TEDxValenciaHighSchool Student Assistant Director - 2021-22 - BELIEVE

As an “aviation nut” who discovered an interest in medicine in middle school, learning helicopters were used in emergency medicine excited Joshua and became a rabbit hole he dived into. Wanting to know more, Joshua recently had the honor of interviewing Dr. Michael Abernethy, who many consider the nation's expert in this niche field. Joshua's 5 years of participation in the Science Olympiad contrast his love for musical theater. In 11 shows over many summers, the "theater kid" in him emerged! Joshua is the founder of Pressing Issues Publications & Service (www.pipsclub.org), an organization publishing monthly teens' well-being newsletters with its own branch of community service. Looking forward, Joshua aims to pursue an MD/PhD and hope to make an impactful contribution through medical research. A fun fact is that Joshua is a part of the 5% of teens who do not have a cell phone. Joshua is not only a speaker, but acted as Assistant Director/Coordinator for this event.

TEDxValenciaHighSchool Student Assistant Director - 2020-21 Event Cancelled - COVID

Vivian Wang is a freshman at Stanford University and class of 2021 International Baccalaureate diploma graduate from Valencia High School. At Stanford, she plans on studying computer science, communications, Spanish, and Chinese and strives to bridge the gender gap in technology. In college, Vivian has been involved in The Stanford Daily, CS for Social Good, Stanford Women in Business, and the Taiwanese Cultural Society. Seven years ago, Vivian co-founded Linens N Love, a youth-powered nonprofit that collects gently-used hotel linens and repurposes them to shelters and charities in need. As a journalist by day and computer scientist by night, she views storytelling as a way to bring communities together and raise awareness of social issues. Vivian’s work has been recognized by PEOPLE Magazine, Forbes, The Kelly Clarkson Show, PBS, and more.

Fun facts: Vivian has donated her hair three times, she had a guinea pig named Pippin for over 7 years, and she lives 20 minutes away from Disneyland!

TEDxValenciaHighSchool Student Assistant Director - 2019-2020 - Event Cancelled - COVID

Brandon Kwon is a junior enrolled in the IB & Val-Tech programs at Valencia High School. Brandon strives to be an active member of society and contribute when possible. As an enthusiast of fast-paced sports, Brandon translates his passion as a member of Valencia Varsity Tennis team. He also volunteers at a local hospital, building relationships with patients and peers. Additionally, he participates in Valencia STEM, which provides young children at the Yorba Linda Boys' & Girls' Club with an enjoyable, learning experience through varying experiments. Brandon has been participating in Lincoln-Douglas Debate competitions since 7th grade and serves as Vice President in the VHS Speech and Debate Club. However, outside of preparing for school activities, Brandon enjoys watching movies, listening to music, doing thrilling activities, & most significantly playing his childhood favorite sport, basketball. In the future, he hopes major in biochemistry & become a medical professional.

*Since graduating from Valencia, Brandon has gone on to represent at Harvard University, where he is currently studying.