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).

Collins Recital Hall (GPRC)
10726 - 106 ave
Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 4C4
Canada

Abigail Adebusuyi

Abigail holds a PhD degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Alberta and has 10+ years’ experience in biological research and teaching. She has been involved in a number of multidisciplinary research projects such as the Hydrocarbon Metagenomics Project and the Bioconversion of coal into fuel using enhanced engineering pathways. Currently as an Applied Scientist with Grande Prairie Regional College’s Research and Innovation Center, she investigates innovative ways to improve microalgae cultivation for carbon capture and production of valuable bioproducts. Abigail is interested in using her expertise to optimize microbial processes and develop sustainable solutions to deal with environmental problems.

Alan Goff

Alan is an award-winning speaker who one enthusiastic audience member called “The most passionate speaker on the planet.” Alan’s work has taken him throughout North America and abroad. He has been published in national magazines including New York City’s ‘Mainline Magazine’ and the Canadian Institute of Management’s ‘Leaders in Management’ publication. He was featured on the CBS Network program ‘Leading Experts’, and is a frequent media guest on numerous radio and internet broadcast stations. Alan is the President of Achieving Goals, a training and consulting company specializing in organizational health, team leadership, achievement, and human potential. He is a founding member of The John Maxwell Team of Certified Leadership Coaches, Teachers and Speakers, and has been speaking professionally since 2006.

Bruce McAlister

Cara Jones

Cara Jones is an international award-winning short-documentary filmmaker, an award-winning mixed media artist, a youth advocate, author, blogger & podcaster. Passionate about the power of storytelling, Cara has reached out to extraordinary people who have inspired her life journey sharing their experiences through her podcast. Some of these wonderful individuals included, Canadian Rocker, Bif Naked, Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Megan Mikkleson and founder of the world renowned social enterprise Me to We and Free the Children, Craig Kielburger. Cara loves engaging diverse audiences and continues to spread her message of faith, hope, perseverance, and resilience to an international audience. As a youth and community engagement advocate Cara captivates her audience by sharing her experience in Media Literacy, Media & Social Justice, Community Engagement & Capturing Lived Experiences as well as Conscious Living Through Interconnectivity.

Horacio Galanti

Horacio is a Civil Engineer and a passionate high altitude mountain climber, polar explorer and ultra-marathoner. He started climbing at a very early age and throughout the years he progressed to tackle the big mountains of the world. In 2001, Horacio set out to complete The Grand Slam of Mountaineering: climb the highest mountain of each continent (The Seven Summits) and reach the North and South Poles by foot. He summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt Elbrus, Mt Aconcagua and Mt. McKinley. In 2013, he climbed Mt. Everest where he set a World Record for performing the highest banking transaction on Earth with the Standard Chartered Bank from Singapore. In 2014, he finished the North Pole Marathon and climbed the Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea. The final expedition of The Grand Slam was in Antarctica, where in a period of 4 weeks, he climbed Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica and then skied 140 km in temperatures around 60 below, to reach the Geographic South Pole.

Judy Kucharuk

“Think before you speak Judy, look before you leap Judy”: Constant reminders given to Judy (Stanley) Kucharuk by her peers as she was growing up. Thankfully, this rebellious small town girl simply could not comply and rushed headlong into life, unable to edit the words that bubbled to the surface. Those oftentimes inappropriate thoughts and words became a conduit for her to share her lifelong struggle with depression. Judy now lives in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and when she isn’t working full time as a Special Events Manager at the Encana Events Centre, she writes a column for the Alaska Highway News or records her column “Peace of Mind” for CBC Radio. Recently Kucharuk published her first book titled, “Naked Tuesday” – a self deprecating collection of real-life essays which follows the author as she gets older….but never quite grows up. The book is an intimate, relatable look at her life as a daughter, wife and mother, and how she uses humour to share her life experiences.

Kevin Hilgers

Kevin Hilgers has resided in Grande Prairie for over 20 years. After 15 years in broadcasting, he became an entrepreneur starting Wave Media to assist businesses with marketing. For the past 7 years he has operated the very successful Rotary Dream Home Lottery. Kevin is an active member of the Rotary Club, an organization that offers fun, friendship, networking, and opportunities to serve the community. Since joining, he has been on the executive board, eventually becoming president. He also became Governor of his Rotary International District. This four year journey took him to training events and opportunities worldwide. As Governor, he led and inspired over 2300 Rotarians to grow their community service capacity. He has spoken to over 70 Rotary clubs and at many events in that role. Kevin believes “I’ve received far more from Rotary than I could ever repay, but I’m going to try”. He enjoys inspiring others to receive the benefits of serving the community.

Vicoria Wanihadie

Teacher and Truth-Seeker Victoria Wanihadie is an advocate for the rights of the Dunvegan Beaver People #152. In an effort to help the Tsattine Beaver descendants, an elder let her know that she needs to know her roots. Taking the elder’s advice, she has been on the road for the last year meeting the Tsattine Beaver descendants, and listening to their stories. In doing so, she realized the importance of resuscitating her endangered language and culture.