Meet Our 2023 Speakers
What does the "Threshold" mean to you?
The theme of TEDxHopeCollege 2023 is "The Threshold."
We asked our speakers what the Threshold means to them, and their responses are below!
Amadu Bah
The Threshold means our shared capacity to overcome, actualize and reach.
Amadu is a junior studying Philosophy and Psychology at Hope College. He is from Gaithersburg, Maryland. On campus, he is the Black Student Union President, a 2022 Step2Success Coordinator, an RA and a Tour Guide. If Amadu could win any award in the world, it would be the Most Talented Procrastinator!
An Ha
The Threshold means our capacity to do life.
An is a junior studying Psychology at Hope College. She is from Wheaton, Illinois. On campus, she is CASA(Children's After School Achievement)'s Office Assistant, Dykstra Hall RA, and is the President of Women of Color United. If An could win any award in the world, it would be World's Best Hostess!
Andrea Hernandez
The Threshold means an awakening of strength and grit to proceed.
Andrea is a senior studying Social Work at Hope College. She is from Dallas, Texas. On campus, she is a part of Student Congress as the Chief of Culture and Inclusion, a director for the First Generation Student Union, and is a member of Rumba Latina. If Andrea could win any award in the world, it would be Most Ad Libs and Random Noises Made In A Day!
Claire Benedict
The Threshold means a transitory place with no footing, you have your past and the promise of the future, however at the present moment there is only change and with it immense growth.
Claire is a senior studying Chemistry and Spanish at Hope College. She is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. On campus, she has done research, tutoring and is a Teacher's Assistant. If Claire could win any award in the world, it would be a Nobel Prize in Chemistry!
Lizzy Bassett
The Threshold means the liminal space between old and new, challenges and opportunity--all it needs is a little bit of bravery to take the next step.
Lizzy is a senior studying Communication, Leadership and Women & Gender Studies at Hope College. She is from Glen Ellyn, Illinois. On campus, she is a part of Student Congress, Nykerk, and was a part of the TEDxHopeCollege Exec and founding. If Lizzy could win any award in the world, it would be a Nobel Peace Prize for solving the climate crisis not because she solved it, but because it implies that the crisis was solved!
Isabella Mbabazi Musherure
The Threshold to me, metaphorically, means to transition without the comfort of knowing what will come next. It is creating a space for yourself amidst challenges, and doing so in spite of your fears.
Isabella is a senior studying Psychology and Sociology at Hope College. She is from St. Paul, Minnesota. On campus, she is involved with the Phelps Scholars Program, was a Step2Success Coordinator, RA, Culture and Inclusion Representative, and is currently doing research with the Psychology Department and is an assistant at the Circulation Desk in the Library. If Isabella could win any award in the world, it would be Best Hype Woman and Encourager!
Jack Wallace
The Threshold means the amount that something can take before change must happen.
Jack is a senior studying Engineering at Hope College. He is from Bartlett, Illinois. On campus, he is a part of Spikeball Club, the Ticket Office and Odd Year Pull. If Jack could win any award in the world, it would be a Grammy Award because he loves listening to musical creativity!
Kelsey Sivertson
The Threshold means a clear affirmation that someone has put in the hard work and positioned themselves for the next difficult and wonderful thing.
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Kelsey is a Junior studying Creative Writing and Theatre at Hope College. She is from Holland, Michigan. On campus, she is an intern for Jack Riddles Visiting Writers Series. If Kelsey could win any award in the world, it would be Top Contender for Being An Intuitive and Kind Friend. That or an award for knowing obscure lines from "The Office."
Venecia Rodriguez
The Threshold means transforming what I have to reach the next stage of my generation and fulfill self fulfillment for my family.
Venecia is a senior studying Social Work at Hope College. She is from Waukegan, Illinois. On campus, she is a former Secretary for the Latino Student Organization and is a Senior Ambassador for Women of Color United. If Venecia could win any award in the world, it would be an Award For Friendliest Person.