PRESIDENT AND LEAD ORGANIZER

Melina Zarboulas is a senior studying information science with a focus on computer science and digital studies. She has been the president of TEDxUWMadison since her freshman year in 2022, and has loved working with different professionals to educate the students of UW Madison on an array of topics. She began watching TED talks when she was younger at the request of her acting instructor, who valued the immense presentation talent and impact the speakers held throughout their talks. Since then, she has loved how TED talks enhance education through the power of presenting. On campus, Melina also serves as the president and founder of The Vault, a club that explores the intersection of business and fashion with other industries.

CO-PRESIDENT AND CO-ORGANIZER

Christian Willis is a lifelong Badger and the graduate Inaugural Koch Scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Science with a specialization in Human Centered Cybersecurity. Christian is originally from North Carolina where he did his undergraduate at Appalachian State University and earned a full tuition scholarship to attend graduate school at Wisconsin. Due to his struggling upbringing as an African American and raised in a very low-income community, his interest in TEDxUWMadison seeks to help create an environment that explores new inclusive perspectives on the issues that are impacting our society, especially for people of color and minorities. Not only does he care about cultural-scientific issues, but he also has a huge passion for learning and wants to create an atmosphere where innovative discussions can thrive.

VICE PRESIDENT

Grace Munro is from Pittstown, New Jersey. She is majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Neurobiology. Grace has always loved learning about a wide range of topics, whether it be the science behind procrastination or the language behind a persuasive speech. TED talks fueled these broad interests, and she loved to watch the animations and speeches alike to discover new areas of interest and obsess over her current fixations. She is passionate about using TEDx to showcase different perspectives and impart knowledge to more people. She hopes that the audience and viewers enjoy and appreciate our speakers as we do and that they walk away with a new perspective, interest, or goal.

PRESS/PR MANAGER

Noah is a freshman from Bath, Maine. He is the PR manager for TEDxUWMadison. He double majors in Computer Science and Music Performance. He is also a foodie and a cricket fanatic.

OUTREACH MANAGER

Isaac Solverson is freshman double majoring in International Studies and Political Science from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Prior to joining TEDx, Isaac has worked and held leadership positions in several non-profit organizations including, March For Our Lives Wisconsin, Eco Circle International, Health In-Sight Missions Group, and the Red Cross. His dedication to making a positive impact continues to drive his efforts in building meaningful connections through outreach. Isaac is passionate about public service and aims to use his role at TEDx to inspire meaningful conversation that lead to action. He hopes audience members leave TEDx event with new insights and a deeper understanding of the world around him. In the future, Isaac hopes to work in international policy and intergovernmental aid work.

A/V LEAD AND REHEARSAL COORDINATOR

Anish Basety is a first-year Computer Science and Economics student with a passion for harnessing AI to address real-world challenges. Recently, he worked as a research assistant where he collaborated with engineers to analyze user data, optimize emerging technologies, and enhance system performance, deepening his interest in AI-driven solutions. In his own projects, Anish has built applications that integrate machine learning for personalized feedback and real-time data analysis, blending technical innovation with impactful user experiences. Alongside his tech pursuits, Anish loves teaching debate to younger students, helping them develop confidence and critical thinking skills—an experience he finds equally rewarding and transformative. He’s especially drawn to the intersection of AI and social good, where technology can connect people, solve pressing issues, and foster collaboration across fields. As he continues to grow, Anish is excited to explore how AI can empower communities and make a lasting difference. Above all, he hopes to make this TEDX event an inspiring exchange where both speakers and the audience leave with fresh insights and a sense of excitement for the possibilities ahead.

WEBSITE DIRECTOR

Zhiyuan Li is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studies Computer Science with an interest in AI and Human-Computer Interaction. Before Madison, he completed his first year at Northeastern University, where he studied Computer Science and Mathematics. Zhiyuan’s connection to TED began in middle school, and he later became a TED Translator/Transcriber, creating and reviewing English and Chinese subtitles. Now, he is passionate about contributing to TEDxUWMadison, driven by a commitment to sharing impactful ideas with a broader audience.