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).

Matenadaran
Mashtotsi Ave., 53 Building
Yerevan, Erevan, 0009
Armenia

Arianne Caoili

Managing Partner, Akron Consulting

Born to a Dutch mother and Filipino father, Arianne Caoili is an Australian entrepreneur and management consultant with a professional background in consulting to government and the private sector. After studying and working in Australia and Germany, Arianne moved to Armenia in 2013 and worked as an economic advisor to the RA President’s Office, then founded Akron Consulting in 2015 to establish Armenia’s first boutique strategy consulting firm, dealing in particular with the crossroads of business and public policy: her passion is future scenario planning. Former advisor to the Armenian Prime Minister, she serves as Chairman of the Board for the Champord Fund, an organization invested in the development of civil society and the training of young Armenian journalists, with a focus on regional Armenia. Arianne is currently the CEO of one of Armenia’s largest alcohol distributors.

Arman Tatoyan

Human Rights Defender of Armenia

Elected by the Armenian Parliament for a period of 6 years (2016 February till present) as the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Dr. Tatoyan is also the head of the National Preventive Mechanism in Armenia, an ad hoc Judge at European Court of Human Rights since 2016 and International Adviser of the Council of Europe since 2013. Dr. Tatoyan has an LLM degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he has been honored the Distinguished Member Award of LL.M Class of 2013 for his professional accomplishments. Prior to his election as the Ombudsmen of Armenia, Dr. Tatoyan served as a Deputy Minister of Justice in Armenia (2013-2016). In this capacity, he served as Deputy Representative of Armenia before the European Court of Human Right (2013 –2016). He was also a member of the Council of Europe European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2011-2013).

David Amiryan

Deputy Director of Open Society Foundations - Armenia

David joined the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation Armenian Branch (OSIAFA) in 2000 as Coordinator of Civil Society, Mass Media and Law programs. David has been promoted to the position of Deputy Director for programs since 2003. In his current position he is overseeing all program activities of the Foundation including Program Budget Management, establishing outside contacts with potential donors and partners, works collaboratively with Network Programs. David Amiryan holds PhD in Psychology from the Yerevan State University (YSU). He is a part-time Associate Professor at the Psychology Department of YSU. He also graduated from the Law Department of YSU (correspondence studies) in 2000. David Amiryan is also a certified psychologist forensic expert. Davit Amiryan graduated the course “Program Evaluation” and is registered at a Master and Doctoral studies level at Columbia University Teachers College New York. He is an author and co-author of about 20 publications.

Kristine Sargsyan

Change Management Consultant

Kristine Sargsyan is a professor of Business Communication in American University of Armenia. She is a public speaking coach and an organizational development consultant. She brings together more than 20 years of coaching and consulting experience in NGO and private sectors. Kristine crafted several organizational development (OD) tools and also established a small OD library for local professionals during her career path. Previously Sargsyan worked for TACIS, World Learning, USDA, UNICEF, UNDP, CoE, Eurasia Partnership Foundation, Caritas Armenia, Real Medicine Foundation and TED. With a background in foreign languages, Sargsyan obtained MBA from CMU. She is the founder and licensee of TEDxYerevan conference in Armenia. More than 30 successful TEDx events have been organized under her supervision. She also developed a personal growth coaching program through impact speaking – called “Think” and used it to coach high ranked state officials and dozens of Silicon Valley startup leaders.

Kristine Soghikyan

Education Expert

Kristine Soghikyan has had extensive experience in the fields of linguistic education, international education policy analysis, higher education administration, faculty development, education quality assurance from a wide array of US Universities and European higher educational institutions. She is author of over 30 scholarly articles on Linguistics, Translation and Education. She is co-author of the European Portfolio of Student Teacher of Languages (EPOSTL) by the ECML. Dr. Soghikyan has been involved in major international education-related projects of different formats.

Natalia Mayorova

General Manager at Philip Morris Armenia

During 18 years in Philip Morris international Natalia has changed more than 10 positions starting from HR department to managing Reduced Risk Products projects in different countries. Starting her journey in Armenia 2.5 years ago, Natalia fell in love with the country and its people. She discovered her personal business success in Armenia. Natalia strongly believes that, no matter who you are - male or female in business, key to success is being open, honest and human, diving deep into the culture you are in, starting any negotiation with “I wish you happiness” internal message and always remembering about the “big Armenian heart”.