Theme: Future Visionaries: The Power of Youth

The future is not just something we inherit, it is something we create. At TEDxRidleyCollege 2025, we celebrate the bold ideas, creativity, and resilience of young minds shaping tomorrow’s world. Under our theme this event will highlight the voices of students who dare to challenge norms, spark change, and redefine what is possible.

From groundbreaking innovations to inspiring activism with ideas that inspire change, challenge perspectives, and drive meaningful conversations. Our speakers will explore how youth-driven initiatives are shaping industries, communities, and global conversations.

Ridley College
Ridley Road St. Catharines, Ontario Canada
St. Catharines, Ontario Canada, Ontario, L2R 7C3
Canada

Aaria Nair

Student at Ridley College

Aaria is an International Baccalaureate year one student here at Ridley, when not trying to wrap her mind around Math and Physics HL, Aaria can be found immersed in books, or playing melodies to her favourite songs on the guitar. An avid reader and writer, she published her first book in June 2023, and frequently posts on her blog, and aims to read at least two books each month. She has been playing the guitar for five years, hoping to more nurture this hobby. Other than her love for books and music, she is a open-minded individual always willing to take on any new opportunities and adventures- whether it be exploring Alt Rock, or travelling solo for the very first time. You might also find her in the kitchen experimenting with new Indian dishes, another new hobby she can't wait to learn more about. Following graduation, she hopes to continue her studies here in Canada, studying in one of the downtown campuses in the urban cities.

Elza Mehdiyev

Student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School

Elza Elif Mehdiyev is a Grade 11 student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, Ontario, Canada. As a young changemaker with passion for geopolitics, her free time consists of getting lost in books, academic journals or research. Alongside international relations, she has a keen interest in environmental preservation, human rights, and classic literature.

Gabrielle Goodly

Student at Ridley College

Gabrielle ‘Brie’ Goodly is a current Grade 11 at Ridley College, pursuing the IB Diploma Program. Brie is originally from Missouri City, TX and now resides in Buffalo, NY. Brie loves to learn new things. She is an avid reader and her favourite activity is reading books and keeping abreast of world affairs and news. Brie is actively involved in the Ridley School community. She holds the position of Editor-in-Chief for Ridley’s student newspaper. She maintains an executive position in Ridley’s DECA club, and is an active student athlete on the Ridley Prep Rowing Team. After graduation from Ridley, Brie aspires to pursue undergraduate studies in the area of business & law to fulfill her goal of going to law school and becoming a corporate lawyer. Brie, strives to become a leader in the field of business law, and is committed to become an advocate for young entrepreneurs and start-up business owners. Outside of her school priorities, Brie loves to bake and plans to travel the world.

Sooae(Emily) Kim

Student at Ridley College

My name is Sooae (Emily) Kim, I am in Grade 11 in Ridley college. I was born in Korea, but I moved to Canada 5 years ago. Because of this I am fluent in Korean and English. In additions from public speaking, I enjoy Mode U.N also currently an executive in Ridley M.U.N club. I am always willing to engage and interested in different topic for debates and discussion. Including but not limited my passion for learning different cultures.