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).

Amphi 3
Cyprus International University
Lefkosia, Lefkosia, via Mersin 10
Cyprus

Abdulsamad Opeyemi Aliyu

A 17-year-old computer programmer from Nigeria with a strong passion for innovation. I have been coding since I was 11 and it’s the best decision I ever made as it teaches you to break problems down and solve them. I believe that the future will be run and determined by logical and critical thinkers, problem solvers. Programming is a way to actively engage in the frontline of tackling the world-class problem. I always think of it as a way to disrupt things on a global scale while sitting at your computer. I grew up in a small town in Nigeria, where access to the internet and electricity was extremely limited. My father had a desktop computer in his office, which I enjoyed playing with after school. When I got my first computer, I played games on it, all day every day. And then I started wondering how the games work and I became very fascinated by programming at a very young age. Since then, I have gone on to mentor for Google summer of code and code-in (twice), volunteer as a software developer for Sugar Labs (an organization that makes free and open source educational software for kids), take on many ambitious projects around Machine Learning, App development, and blockchain, and also start a software company (Supwork).

Ali Nasuh Mahruki

Ali Nasuh Mahruki is a professional mountain climber, writer, photographer and documentary film producer. An all-around outdoor sportsman, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest and was the first ever Turkish person to climb the Seven Summits. Ali Nasuh Mahruki was born in Istanbul. He is also the co-founder of Common Purpose Association of Turkey and he is a member of UGSAD (National Security and Strategic Research Association), TMOK (National Olympic Community of Turkey), SAD (Underwater Research Association) and Travellers Club of Turkey His books published in Turkish are; “Diary of an Alpinist”, “First Turk on Everest”, “In Search of a Dream”, “Roads of Asia, Himalayas, and Beyond”; “Earth Diary”; “Motherland is Loved by Actions, not by Empty Words”.

Azhi Kanabi Qadir

Azhi Kanabi Qadir is an English teacher, and he has taught English for five years in his country, Iraq. He graduated from a two-year academic English program at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. He is interested in helping others improve their English, and for that, he has been teaching English on his Facebook account and page for free for more than five years Azhi was born in Chwarqurna on January 14th, 1996 in the Kurdistan region in Iraq. Also, he comes from a middle-class family, and he has one brother and one sister. Azhi used to go out with his friends and play football on the streets during his childhood. Azhi finished the elementary, basic, and high school successfully with the help and support from his parents. After that, he was accepted into the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani where he completed an extensive two-year academic English program and got a two-year English program diploma. Following that, he decided to begin teaching English and have English learning courses in summers specifically. Up to today, he has taught English in 11 English course in the Kurdistan region in Iraq. Additionally, he was admitted into the Cyprus International University to start his Bachelor journey and began studying Pharmacy in 2016. He is in his third year of Pharmacy studies.

Nqobile Madziba

I am a blend between a finance nerd and an Otaku (a fan of Japanese animations called animë and comic books called manga). I love analyzing economic variables and identifying the underlying philosophies of characters in my favorite anime. When I find something that intrigues me I focus on it to the point of obsession, This leads to having a narrow frame of thought limiting the possible conversations and people I could interact with, but I am hellbent on overcoming this and meeting as many new people as possible along with my life's journey. I believe what makes achieving grandiose life goals fulfilling is the people you meet and the new perspectives they show you along the way.

Professor Jim Vincent

Jim Vincent is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Foreign Languages at Cyprus International University. In 2015 he retired after teaching 38 years at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was educated at Hiram College in Hiram Ohio and that Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana, both institutions in the United States. He has taught in a variety of institutions during his long career. Among his teaching subjects are linguistics, communications, American and English literature, Irish authors, and the entertaining field of humor in literature and teaching. Though he is not married, he is a member of a large Vincent family with plenty of outstanding nieces and nephews. During his years at Robert Morris University, he served as the coordinator of the Rooney International Scholar Program, a program that brought international scholars to Robert Morris as visitors for a three-month residency. These scholars entertained Robert Morris community members in their on-campus house, served as guest lecturers in a wide variety of classes, and added a worldly presence to a small university. In addition, Professor Vincent has organized and coordinated student study abroad trips to Ireland. His interest in Ireland goes back to his earliest years when he heard his grandmother talk about her Irish born father. His interest in Ireland continues and over the past few years, he has guided several private tours. He is a strong advocate of student engagement and cooperative learning. He has also created a strong but informal online network of past and current students into a group called “Jim Vincent University, no classes only coffee.” At Cyprus International University he shares his apartment with his cat named “Mike Hat,” a thoughtful companion and erudite advisor.

Realise Mwase

Bio Realize Mwase is a Zimbabwean author, poet, spoken word artist and public speaker based in Northern Cyprus. He has published 3 books (2 poetry collections and an anthology) so far and has written several articles that have been published by media houses in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Northern Cyprus. A firm believer in the power of self-discovery, Realise has overcome adversity to become a voice for fellow Africans in the diaspora. His latest book, African Pride, is evidence that he sees his expression as a gift to serve others.

Tanyaradzwa Chinherera

Tanya is a 21-year-old girl from Zimbabwe. Tanya is passionate in helping the less privileged children and those with lower self-esteem in boosting their confidence through means of helping them discover their talents and nurturing the talent. She founded Development of the Child Foundation and has been working with charity organizations in North Cyprus which include SOS children village. Tanya also has skills in accounting and is pursuing her degree in Accounting and Finance. She is in her third year at Cyprus International University.

Titilayomi Aboluwoye

Titilayomi Aboluwoye is a fashion enthusiast, a lover of Creative Arts and an aficionado of exotic culinary. Zinelle, as fondly called by colleagues and friends, is a signature description of a black lady whose African roots exudes in her poise and charismatic outlook. She is the Founder of Zinelle Zibah Couture, a fashion label that has thrived over the years, and well known for its stylish and inter-cultural designs. Zinelle Zibah couture has featured in several fashion shows, with accompanying recognitions and awards. Titilayomi is also a Musical performer, writer, and speaker; she ticks the box of passion when it comes to driving women empowerment. Titilayomi is a graduate of MPharm and Ph.D. student in the field of Bioengineering.