ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University student Abiah George has been selected to speak at the TEDx Sioux Falls event on Thursday, April 17, at the Washington Pavilion.

George, a junior double majoring in psychology and criminal justice on the pre-law track, is one of eight speakers chosen to share a personal and powerful story on the TEDx stage. Her talk centers around her lived experience navigating the U.S. immigration system—a system she calls “the defining story” of her life.

Originally from India, George came to the United States with her mother and sister nine years ago. After years on a dependent visa, she now holds a student visa while pursuing her education at Northern. She plans to continue her journey in law school, with the goal of practicing immigration law and advocating for reform.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to share my immigration story,” George said. “I am so incredibly grateful for the life I have built in America, the community that has become my chosen family. I hope to highlight the human costs of our imperfect immigration system so we can approach this topic with more empathy.”

George is no stranger to public speaking—she is an active member of Northern’s Speech and Debate team and serves in several student leadership roles, including President of Speech & Debate, Chief Policy Officer for the Student Government Association, and Vice President of Active Minds.

Despite the challenges she faces, George remains determined to use her voice for change.