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).

KCVI auditorium
235 Frontenac St
Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3S7
Canada

Andrew Guy

Andrew Guy is a leadership and staff development trainer, achievement enthusiast, a published author and a regular conference speaker. Andrew uses his life experience to inspire and teach others through his work, writing, and speaking.

Clara Sismondo

Clara Sismondo is an 18 year old who recently graduated from KCVI and will be attending University at the University of British Colombia in September. At KCVI Clara was involved in HOSA, the math club, Model UN, Poetry and Voice, and the writing club. Outside of school Clara loves to play the violin as part of a local violin ensemble, and enjoys about personal fitness and environmental activism. Clara is passionate about veganism, non-human animal rights, environmental policy, and the Green New Deal politics. Clara chose to speak at TEDxYouth@KCVI to share her perspectives on environmental activism and action, and try to ignite more interest in the Kingston community and raise awareness for what is happening right here, right now.

Daniel Fichtinger

Daniel Fichtinger is a recent Grade 12 graduate of KCVI. This Hungarian-Canadian is passionate about music, philosophy and technology. Daniel chose to do a TEDx talk to share his perspectives and relevance of immigrant identity with the community.

Farida Elsharkawy

Farida Elsharkawy is a grade 11 student at KCVI. At school, Farida is involved in Rugby, Link Crew, Student's Association and Field Hockey. Outside of school Farida is part of rep rugby and the rotary club. Farida is passionate about physical wellness, and mental health. Farida is also interested in music, lyrics, music theory and more to do with the art of music. Farida chose to present a TED talk because of her desire to share her ideas and gain public speaking experience.

Hannah Gilchrist

Hannah Gilchrist is a recent grade 12 graduate of KCVI. In school, Hannah was involved in Youth in Action, Model United Nations, organizing the TEDxYouth@KCVI event, as well as being a french immersion and IB certificate student. Outside of school Hannah was involved in a local choir, as well as being involved in her church. Hannah is passionate about music, poverty and world issues, history and art.

John Gallagher

Warrant Officer John Gallagher has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 20 years. Throughout his time in the Canadian Armed Forces, WO Gallagher has had the opportunity to experience the world through a very unique series of experiences.

Madeline Wood

Madeline Wood is a grade 11 student at KCVI. Madeline is involved in volleyball, field hockey, Students's Association, the outdoors club and is a leader at the school's annual leadership camp. Outside of school Madeline is involved in crossfit, is a competitive kayak coach, and takes part in the Gould Lake summer programs. Madeline is passionate about the outdoors and protecting the environment. Madeline chose to do a TED talk because it has been on her bucket list and she is enthusiastic about sharing her views.

Mayy Mounib

Mayy Mounib is a grade 11 Arab student at KCVI who grew up in Dubai. In school, Mayy is part of Let's Talk, Youth in Action, Choir, and she is the Chair of Model United Nations. Over the summer she participated in the Young Women in Public Safety program with the Government of Canada. Mayy is passionate about educating people about the issues in the world. Mayy believes that awareness is a crucial aspect of making change. Mayy was inspired by a previous TEDx event to stand up in front of her peers and spread her ideas - a dream she realized at TEDxYouth@KCVI.

Rion Levy

Rion Levy is a Grade 11 student at KCVI. In school he is involved in DECA and Model UN, Link, and is a student of the IB diploma programme. Outside of school Rion is involved in photography and engages in miscellaneous volunteering opportunities. Rion is passionate about building a society where citizens are all familiar with minorities and respects others despite of difference. Rion chose to present his talk to step out of his comfort zone and push himself to grow, as well as in hopes to use his experience to hopefully change mindsets and make the world a more accepting and respectful place for all.

Sarah Hesp

Sarah Hesp is a grade 11 Indian-Dutch student at KCVI. At school, Sarah is involved in DECA, Model United Nations, and she is the Chair of Students Association. Outside of school Sarah recently became a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation, working to raise awareness and funds to combat illiteracy around the globe. Sarah is passionate about business, entrepreneurship, literacy and photography. Sarah chose to present her talk to share her passion and inspire others to make a change in the way they see literacy.

Shari Hughson

Shari Hughson has led a unique and unconventional life. She has been an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, social innovator and extreme adventurer. She is a travel and wilderness fanatic, and has pushed her limits in the extreme adventure of living off the land with only the bare survival essentials for 7 years. Prior to this, Shari started her first business at the age of 25 and won CIBC Entrepreneur of the Year before the age of 30. She has been a founding member in four more companies, two great learning opportunities (aka failures) and two ongoing scaling tech and data driven health businesses. Shari is currently the Director of the Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, creating the next generation of people who will change the world. Shari’s passion for inspiring people to do more than they ever thought they could, is embedded in everything she does.

Timmi Letch

Timmi Letch is a grade 11 Lebanese-Canadian KCVI student. At school Timmi is involved in Model United Nations, will be a member of Link Crew, and will be Secretary of the Student's Association. Outside of school Timmi also holds a part time job. Timmi is passionate about equality, the environment, coffee and rabbits. Timmi chose to present his talk to draw attention to the lack of diverse representation in the media.

Vanshik Patel

Vanshik Patel is a grade 11 Indian-Canadian student at KCVI. At school Vanshik is involved in Model United Nations, the Ping Pong Club, DECA, and is a student of the IB Diploma Programme. Outside of school Vanshik is involved in photography and filmmaking. Vanshik is passionate about content creation. Vanshik chose to present his talk to offer insights on the often neglected problem of misinformation.

Zahraa and Rida Hossenbaccus and Ahmed

Zahraa and Rida are grade 1o students at KCVI. They are passionate about seeing change in the way we treat others and wish to see an end to the discrimination in our society.