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).

De Philharmonie
Lange Begijnestraat 11
Haarlem, Noord-Holland, 2011 HH
Netherlands

Beate Volker

Sociologist and Scientific Director NSCR

I am a sociologist and the director of the Netherland’s Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR). My interest in social cohesion includes the study of failures of social order and social institutions, hence, this is a wonderful place to work on these themes and related research questions.

Gordon Sana

Creative entrepreneur and community builder

Growing up in a Maroon household, Gordon learned early on that community building is not just a choice, but a lifeline. His culture instilled in him the profound importance of cultivating, nurturing, and sustaining communities. As a spokesperson within the Maroon community, Gordon has the privilege of representing his rich heritage and values to the world. Gordon's journey evolved into a rewarding professional career, where he assumed the role of a community manager, facilitating the connection between management or boards and employees or clients. Over the years, he has honed his skills in harmonizing diverse groups of people, fostering unity amidst differences. Now, he has focused his expertise on communities and diversity and inclusion. Through his company and commissions, he collaborates with community experts to advise organizations and companies on nurturing and strengthening their communities.

Iris Koolen

social entrepreneur, founder digital learning companies

Iris is the founder of several successful companies in the field of digital learning (RMMBR, Elephant Road, Bespeak, Visavi and TinQwise). All these companies specialize in didactics and thus in explaining complex topics to different audiences. Together with Jim Stolze, ICAI and prominent Dutch organizations, Iris then developed the National AI Course (www.ai-cursus.nl). A follow-up is the company I.AMDIGITAL. With this initiative, professionals receive a crash course in digital skills for their own work & organization. In addition to her entrepreneurship, Iris graduated from the Art Academy Haarlem (KHL) in 2021 and regularly exhibits her creative work.

Joost Bazelmans

Specialty: 'Setting up shop' - starting new initiatives and grow them into self sustainable businesses.

Currently working on the further growth of the non profit foundation Road Trip for Life. Here I am developing and renting out a wheelchair accessible campervan. After the success of the first van we are now seeking funding for the next phase, the development of five more wheelchair accessible campervans. I'm a serial entrepreneur who loves innovative adventures. Throughout my professional life I have been working with innovative concepts and ventures. Starting in 2001 with the development of electrical scooters. Followed by publishing and operating the largest teen girl community between 2007 and 2014 (before Facebook had entered our market). In 2015 I made the switch from digital marketing & social media to digital learning. At RMMBR I gained deep knowledge on digital learning technology and bespoke learning content.

Marco Derksen

Founder/Partner Marketingfacts and strategic consulting firm Upstream

Marco Derksen is founder/partner of Marketingfacts and strategic consulting firm Upstream with over 25 years of experience in digital technology, innovation and media. He inspires, advises and guides organizations in the change to the digital network society. In recent years, he has worked for both public and private organizations such as Bidfood (DeliXL), Dirkzwager, ING, Rabobank, TUI, Cito, T-Mobile, Radboudumc, HAN,WUR, Province of Gelderland, Province of South Holland, Water Boards, Rijkswaterstaat and the National Police.

Okrah Donkor

Founder Triple ThreaT, co-founder Basketbalclub Triple ThreaT

My name is Okrah Donkor, I have a great passion for Coaching, social entrepreneurship, media and marketing. My passion for basketball made a big difference in my life because of the required discipline, mentality and perseverance. For this reason, I started an organization in 2009 to inspire and encourage the youth of my neighborhood to do something with their passion. After completing my master's degree in marketing at the Free University of Amsterdam, I got the opportunity to work full time with my passion. Today, I direct the organization Triple Threat. Since 2009, we have been using community, role models and lifestyle as a means to make young people self-reliant. I have also co-founded Basketball Club Triple ThreaT since 2013.