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).

Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1
Canada

David Daniel

David Daniel is a coach who works with individuals, teams, and organizations to learn skills to navigate the complexities of 21st-century living. He blends his background in psychology, neuroscience, and systems thinking with his experience as a triathlete and USA Triathlon certified coach to help people develop new mindsets in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. David lives in Maine with his wife Anne and their nine-year-old son Colden.

Debra Kasowski

Debra Kasowski, the charismatic host of the positive, thought-provoking podcast, The Millionaire Woman Show, is committed to enriching the leadership potential of her countless, devoted clients, essentially guiding them to go within to uncover their vast inner resources. After graduating with distinction, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Debra spent many years as a clinical manager exceling in leadership development, before founding Debra Kasowski International, a world-class training and consulting venture focused on helping aspiring business owners and solopreneurs develop the winning “success habits” that transform human potential into sustainable profits.

Dr. Natali Surkic

Dr. Natali Surkic is a Front Line Pharmacist and Clinical Instructor at the University of Toronto with over 5 years experience in the healthcare industry as a clinician, researcher, mentor and educator. She has a keen interest in healthcare technology that emphasizes patient-centered care and efficiency in the delivery of clinical outcomes. She is passionate about advancing patient care while accelerating ideas at the interface of science, healthcare, and business.

Dr. Zubair Fadlullah

Dr. Zubair Md. Fadlullah is an Associate Professor of the Computer Science Department at Lakehead University (LU). He is a joint research chair of smart health technology at LU and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, the research arm of Thunder Bay Regional Healthcare Centre. Previously, he was with the Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, Japan. His research and teaching span various topics of computer science and applications of AI in next-generation communication networks, connected health, and relevant interdisciplinary fields. He serves as editor of the IEEE Access Journal, IEEE Network Magazine and Ad hoc & Sensor Wireless Networks. He previously served as editor of IEEE Transactions of Vehicular Technology and IEEE Internet of Things Journal. Dr. Fadlullah is a senior member of IEEE.

Jason Grant

Jason Grant has over 20 years of experience working in technology and operations management - a CTO for small business. In terms of academia, Jason has a degree in math and physics. Jason is the founder of The Automated Method, a path-of-least-resistance mentality and process that allows executives to spend more time focusing on their business, and less time managing the minutiae of it. Jason greatly embodies his work and his process. His minimalism pervades everything he does, which is why he’s obsessed with user experience - the efficiency of cloud continuity. And it’s also why “the robots are coming” is a thought that keeps him up at night. Reminding yourself why you’re in business is something Jason has an acute awareness for.

Kevin Tuerff

Kevin Tuerff, Social Entrepreneur & Author American Kevin Tuerff’s experience as a 9/11 refugee in Canada is one of the true stories inspiring a smash hit musical. Tuerff is CEO of Brokering Goodness, an ambassador for the Charter for Compassion, and author of Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11.

Rhonelle Bruder

Born in an impoverished country to a poor single mom, Rhonelle was adopted at the age of three and raised in Canada by a white family. Bullied and ostracized growing up, Rhonelle ran away from home at age 16 and was subsequently lured into the sex industry by human traffickers. Eventually escaping, Rhonelle struggled for years to rebuild her life, learning the power of resilience along her journey. Today, Rhonelle is an internationally recognized speaker, advocate, writer, and social entrepreneur. Rhonelle engages audiences around the world, speaking about resilience, human rights, social equity, and mental health. She is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and using her voice to empower the most vulnerable amongst us. Each one of us will be faced with adversity. That's why the ability to tap into our mental strength when faced with these challenges can be the difference between living life to our true potential or just merely surviving. And, Rhonelle Bruder knows precisely what it's like to survive.

Tamara Bernard

Tamara Bernard is from Lake Nipigon, specifically Kiasheke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation). She has been an Indigenous advocate for over 10 years and carries a wealth of experience and involvement within Indigenous relations across various communities. Tamara is also known for her work within Indigenous Education at Lakehead University, TRC Education advocacy and development, MMIWG speaker series, For Women Who Roar, Researcher for Ontario Native Women’s Association, and Owner of Tamara Kwe. Additionally, Tamara has worked with the CTV See Me Project, Where are the Missing Children Art Series, We are More than Murdered and Missing, Indigenous Gendered Cultural Research Analysis, Indigenous Yoga: Reclaiming our Spirit, Building our Bundles: Anishinaabeikwe Stories from Robinson Superior region, I am Story/ies – Indigenous women storytelling to Heal, Reclaim, & Empower, and Restor(y)ing through Indigenous Research.