Theme: Toward A Better World

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

MuliPurpose Room
166 Bedford Hwy
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 2J6
Canada

Anastasia Smallwood

Anastasia is a 2nd-year Bachelor of Public Relations student who decided to step up and make a difference. She became a member of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Board of Trustees. She has taken on several roles with the MSVU Students' Union, is the President of the PR and Communication Student Society, and is coordinating social media for the CIBC Run for the Cure. Anastasia is committed to changing the way people think about mental health.

Anne Melanson

Anne Melanson is the President of Bloom Non Profit Consulting Group, which helps charitable organizations design and deliver high-impact fundraising programs that succeed. She also advises companies on their strategies in corporate philanthropy. Anne is a 27-year veteran fundraiser and widely-recognized expert in capital campaigns, major gifts, strategy, fundraising and communications best practices. She advises, presents and publishes nationally and internationally, and has directed and advised fundraising programs and campaigns with combined results totaling over $150 million. Anne is a proud graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Bachelor of Public Relations program, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, and is a member of the local “100 Women Who Care” movement.

Catherine Martin

Catherine Martin is the current Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University. A member of the Millbrook First Nation in Truro, Nova Scotia, Catherine is an independent film producer, director, writer, facilitator, communications consultant, community activist, teacher, drummer, and the first woman Mi’kmaw filmmaker from the Atlantic region. Catherine has created many award-winning documentaries which tell the stories of her nation. Her contributions to film, television and digital media in Atlantic Canada were recognized with a WAVE Award from Women in Film and Television Atlantic.

Graham Steele

Graham Steele is an author, CBC political analyst, Dalhousie law lecturer, lawyer, and former MLA and Finance Minister for Nova Scotia. He is originally from Manitoba and is a Rhodes Scholar. As a broadcaster and columnist for CBC, he provides weekly political commentary and analysis. In 2014, he released a memoir titled What I Learned About Politics: Inside the Rise - and Collapse - of Nova Scotia's NDP Government, in which he gives a revealing, candid look at the political system.

Jean-Michel Blais

Jean-Michel (J.M.) Blais is the Chief of Halifax Regional Police. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 25 years. In 2008, he was assigned to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti as Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of over 1,700 international police officers. Chief Blais was also dispatched to provide aid following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010. He is a committed community member and has been decorated with medals by both the UN and the Government of Canada.

Jim MacGowan

Jim is the senior Tax Partner in Deloitte’s Atlantic office. He has practiced tax for the past 30 years with a particular emphasis on providing income tax advice to private companies and their shareholders. He is presently the Vice Chair of YMCA Canada and the Vice Chair of the Capital Campaign for the YMCA of Greater Halifax. He also sits on the Board of the Sacred Heart School of Halifax.

Mark Smith

Mark is the Director of Coaching for Sport Nova Scotia and the Canadian Sport Center Atlantic. In 2015, he was the Chef de Mission of Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Winter Games. As an athlete, Mark won 3 Pan American Games gold medals, 3 World Championships, 1 National Championship, 19 Provincial Championships, 3 State Championships, plus numerous individual awards. As an international level coach, he has won two Pan Am gold medals and has had multiple podium finishes at the World Championships. In July of 2015 he led Canada’s women’s national team to a Pan American Games gold medal in Toronto. Mark is the winningest coach in national teams history with 280 over international victories. Mark is a member of the Nova Scotia Sport Heritage Hall of Fame, the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame, and the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame. He is married to former Olympian Ann Dodge and has a daughter Jasmine. Mark and his family reside in Falmouth, Nova Scotia.

Ramona Lumpkin

Dr. Ramona Lumpkin is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University. Throughout her career, Dr. Lumpkin has been actively engaged in women's issues and literature, and in promoting the role of women in higher education. In 2014, Dr. Lumpkin was invested into the Order of Canada as a Member, in recognition of her leadership in post-secondary education and her promotion of community-based learning initiatives.

Sara Napier

Sara Napier is an active member of the Nova Scotia professional community with a focus on strategic leadership, marketing, communications, fundraising and community development. Her commitment and dedication to community is undeniable and her passion for making an impact on the lives of others has been evident throughout her 20 year career. She is currently President & CEO of United Way Halifax and is striving to strengthen Halifax and change lives for all through kindness, generosity and respect.