Theme: ENLIGHT

TEDxFiveForks Youth is a TEDx event led by youth, for youth. As Upstate South Carolina’s first TEDx Youth Event, we aim to provide a platform for young voices to share their ideas worth spreading. Our event will be composed of youth speakers from a background diverse in thought, stories, and ideas. We will amplify youth voices, inspire our community, and empower the next generation of leaders to shed light on their distinctive experiences and innovative perspectives on the challenges of both today and tomorrow.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center Greenville
424 Westfield St
Greenville, South Carolina, 29601
United States

Diya Gurav

President of Youth 4 Financial Literacy

Diya Gurav is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and community empowerment. As the youth president of Youth 4 Financial Literacy, Diya is dedicated to equipping underserved students with essential financial knowledge. A leader at her school, she also serves as the President of Patriot Capital and UNICEF, and is an active board member for the Simpsonville Advisory Board. Diya’s competitive success as a state champion in DECA’s Business Finance event and her leadership in Youth in Government showcase her commitment to fostering growth in both personal finance and civic engagement. Through her work, Diya strives to empower individuals with the skills to navigate the financial world and create positive social impact.

Jackson Bengard

National Level Swimmer + Student at Riverside High School

Jackson Bengard is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and a junior at Riverside High School. As a national-level swimmer, Jackson has a strong commitment to excellence and leadership. He has used his platform to speak on important societal issues, such as advocating for responsible drinking age policies. Jackson believes that young people should have a meaningful voice in shaping policies that impact their future and is passionate about fostering informed dialogue and driving positive change on issues affecting youth and their communities.

Joshua Begelman

Telescope Designer + Actor + Award-Winning Debater

Joshua Begelman is a nationally recognized debater, actor, and aspiring astronomer. As the Vice President and Lincoln-Douglas Captain of his school’s Speech and Debate team and a nationally awarded Mock Trial competitor, he has mastered the art of storytelling and persuasion. A professional actor with credits on SNL, WandaVision!, and Madam Secretary, Joshua’s passion for the stars extends beyond performance—he has conducted independent research on the brightness of stars and is launching The Star Series, an event series where he and astronomers from the Upstate give talks before celestial events. With aspirations to pursue astronomy in college, he is on a mission to inspire others to look up.

Lucas Hogan

Award-Winning Mock Trial Competitor + Debater

Lucas Hogan is a passionate sophomore at Greenville Senior High School with a deep interest in political discourse and its social impact. A skilled debater and member of the Speech and Debate team, Lucas’s leadership and research on the growing divide in political views have led him to explore the complexities of negative partisanship and partisan antipathy. His work as an award-winning Mock Trial competitor, often navigating difficult conversations, has honed his ability to engage in constructive dialogue. With a commitment to fostering understanding and creating spaces for thoughtful conversation, Lucas aims to bridge divides and promote respect across differing beliefs. His experiences, both in the courtroom and through his research, make his insights particularly timely and impactful.

Peyton White

Student Body President of TRHS + 61st Speaker of the United States Senate Youth Program

Peyton White is a dynamic student leader with a passion for civic engagement and a deep understanding of leadership. As the 61st Speaker of the United States Senate Youth Program and President of Youth in Government at Travelers Rest High School, Peyton has proven himself a force in shaping the next generation of leaders. His leadership extends beyond school, with roles such as South Carolina Representative to the Conference of National Affairs, where he earned the Distinguished Statesman Award, and as a fellow to the South Carolina Democratic Party, organizing state campaigns. With a track record of leading with authenticity and purpose, Peyton’s insights into leadership are rooted in his experience balancing the responsibilities of public service and personal identity.

Samuel Kitchen

Envirothon State Winner + Award-Winning YIG Delegate

Samuel Kitchen is a storyteller, leader, and competitor whose resilience defines him. As President of the Drama Club at Spartanburg Day School, he has acted in 20+ theatrical productions and contributed behind the scenes as a crew member for many more. His passion for performance is matched by his curiosity for the natural world—an interest that propelled him to success as a state champion Envirothon competitor, representing South Carolina internationally in Geneva, NY. Born with a rare brain malformation and later diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Samuel has spent his life confronting uncertainty with intellect and determination. Whether on stage or in competition, he has learned that knowledge provides stability in an unpredictable world, allowing him to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.

Vivian Covington-Kolb

Published Op-Ed in Post and Courier About State Legislature

Vivian Covington-Kolb is a dedicated student advocate and junior at Greenville Senior High School. She has actively worked to promote student autonomy through her advocacy efforts, including speaking to school boards about the SC phone ban. Vivian also demonstrated her commitment to student representation through her published Op-Ed in the Post and Courier, where she addressed key legislative issues affecting students. She believes that students should have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that impact their education and is committed to amplifying student voices in discussions of policy and reform.