For Melena, a student in Bogota, Colombia, public speaking has always been a passion, but the TED Global Speaking Challenge allowed her to merge that skill with a cause close to her heart: homelessness. Inspired by a project for her IGCSE Global Perspectives class and her mother’s professional work with poverty issues, Melena used her winning talk to challenge the superficial stereotypes often associated with those living on the streets.

“In Colombia, people often assume homelessness is caused by laziness,” Melena explains. “They don’t see the actual causes, such as addiction or systemic inequality. People ignore the fact that it’s so prevalent, but no one takes action.” By focusing on youth awareness, Melena aims to educate her peers so that the crisis no longer “sinks into the background” of daily life. Her ability to distill this complex issue into a powerful one-minute speech earned her a prestigious scholarship, placing her among the top 11 entries out of over 2,000.

Melena’s confidence on stage isn’t accidental. A ballet dancer since the age of two, she attributes much of her poise to the discipline and determination learned in the studio. “Ballet has shaped me as a person,” she says, noting that the perfectionism and focus required for performance translate directly to her leadership roles in Student Council and Round Square conferences.

Looking ahead, Melena is eyeing a future in marketing or communication sciences, where she can continue to be a “source of hope and justice.” Her advice to fellow students is to embrace the unknown: “Put yourself into those uncomfortable situations because they shape the person you are. Stretch your limits, and they will be farther from where they were before.” Whether she is in the dance studio or leading a committee, Melena is proving that communication is the ultimate tool for social change.

Communication & Public Speaking

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TED Summer School
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Communication & Public Speaking

In-person

Sharpen your ideas in Singapore, one of the...

TED Summer School
Ages: 15-18

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