Theme: TEDxCUNY Salon: Yellow Light

Red, yellow, and green. Stop, pause, and go. Our world runs on signals. At all of life’s intersections, we constantly have to ask ourselves how we will proceed. Three choices can be made at these forks: remain steadfast and still, cautiously test new waters, or boldly rush ahead. The red light can halt you to reflect on your experiences. The green light can motivate your continuous movement. But, the yellow light invites you to look around and appreciate the spaces that you inhabit right at this moment. As you stand at the crossroads, join us to acknowledge the present and thoughtfully chart the course ahead.

Macaulay Honors College
35 W 67th St
New York, New York, 10023
United States

Dorene Ng

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor

Dorene Ng is the Director of Counseling Services and Wellness at Macaulay Honors College. She is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience providing mental health counseling and implementing wellness programming. Dorene received her clinical training and education from New York University Silver School of Social Work and Columbia University School of Social Work. She provides inclusive and affirming counseling to individuals, families, and groups across different identities and backgrounds. Dorene approaches her work in a holistic and collaborative manner that provides her clients with sustainable strategies and resources. Additionally, she has experiences providing trainings and workshops to staff and other professionals about anti-oppressive practices and trauma-informed strategies.

Jayla Allen

Social and Racial Justice Advocate

Dedicated to championing rights and amplifying voices, Jayla Allen is a fierce advocate and community organizer. She is a Texas native, attended Columbia University (MA, 22) and Prairie View A&M University (BA 19). She serves as an advisor for a host of social and racial justice programs throughout the US. Her work focuses on ensuring the rights of Black and brown communities and providing a community that fosters empowerment. Jayla has worked on projects that address some of today's most pressing topics: voter suppression in the U.S., mass incarceration, youth development, and education. Within her work, Jayla has commentated on MSNBC Politics Nation (2018), and NowThis and has testified before Congress (2019). Additionally, she served as a student plaintiff in Allen v. Waller, a federal voting rights lawsuit. Whether volunteering, leading a cause, or organizing throughout communities, Jayla is always looking for ways to empower marginalized communities, and build collective power.