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).

UBC Robson Square
800 Robson St
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1A7
Canada

Annabel Yao

Student + Bridge builder

Annabel is a 10-year-old student from Holy Cross Elementary School who is an avid reader. Her passion is in performing arts; she enjoys singing, dancing, and acting, and hopes to become a musical actress in the future.

Annabelle Lei

Student + Mental Wellness Advocate

Annabelle Lei is a Grade 9 student in Vancouver. She indulges in her love of reading and playing badminton. With her passion for public speaking, Annabelle aspires to raise awareness about mental well-being and inspire individuals to prioritize their own emotional health.

Avery Mann

Advocate for Child Safety

Avery Mann has worked with federal, local and international law enforcement in helping to bring hundreds of dangerous criminals to justice – many of whom were on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list – while part of the long-running, hit TV program, “America’s Most Wanted.” For his work, he received the U.S. Attorney General's Meritorious Service Award. Avery also spent five years working alongside federal law enforcement at the Washington, DC-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the U.S.’s national hub for supporting efforts to bring missing children home, to stop child sexual exploitation and to provide prevention resources for children, families and educators. At SOS ThreeSixty, Inc. where he is a co-founder, he specializes in supporting schools and their leaders in implementing Boundary Training, Safer Recruiting and Hiring, and Chaperone Training strategies to help create the safest environment possible for the children in their care to learn and thrive.

Howard Guo

Sports enthusiast + Befriender

Howard is a senior at Semiahmoo Secondary School in Surrey. He enjoys playing football, hitting the gym, and spending time with his friends.

Kirk Anderson

Internal Auditor + Fitness YouTuber

Kirk is a full-time CPA and Internal Audit Manager. He’s also a 49-year-old dad with two kids. His goal is to help people transform their bodies so they look and feel better about themselves. You can find him on Instagram @Kirkdaanderson

Maple Zhang

Budding YouTuber + Artist-in-training

Maple is a 9-year-old student at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver. An artist at heart, she likes to sing, dance, and draw anime characters. She is also an avid reader who enjoys comics and graphic novels. Maple has her own YouTube channel where she features amusing and informative videos that she produces herself.

Reza Varzidehkar

Social Capitalist + Entrepreneur

As a third-generation entrepreneur, Reza Varzidehkar knows the value of connections. As a first-generation immigrant, he was faced with the reality of starting fresh and building a network from scratch. His quest to differentiate himself during professional interactions led him to create a smart business card that lets you share your contact information with just a tap. His mission is to inspire people to put themselves out there, make new connections, and grow their network.

Sarah Moungounga-Nkombo

Graphic Designer + Author + Educator

Sarah is a Graphic Designer, Author, and Educator, based in Vancouver. She graduated with a Bachelor of Graphic Design (Honours) from the Art Institute of Vancouver. She specializes in advertising, packaging design, branding, and brand identity. She is an advocate for women and the author of "She's Doing Well", a manual supporting young women in their growth and wellness journey. She has also produced and hosted an informative web series aiming to help women gain confidence, self-love, and a greater sense of well-being. You can connect with Sarah on her website www.sarahmoungounga.com and also find her on Instagram @sarahmoungounga and YouTube @sarahmoungounga-nkombo

Sukhdeep Grewal

Illustrator + 3D Visualization Designer

Sukhdeep illustrates, designs and creates with utility, precision, and aesthetics. Schooled in the Industrial Design program from the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, he strives to mend the gap between a concept and a final product through utilizing rendering, illustration, and storytelling. He is passionate about the processes used by designers each day and believes that they are fundamental tools that can be utilized by everyone.

Sydney Everingham

Entrepreneur + Victim Advocate

Sydney is a co-owner at Brix Real Estate Group in Calgary. Born in Ontario, she now calls Alberta home. Sydney practices yoga regularly and enjoys reading and being outdoors with her Aussie, Hector. She is involved in her community and believes in supporting local businesses. You can connect with her on Instagram @sydney_everingham

Tashina Jackson

Blockchain Specialist

Tashina is a Web3 and blockchain protocol specialist. Her goal is to enlighten others about the possibilities of blockchain’s life-changing technology and to encourage individuals and professionals to embrace decentralization for an open and equitable future. You can find Tashina at https://linktr.ee/TashinaJackson

Yejing Bao

Traditional Chinese Musician + Orchestra Conductor

Yejing Bao is a traditional Chinese instrument virtuoso, skilled in the Pipa, Guzheng, and Ruan, among others. She is a conductor of traditional orchestra as well as a certified teacher of the Pipa and other Chinese instruments, and can administer and evaluate examinations up to the highest levels of Pipa and Guzheng learning authorized by Shanghai Musician Association.

Yingying Sun

Blockchain Product Manager + Game changer

Yingying is a fearless entrepreneur who believes in building a collaborative culture, thriving together, and turning ideas into movements. Her motto is: Share your great ideas, let’s make a difference. You can find her on www.yingarena.xyz or Twitter @yingarena.eth