Meet our Speakers

Sora Criz

Event Host

Sora is a junior who defines his high school experience through a unique blend of creativity, a strong technical background, and a deep commitment to his community. At school, he is active in Audio Tech and IT, co-runs the D&D club, and performs with the orchestra.

Beyond the classroom, Sora is an active Scout and a dedicated volunteer who has contributed to humanitarian aid efforts in Cuba with his congregation. Whether he is working with technology or participating in community projects, he enjoys being involved in a variety of hands-on roles. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering with a focus on rocket technology.

Arrita Kelmendi

Speaker

Arrita is a student leader and athlete who believes our greatest insecurities are often our most powerful catalysts for growth. For years, a persistent stutter fueled feelings of fear and inadequacy. However, the challenge of high school public speaking forced a pivotal realization that success isn't defined by the absence of struggle, but by the grit developed while facing it.

A junior deeply committed to community service, Arrita has served as a club president, youth coach, and advocate for congenital heart disease awareness. As an NCTE national essay competitor and Math Department award recipient, she balances academic rigor with a passion for holistic health. Arrita is a dedicated weightlifter and runner who plans to become a registered dietitian to help others prioritize their health before it is taken for granted. By reframing imperfections as mental training grounds, she empowers others to build the resilience necessary to live life to the fullest.

Mary Esther Ng

Speaker

Mary Esther’s talk explores why passion alone cannot sustain social justice movements. After noticing her own childhood enthusiasm for the environment had cooled despite the worsening climate crisis, she began investigating why movements often collapse before they truly flourish. She argues that while inspiration provides the initial spark, a different kind of quiet discipline is required to keep a cause alive. Through her talk, she provides a roadmap for staying deeply engaged even after the early excitement wanes.

A National Merit Finalist and lifelong pianist, Mary Esther has completed RCM Level 8 programming and performs with the ETHS Vocal Jazz program. She also leads the youth worship team at Evanston Vineyard. Looking ahead, she plans to study Neuroscience and Religion at a four-year university to deeper understand the human drive for purpose.

Spencer Obriri

Speaker

Spencer's talk advocates for a Black history curriculum that reaches beyond narratives of oppression to celebrate a vast legacy of achievement. His perspective was transformed by a freshman history teacher who prioritized stories of Black excellence, allowing Spencer to see himself reflected in a positive and successful light for the first time in a classroom setting. He argues that when schools shift their lens toward joy, innovation, and triumph, they provide a more truthful and empowering foundation for every student.

A dedicated leader at ETHS, Spencer has been a member of the Marching Band for four years and serves as a Senior P.E. Leader. His commitment to his community was recognized with the African American Achievement Award during his time at Chute, and he remains an active member of his youth group. Looking ahead, Spencer plans to pursue a degree in Creative Writing to become a children’s author. By specializing in fantasy and sci-fi, he aims to create imaginative worlds that center positive representation for the next generation

Eliana Philippe

Speaker

Eliana's talk challenges the "all-or-nothing" mindset by examining the complex gray areas of identity and justice. Sparked by a fascination with the O.J. Simpson trial, she connects this landmark moment in legal history to her own personal journey navigating the biracial experience. Through these lenses, she argues for the necessity of embracing nuance, not only within our own personal identities, but as a vital framework for how we function as a society.

At Evanston Township High School, Eliana is a Student Ambassador, a soccer player, and a recipient of the Wellness Excellence Award. Outside of school, she works at a local ice cream shop and serves as a tutor for FORA, a Chicago organization that provides refugees with the education necessary to thrive in their new country. Looking ahead, she plans to attend a four-year university to further explore her interests in ethics and philosophy.

Loza Yared

Speaker

Loza's talk explores how true progress is rooted in the power of mutual understanding and the willingness to engage with opposing ideas. Her interest in the art of discourse began with a simple habit: watching online debates to better understand perspectives vastly different from her own. Through this, she realized that while total agreement isn't always possible, the empathy to listen is the only real engine for social change.

At ETHS, Loza is a driving force for equity and community. She serves as an Advisory Board Captain for TeamASAP, an organization dedicated to diversifying AP classes, and is a member of the Mock Trial team and Student Ambassadors. Her passion for storytelling led her to co-found The Scope, a student lifestyle blog and podcast, as well as the Habesha Student Alliance. Outside of school, she regularly volunteers with young children at her local church. Loza plans to attend a four-year university and eventually pursue a career as a prosecutor, where she hopes to apply her dedication to justice and dialogue.

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