Theme: Disrupting Education: The Bronx Perspective

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially in the Bronx, where our community redefines what it means to learn, lead, and innovate in a technology-driven world. Disrupting Education: The Bronx Perspective amplifies the voices of our students, proving that their experiences matter and their perspectives can reshape the future of education.

Through powerful storytelling, bold ideas, and lived experiences, our speakers will challenge traditional narratives about schooling, share how they navigate and reimagine learning in a digital age, and explore how technology, culture, and personal resilience are transforming the way they see the world.

Comp Sci High
447 wales avenue
bronx, New York, 10455
United States

Ahmaree Concepcion

Student

Ahmaree is a sophomore at Cop Sci High. With a passion for writing and public speaking, he is dedicated to honing his skills in both areas. Ahmaree is also driven by his ambition to become a veterinarian, and he’s actively working towards achieving that goal through his studies and extracurricular activities.

Anayah Quinones

Student

Anayah is a 9th grader at Comp Sci High with a passion for learning and self-expression. She is eager to explore new ideas, challenge perspectives, and make an impact.

Ayalynn Gutierrez

Student

Ayalynn (Ayaa) Gutierrez is a sophomore at Comp Sci High, and dreams of being a voice for teens everywhere. She dabbles in many controversial topics, such as Black Rights Matter and Women's Rights movements. She strives to be the best she can be in academics, and outside of school. She believes that through God, anything is possible, and wants to fight to give voices to the unheard. Through her TEDX Talk, she plans on planting the seed in all generations that the time is now to make a change and start a movement.

Christopher Sturdy

Educator

Christopher Sturdy (he/him) is a creative writing teacher based in Minneapolis, MN, and is currently teaching English at Comp Sci High. Outside the classroom, he enjoys trying to keep his plants alive and dribbling a soccer ball to see if he's still got it (whatever "it" may be). His poetry has been published in Press Pause Press, Emerge Literary Journal, and A Thin Slice of Anxiety. Christopher’s passion for writing and teaching helps inspire students to explore their own creative voices while fostering a love for literature.

Destiny Francis

Student

Destiny is a junior at Comp Sci High with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She is passionate about advocacy, justice, and using her voice to make a difference. Outside of academics, she has a deep love for dance, which allows her to express herself creatively. As a TEDx speaker, Destiny is excited to share her perspective and inspire others with her message.

Devin Kelly

Educator

Devin Kelly is a high school teacher in New York City. His work has appeared in The Guardian, Longreads, LitHub, and more. He writes the newsletter Ordinary Plots, and his first novel, Pilgrims, is forthcoming this year.

Elijah Ortiz

Student

Elijah is a junior at Comp Sci High with a passion for learning and a strong dedication to his future. He is focused on his academic goals and always looking for ways to grow and challenge himself.

Jessica Saoura

Student

Jessica is a freshman that was born in Bronx care and is African American. She has been through many hardships but she continues the grow not as a person but as a student in Comp Sci High.

Jonathan Serrano

Student

Jonathan is a sophomore at Comp Sci High and has the dream of becoming a physiatrist. He loves to help people that need support during rough times and is an amazing public speaker. And outside of school, Jonathan LOVES baseball and the New York Yankees. He loves to debate about the sport with anyone he can. As a TEDx speaker, Jonathan's main goal is to help people learn a valuable lesson that they can hold on to for the rest of their lives.

Mishaina Joseph

educator

Mishaina, originally from Haiti, moved to the United States in the 8th grade with a passion for Black and Indigenous history. She began her education career as a tutor at Great Oaks Charter School in Wilmington, Delaware, where she built strong relationships with students, especially young women who inspired her to pursue teaching. With experience teaching English Language Arts and History at Achievement First Aspire Middle School, Mishaina now teaches History at Comp Sci High. She is committed to fostering intellectual communities and facilitating discussions on racial and gender justice. Mishaina holds degrees in History and Geography from Hofstra University and a Masters in History Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Xavier Castro

Student

Xavier is currently a 9th grader at Comp Sci High with a curiosity for learning and a drive to make a difference. He enjoys exploring new ideas and pushing himself to grow academically and personally.