She likes everything that has to do with fashion. When she grows up, Stephanie plans to be a model. She is here to share the story of what it’s like to be an immigrant teenager in the United States.
Zulma Reyes is a 14 year old eighth grade student at Neuse River Middle School. She loves to play baseball and would like to be a dance teacher or a fashion designer when she is older. Zulma is here to share her story of being an immigrant in the United States.
Jiayin Sun is an 11th grade student at East Chapel Hill High School (ECHHS). She has been learning Chinese martial arts and Tai Chi since she was six years old with her father, who is a Chinese martial arts professor. She has a strong interest and love for Chinese culture, traditional Chinese sports and dance, and has performed at the Ohio State Government, Ohio Asian Festival, Ohio Chinese Festival, etc. She established a Chinese cultural organization with ECHHS as its first base, holding the annual community event Spring Festival Gala in Chapel Hill Community, promoting positive cultural and spiritual exchanges, and inspiring the community and more members of society.