Meet Our 2022 Speakers
JANE ALTEVOGT
Why we all got an F in kindergarten
Jane is a sophomore at Hope College majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. She is from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She wanted to be a speaker because she loves to talk in front of people and wants to share her idea with her community.
BROOKE BENNETT
Why the price of insulin is a danger to diabetics
Brooke is a sophomore at Hope studying psychology and global health before medical school. She is from Romeo, Michigan. Brooke is excited about the writing process, and then refining and practicing her speech. She is a part of The Anchor, Spikeball club and is an RA.
AUBREY BROLSMA
Love thy LGBTQ+ neighbor: from homophobic to an out and affirming, LGBTQ+ Christian advocate
Aubrey is a junior at Hope College studying history and classics. She is from Noblesville, Indiana. Aubrey wanted to be a speaker because she wanted to talk about something that could change minds and save lives. She is also involved in Prism and Emmaus Scholars.
CAROLINE DANIELS
It's Up to Us: Why we are ill-equipped to support survivors of sexual assault
Caroline is a junior in the social work program. Her hometown is Batavia, Illinois. She hopes that her speech encapsulates a subjective and objective perspective on an undiscussed topic, and invites individuals to engage in conversation. On Hope's campus, she is a writing assistant at the Klooster Center, a member of the student-faculty judicial board, and a summer researcher for the sociology department.
PAYTON JOHNSON
From grief, through guilt, to growing within a blended family
Payton is a senior studying secondary English education. She is from Fulshear, Texas, a suburb of Houston. She is most excited to grow and learn new things from the other speakers and the executive team. On campus, she is the president of Vanderprov and is also involved in Nykerk and the worship tech team.
GABRIEL KIMBALL
The Right to Unplug: Intentionally engaging with technology
Gabe is a junior studying studio art and engineering. He is a College East RA, member of Engineers Without Borders and a part of the DePree Gallery Prep team. He is excited to be a part of the TEDxHopeCollege community and can’t wait to hear what the other speakers are passionate about.
ALI KOEHL
Wake Up! Seven steps to transform yourself from peacemaker to changemaker
Ali is a junior at Hope College pursuing degrees in psychology, Chinese studies and biology. She is from Otsego, Michigan. Ali wanted to be a speaker to empower others and to connect with people. She is a part of FACES, Asian Student Union and research.
JAIRUS MEER
This is who I can be: My international student story
Jairus is a sophomore at Hope majoring in biological sciences and peace and justice studies. He is from Las Piñas, Philippines. He has wanted to become a speaker ever since he went to a TEDx event. He is involved in Asian Student Union, research, tutor, Prism and is an RA
LEAH REINARDY
"What's wrong with you?": A neurotypical's guide to Autistic unmasking
Leah is a junior at Hope College studying music and business. She is from Zeeland, Michigan. Leah wanted to become a speaker to encourage others who have a phobia of public speaking to raise their voices. She is the president of Hope Advocates for Invisible Conditions, a pianist in the Jazz Arts Collective, and a percussionist in the Wind Ensemble.
MATTHEW SUMMERFIELD
Why your community needs to be Epilepsy safe
Matthew is a senior at Hope College studying neuroscience and chemistry. He is from Saginaw, Michigan. He is most excited to provide information and new solutions for our world. Matthew is involved in undergraduate research and the Helping Minds Club.
