IDEAS WORTH SPREADING
TEDx
Claremont McKenna College
ABOUT
TEDxClaremont McKenna College
From ideas to impact– catalyzing growth from within.
TEDxClaremont McKenna College strives to be a platform where the community’s each individual voice is heard and every innovative idea is shared. Our program rests on solid foundations granted by the college; the diversity of identities and multitude of talents enable us to
mobilize change that starts within and spreads beyond. Driven by curiosity, pursuit of responsible leadership and social change, we welcome individuals of all experiences and expertise to join us in excavating our community’s greatest potential.
^ Founding Team
Our
Team
Celine X Wang
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Celine is a junior dual-majoring in International Relations and Economics born and raised in Shanghai, China. She is passionate about policies on emerging technologies and invested in the power of the private sector to mobilize change for good. Her love for stories and their power to inspire when shared led her to building this platform where she hopes that ideas will clash, coalesce and flourish.
XINRAN (Joy) ZHANG
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Joy is a junior, dual-majoring in Computer Science and Economics, from Chengdu, China. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, technology, and the power of live arts. Driven by curiosity, she seeks to understand the "why" behind ideas, sparking conversations that challenge perspectives. She dedicates herself to building a platform for bold ideas and transformative storytelling, believing in their power to shape the future.
XINYUE Zhang
Xinyue is a Robert Day Scholar majoring in Econ-Accounting and Psychology. Having lived in Shenzhen, Poitiers, and Madrid, she has been empowered by amazing individuals and strives to leverage the power of diversity. Xinyue is a big advocate of community building and hopes to create an impact through innovative solutions.
Melanie Haro-Cortes
OPERATIONS OFFICER
Melanie is a first-year student from Houston, Texas, pursuing a dual major in Economics and Public Policy. With a strong passion for law and entrepreneurship, she is particularly interested in how legal frameworks shape and influence societal, governmental, and corporate systems. Recognizing the transformative power of diverse perspectives within these structures, Melanie joined TEDx to champion the value of storytelling—believing that sharing authentic voices can spark change, foster empathy, and unite communities toward collective progress.
KENDALL HIGGINS
OPERATIONS OFFICER
Kendall is a sophomore dual majoring in Government and Media Studies with a sequence in Leadership Studies. She calls Massachusetts home and is driven by programs that strive to bring people together across political divides. She hopes to help organize a smooth, successful, and insightful TEDx keynote event this year for all of the 5C community to participate in!
Miguel Barrios
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Miguel is a sophomore, majoring in Public Policy and Economics. He is a proud Arizonan, having grown up in the beautiful city of Tucson surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes. He is passionate about civic leadership and building pathways for people to connect with their government and institutions. He joined TEDx out of a desire to further connect students to CMC’s incredible alumni network.
SAM Bastien
CHAIR OF THE ALUMNI BOARD
Sam is a proud CMC alum of the Class of 2011 and is currently a Leadership Coach at EY. She was a speaker at TEDxClaremont McKenna College's 2023 event and has since been supporting the program as a mentor. She provides her expertise to the leadership team and speakers, bridging the alumni and student communities.
Our Sponsors
Our event and organization owes the most sincere gratitude to Claremont McKenna College. Our journey is made possible by the guidance of Ms. MaryKate Jacobs, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, Mr. Brian Davidson, Director of the Atheneum, and the support of the Crown Fund and the Associated Students of Claremont McKenna College.
