Theme: Connections

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).

Fogolar Furlan
1800 North Service Road
Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3
Canada

Bobby Umar

Bobby, who runs several “Power of Connection” branded initiatives through his company Raeallan (www.raeallan.com), takes on the task of convincing everyone, (yes, even the hug haters!), to change the world for better in 20 seconds. By understanding our needs and fears, consent, socio-cultural context and scientific impact, he hopes to make a case for “Fierce & Fearless Hugs”. Bobby is one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Leadership speakers, a 5x TEDx speaker and the founder of DYPB – Discover Your Personal Brand (www.dypb.ca). He has spoken to over 100,000 people around the world and has written three books. He speaks on social capital, personal branding, authentic networking and social media connection.

Dr. Lisa A. Porter

Lisa Porter conducted her PhD at McMaster University and her PDF at the University of California San Diego. She is currently a Professor at the University of Windsor, commencing in 2004 and was appointed to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada in 2014. Her research focuses on understanding how cells protect themselves throughout life and how this relates to aging, tissue regeneration and cancer initiation, progression and treatment. Porter has fostered collaborations between the academic and the medical/clinical research communities in Windsor/Essex through the establishment of the Windsor Cancer Research Group (WCRG) www.windsorcancerresearch.ca. She is passionate about sharing science and research with the public and students.

Heather Chauvin

Heather has been named the next generation’s thought leader in parenting and women’s leadership. Creator of the New & Noteworthy Podcast, the Mom Is In Control Podcast, and has been featured on the OWN network, Huffington Post, TV outlets and others. Through her Courageous Rewrite Initiative, Heather gives voice to many humans who courageously took inspired action to create lives they’re proud of.

Jen Oliver

Jen Oliver is the Author of the International best selling book, The Love FitMama Way and creator of the FitMama Podcast, the Work IN to your workout. Through safe core fitness, self-care and mindfulness she supports moms to embrace, nurture and enjoy their motherhood journey. What she is most passionate about is spreading the message that if you love the body and life you have, you will have the body and life you love.

Jeni Van Kesteren

Experiential learning and improving the understanding of mathematics are at the core of Jeni Van Kesteren’s approach to teaching. Jeni teaches mathematical concepts using innovative approaches to enhance learning and build confidence. She has been recognized as the Team Leader in a provincial grant through the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP) used to explore the impact of collaborative learning on student success in mathematics. She was awarded the Bishop Townshend Award in 2009 for her ability to demonstrate excellence in the areas of physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual development. Van Kesteren’s pedagogical approach has inspired and motivated other educators to explore the delivery of mathematics throughout secondary schools. Jeni Van Kesteren is changing the perspective of mathematics to empower students and teachers to connect with the world around them.

Keka DasGupta

Keka is dedicated to moving people from feeling helpless to helpful through the powerful (and completely free) act of sharing gratitude.

Laura Briscoe

Innovation, project-based learning and global citizenship are at the heart of Laura Briscoe’s teaching philosophy. Laura is a forward thinking educator who creates a learning environment that exudes energy, ignites critical thinking and embraces risk taking to create a space that is inclusive, relevant and innovative. As the Visual Arts Department Head of Oakridge Secondary School in London, Ontario, Laura has been recognized as a leader in education both locally, provincially and nationally. In 2015 Briscoe was awarded the Prime Minister Certificate of Achievement Award, 2016 the Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Government Award, the national Classroom of the Future Spirit Award, 2014 the Innovative Teacher of the Year Award by the Ontario Business Educators’ Association, and 2016 Bishop Townshend Thames Valley Award. Laura Briscoe stimulates imagination and empowers people to make relevant connections through the arts with the world around them.

Maneesh Sethi

Maneesh Sethi is an author and entrepreneur who has founded several businesses. Most recently he is the founder and CEO of Pavlok, a behavioral change company committed to helping millions of people around the world improve their habits and their lives. He’s been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Shark Tank, The Bulletproof blog, Forbes, and the New York Times.

Matt Wilson

Founder and CEO of Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL). While camping a few years ago, a friend showed Matt how to throw an axe. It was such an exhilarating feeling that upon his return to Toronto, he set up a wooden target made from junk pieces of wood and showed his friends how to throw an axe too. Those friends invited their friends, who invited more friends, and friends of friends… and thus started the Backyard Axe Throwing League, or BATL. Matt has grown this amazing community from his backyard into 14 locations across North America, and continues to grow and open more locations as the year goes on.

Sarorn Sim CSC

Cinematographer

A six-time winner of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers Award for excellence in corporate branding and educational cinematography, Sarorn Sim CSC. is arguably one of the most passionate and acclaimed cinematographers in the world. His work spans multiple genres—from commercials, television, documentaries, and web films to special assignments in hostile environments, remote geographies, and natural disasters.

Simon Johnson

As a young teenager, Simon was diagnosed with autoimmune conditions, which slowly undermined his body to the point of needing a liver transplant. Being unsatisfied with the lack of real treatment from his doctors, Simon embarked on a personal quest of self directed discovery. Inquiring into the nature of our true potential for quality of life, personal fulfillment and vibrant vitality, Simon became deeply engaged in the worlds of live food nutrition, permaculture design, wild plant medicine, nature connection and personal development. Now the time has come for Simon to spread his wisdom with all those who wonder if there is another approach to life. One which leads to deep realizations and absolute abundance. A means of developing an alliance with the natural world which allows for your own life and the lives of those around you to thrive. Herbs are here to help and it all starts with you!

Theresa Reaume

Theresa Reaume is CEO of Successful Image Client Relations Management. she has been helping businesses build relationships since 1999 with her personalized client relations management system, gaining clients across Canada. Theresa received the Woman of the Year Award through the Ladies Exclusive Alliance for her professionalism, mentoring, role model skills, and community involvement. She was also a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year through the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards and a finalist for Powerhouse Professional through Biz X Magazine.

Tina Brigley

Tina is a mother of two beautiful daughters and a Health Coach. Her story of personal transformation and self discovery allowed her to follow her dreams and passion to help other people discover who they are and facilitate their personal health transformations. She believes that we are the authors of our stories and life doesn’t happen to us, it happens for us. Understanding who we are and the defining moments that formed our identity in childhood will allow all of us to create a future based on who we freely choose to be as adults.