Theme: Metamorphosis

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).

Skala Theatre
15 Kiriakou Matsi Street
Larnaca, Larnaka, 6015
Cyprus

Andia Mavromati

Born in Cyprus, an island with an intriguing and complex linguistic scenery, Andia has always been fascinated by languages. Her parents inflicted her passion for languages, as her mother speaks Hungarian and her father, who is in love with classic languages taught her Ancient Greek and Latin from a young age. For as far as she remembers herself, she was curious as to why people spoke differently than one another, and was enthralled by the way people spoke in different areas of the island. At the age of 17, she noted down unknown words to her from the Cypriot Greek dialect in a notebook she still carries with her! Back then she even tried to create her own alphabet of the dialect, which did not, until then, have a written from. She is currently a PhD candidate of Linguistics at the University of Cyprus. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Cyprus, but her passion for languages did not stop there. She proceeded with a second Bachelor’s Degree in Turkish and Middle Eastern studies, with a major in History and Politics and a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics. She currently works as an English teacher at the Ministry of Education and Culture and she is also an accredited examiner for official English examinations. Being an active citizen is top priority for her, as she believes that the endeavour to empower people to change things that affect them is significant. She is currently a Member of the Educational Council of European Youth Parliament representing Cyprus and she is the Vice President of the University of Cyprus Alumni Association. She is also a science communicator and gives lectures and workshops for children and young adults. In 2016, she participated in the national competition of Famelab Cyprus, where she was nominated as a runner-up. Her research interests revolve around the areas of Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics with focus on Language Acquisition and more specifically bilingualism and bidialectalism, language policy and language contact, especially between Cypriot Greek and Cypriot Turkish.

Andreas Hadjipandelis

Andreas Hadjipandelis is a Music Producer, Sound Engineer and Sound Designer. Since the age of 12 he has been an active musician and performer for various projects playing guitar and electronics. In 2008 Andreas moved to the UK to study Sound Engineering and Production at Birmingham City University. His relationship with sound changed as he embraced technology and the vast variety of ways he can twist, manipulate, create and distort sound. In 2012 he moved to London for his postgraduate studies in the field of Audio Production and Sound Design at the University of Westminster. In London Andreas found himself musically, and started releasing music under the moniker “Rat”. After his graduation he worked at Antelope Audio for two years as the Technical Support Assistant Manager, Orion 32 and Zen Studio product specialist. Since his return to Cyprus in 2014, he has launched a post-production studio based in Larnaca, composing and producing music, offering sound design and sound mixing services for video production companies. Andreas also became a paramount member of creative collective “Thelum”, participating in storyboard development, script writing, music and sound design. In 2017 Andreas started teaching at Cyprus College where he is the module coordinator for "Sound for Visual Media" and "Sound Mixing Level 1"

Antonis Alexopoulos

Antonis Alexopoulos is a PhD holder in Sport Sociology and currently teaches at the European University Cyprus’ and Frederick University’s Sport Science and Physical Education Programs. He is also the President of the Cyprus Physical Education and Sport Sciences Association. Besides his scholarly activity, Dr. Alexopoulos has been involved in several activities for Social Change. He took part in public debates and discussions on matters of secularism, science communication and critical thinking, as well as the stigma and stereotypes of mental disorders. He is a member of the Human Library Cyprus and speaker in Movember Cyprus, regarding mental health in men.

Catherine Beger

Catherine Beger is the Director of Little Muse Theatre in Cyprus, Larnaca. Trained in University of Liverpool and graduated 1994 and worked in London for three years. She came to Cyprus in 1997, co-founded Antidote Theatre and has been working in theatre in Cyprus as an actress, teacher, storyteller and director since 1999. Over the last 20 years she has been working towards the development of good quality theatre for young people. In May 2013 she set up a new theatre company called Little Muse Theatre. The children are of different nationalities across Cyprus and with a great staff team, amazing performances are created to packed audiences. Catherine is an artist with passion and the love for her work has extended to the effect and result her efforts have on her students as she nurtures and mentors them to talented artists. She has so much love to share with the community through her work and you can feel her enthusiasm and charisma reflected in her productions. Add a sprinkle of magic fairy dust and lashings of humour to all this and you will start to get a picture of how Catherine operates. Her efforts were deservedly awarded in the 2017 Cyprus-National Business Woman of the Year Award which is recognized as a valuable tool of driving force, empowerment and inspiration for women who work hard and gain recognition by society. Currently she is now one of three finalists for The National UK Mentor of the Year Award 2019. She is also a single mum to her beautiful 9yr old daughter Daisy.

Christiana Varda

Christiana Varda is the Founder of Media What, an NGO focused on promoting media literacy education through participatory digital media. She is currently a PhD student at the Media, Cognition and Learning Research Group, at Cyprus University of Technology, where she focuses on media literacy, misinformation and online media platforms. Christiana also works as a Research Associate on Co-inform, an H2020-funded project involving top universities, a research centre, a fact-checking organisation and SMEs, that aims to contribute towards the ambitious goal of tackling disinformation by focusing on three main stakeholder groups: policymakers, journalists and citizens. In addition, she teaches creative production courses on the BSc Web Design and Web Development course at UCLan Cyprus. Christiana graduated as a Schreyer Honors Scholar from the Pennsylvania State University, where she studied on a full CASP / Fulbright scholarship. She holds a BA in Communications (Journalism) and a BA in English; she also holds an MA in Interactive Multimedia from the Cyprus University of Technology. Finally, she is passionate about bringing quality independent cinema to the Larnaka community; she is the Executive Secretary of the Board of the Larnaka Cinema Society, a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation.

Constantinos Kyprianou

Constantinos Kyprianou studied Architecture at the University of Brighton and a post graduate degree in Advanced Architectural design at the Städelschule in Frankfurt. He has worked at Magma Architecture Berlin where he was part of the winning team for four buildings for the London Olympics 2012 shooting range. He took part at the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale with the project Take off your shoes and relax…in Cyprus under the curation of famous architect Sir Peter Cook. After his studies abroad he founded the non-profit organization Alternative Brains Rule. Through that he has founded Afro Banana Republic a community festival which since 2011 has been accredited with 3 European EFFE awards. He is the founder of the innovative research program ABR IN LAB since 2015 which deals with innovation in the arts that derive from multidisciplinary environments but also The Wall Gallery 2018 an initiative that has transformed the outside space of the Oncology center of the Bank of Cyprus to a cultural dialogue between local artist and the patients. In 2016 he was invited by the European project Leim where he was chosen to create project Walk Me an innovative project dealing with choreography in the Role of Architecture. He has been an active event producer in the underground music scene of Cyprus and was accredited with 5 European awards for best concept by Pernod Ricard.He is a known Dj for the past 10 years in Cyprus but has also performed around the world.

Elia Kouzari

Elia Kouzari is a Senior Advisor II in Management Consulting at KPMG Cyprus and a PhD candidate at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. Her field is Software Engineering, investigating Process Mining and Software Process Improvement. She has worked as a Lecturer of Computing at a number of local colleges and universities, including the European University Cyprus and the Cyprus Mediterranean Institute of Management. In the context of her job, she has been able to collaborate with organizations such as Eurostat, the IMF and the European Central Bank to help establish international standards for better systems integration. In addition, she has been involved in numerous projects of prominent organizations in Cyprus providing guidance and solutions for their digital transformation and establishment in the local market. Elia is a member of various organizations and professional bodies in Cyprus related to her field and among the experts of the SheExperts platform of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) in the field of Information Technology and Computing. She received a BSc in Information Systems from the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki and an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Cyprus.

Fibre Performing Arts

Fibre Performing Arts is a team of young professional artists with modern personal approach to the performing arts. Up to date: •Independent performances - Ministry of Culture and Youth Organization of Cyprus. • Participation at major artistic events in Cyprus and Athens: Greek Choreographers Festival Athens, Athens Fringe Network, Video International Film Festival, Body Dating, Athens, No Body Festival, TedX Nicosia 2013, YEU - Urban Art Festival Cy, Nicosia Pop Up Festival, Larnaca Biennale 2018, Lefkosia Dance Hall. Stavri Kalopetridou Choreographer-Artistic Director •Degree of Ballet Teaching and Contemporary Dance '' -Professional Dance School of D. Gregoriadou- Greece. •Postgraduate 'Diploma in Dance Studies' -LABAN Institute of Dance. • Register teaching diplomas : Vaganova Methods, A.D.S.A. , Barre and Terre, Physical Theater. • Teaching: -Ballet, Modern Dance .Kinesiology - Professional Drama School of Vladimiros Kafkarides. • As Performer: 'Echo-Arts', 'Allahu'. • Artistic director – choreographer - "Fibre Performing Arts" (2010-2019). • Choreographer of the Children's Stage of SatiricoTheatro (2017-19). Polina Stamboli • Degree of Ballet Teaching and Modern Dance '' – Professional Dance School of D. Gregoriadou- Greece. • Register teaching diplomas: Vaganova Methods, A.D.S.A. , ISTD-Modern. • Owner of Level Dance Studio-Ormidia. • Pilates Instructor-Effect Academy, Arial yoga .. • As Performer -Choreographer - 'Fibre Performing Arts' (2010-2019). Elena G. Flouri • Postgraduate "Diploma in Dance Studies", Trinity Laban • Register "Latin Teacher's Diploma", International Dance Teacher Association (IDTA). • Teaching : Latin and Creative Dance and General Dance Education - NDC. • As Performer: Fibre Performing Arts (2016-2019) Sotiris Sotiriou • Graduated from Nicosia University in the Dance section. • As a performer: Theatro Ena- 2014-15, THOC- 2016, Fibre Performing Arts -2017-19 • Choreographer: Anemona Theater 2019. • Erasmus: Portugal, Latvia.

George Vou

George is the founder of Mighty Meat and a former co-founder of Funifi and adJelly. He’s held International FMCG Marketing roles and contributed as a writer to The Huffington Post. He has consulted for early stage startups from all over the world and acted as an advisory board member to SXSW startup accelerator, Founders Institute and helped found Startup Academy and Startup Cyprus.

Irini Klokkari

Irini Klokkari, is an Interior Designer with master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Design. Irini has created Klokkari Design Studio, specialising in the Illustration of characters, applying them on different products and spaces. As character illustration has a very important role in Irini’s life, and is the means through which she channels her creative energy. Very popular are the characters she has created through intensive research, based on Cyprus tradition, thus creating the contemporary Cypriot souvenir. Which has been hugely embraced by people in Cyprus and abroad. Character illustration, takes even greater dimensions through her custom-made creations, as through her unique talent, Irini highlights the unique personality of every person she sketches. Her custom-made illustrations many times become the main theme of important life events, are utilised as unique gifts or even decorate their spaces. While her pursuits both as a person and as an artist, have inspired her to get involved in project of social and educational character, helping in the development and involvement of people around her.

Kyriakos Koursaris

Kyriakos Koursaris holds a Music Education & Didactics degree and a Master of Choir Conducting from Charles University in Prague. In 2008 he discovered his real passion, which is educational technology. He works as Head of Technology at PaRK International School in Lisbon, Portugal, where he administers and facilitates technology-rich teaching and learning, guides collaborative curricular innovation as well as faculty and staff training/support, and ensures system service, reliability and consistency. Kyriakos also teaches the IGCSE Computer Science course in Y9 and has worked as a music teacher for almost a decade in grades K-7. He has been honoured to participate as a speaker in national and international forums such as the parliamentary conference "Tecnologia e Pedagogia: O que ensinar? Como ensinar?" at the Assembly of the Republic, EDU Day '18, the #MakeWhatsNext: Changing the Face of STEM regional event, BETT 2018, the Annual EUDojo17 Event held in the European Parliament in Brussels, as well as the ECIS Annual Educators Conference 2016. At his school, Kyriakos has successfully implemented the use of Minecraft in the curriculum through a weekly workshop called “Minepark”, and has pioneered the platform's educational utilisation at a national level. For his contribution to connected and game-based learning, he was recognised as an MIE (Microsoft Innovative Educator) Expert and Fellow, as well as a Minecraft Global Mentor.

Marios Mettis

Marios Mettis trained as an actor at the National Drama School of Greece and as a theatre director at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. As an actor he has worked in theatre, film and TV. His work in theatre includes acting for the National Theatre of Greece, Theatro Amore, Elliniki Theamaton, The National Theatre of Cyprus (THOC) and various other venues. He has worked with Dimitris Papaioannou, Dimitris Lignadis, Giannis Kakleas, Giannis Kalavrianos and other directors. His directing credits include Lady Macbeth, The 39 Steps, One Day When We Were Young, Wolfgang, Three Tall Women, Eurydice and The Goat or Who is Sylvia? He has also directed the 2015 Theatre Awards Ceremony for the National Theatre of Cyprus and in 2018 the Opening Ceremony of the UCY Library (University of Cyprus Library). He was awarded twice with the Cyprus National Theatre Award for best male actor in 2013 and 2015.

Natasa Christou

Dr. Natasa-Platinum Christou is a woman with vision to empower people to unleash their full potential and find the unicorn power within ∞. She brings a unique blend of strengths such as entrepreneurial spirit, academic knowledge, design creativity and those are the tools she uses to build bridges ⁔ among people, with one goal: to create impactful new businesses that transform our world through the use of cutting-edge technologies and human collaborative intelligence. Natasa has worked continuously to support hundreds of people across multiple sectors in both university and industry zones. Natasa, has received her bachelor and master degree in architecture from the University of Westminster in London as well as a doctorate degree from the University of Cyprus. She is an active member of the Cypriot start-up ecosystem. Design thinking is her major teaching method to empower people explore the mechanics of idea execution. She is best known for creating Tellalis , an award winning online community platform, dedicated to activate local creative-makers towards accessing more opportunities.

Xenia Tsolaki Metaxa

Dr. Xenia Tsolaki Metaxa is a researcher, writer, educator, teacher trainer and speaker whose innovations affect both the local and international academic arena. Her journey as an educator commenced in New York and she currently resides in Cyprus where she teaches English, Public Speaking and Leadership. In 1989, she founded the XENIA TSOLAKI METAXA PRIVATE INSTITUTE – an innovative private educational institution and examining center on the island. She is a highly acclaimed professional, holder of a PhD in Educational Studies with a specialization on curriculum and instruction, an MA in Teaching English as a Second Language and a BA in English Literature from prestigious US Universities. Her distinctions and awards include a ‘Ward medal in English Literature’, a ‘Short Story Award’ by TESOL International, the ‘Herbert Classical Studies Award’, and the ‘Best Graduate Award’ in all her degrees, amongst others. Dr. Metaxa’s dissertation “The Effect of Authentic Songs on Vocabulary Acquisition in the English Language Classroom” focuses on the usage of songs to achieve maximum learning capabilities. Her deep love for children led her to her personal motto that ‘learning can become an art if the teacher creates joyful and lasting educational experiences’. To learn more about Dr. Metaxa, visit: www.xtmpi.ac.cy & http://xtmpi.ac.cy/xenias-blog/