Theme: Rejuvenation, High Performance and Connection

Ridley College's TEDx event will explore the essence of "Rejuvenation," the art of renewing energy, spirit and vitality in our lives; uncover the depths of "High Performance," where we champion the pursuit of excellence and unlock our true potential; and delve into the theme of "Connection," celebrating the vital element that unites us all—emphasizing relationships, collaboration and empathy in crafting a harmonious and supportive world. Together, these themes paint a canvas of harmony, ambition and interconnectedness, inspiring us to prioritize self-care, strive for greatness and build enduring bonds for a more fulfilling life journey.

Held on our beautiful 90-acre campus, this is an independently organized event run by Ridley College, licensed by TEDx.

TEDx Ridley College
2 Ridley Rd
St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C3
Canada

Elza Mehdiyev

Student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School

Elza Mehdiyev is a Grade 10 student at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, Ontario, Canada. An award-winning storyteller, passionate about the environment alongside political science and law, she enjoys spending her free time lost in books or writing stories. Born in Istanbul, Türkiye, she now lives in the beautiful Niagara Region.

Gioia Bonifacio-Proietto

Student at Ridley College, Performance

As a grade 11 IB student at Ridley College, when she isn't immersed in her studies, Gioia can be found doing the things she loves: opera, karate, piano and dance. Besides being a person with a sheer love of learning, she is someone who always challenges herself to step outside her comfort zone; whether that's by seeking extra practice for her courses, adding to her reading list, travelling around the globe, or striving to achieve her second dan black belt. As a singer, Gioia has been studying opera since the age of 8, and hopes to continue with her passion for the classical art throughout her life. Following graduation, she aspires to become a pre-med student, where she will work toward her all-time dream of becoming a surgeon.

Hanlin(Tom) Hu

Student at Vanderbilt University, Ridley Alumni

I am Hanlin(Tom) Hu, a current freshman at Vanderbilt University planning to majoring in Economics and a Ridley OR 23'. I was member of Merrit North, a student prefect and a full IB diploma student. As a recent graduate, feel free to ask me questions about Ridley. I am a great fan of jazz music and also a player myself; a student entrepreneur; and a technology passionate. My interest lies in combining humanities with emerging technologies, and examing the socioeconomic effects of technological innovations.

Jill Clark

Manager of Communications & Media Relations at Rideau Hall Foundation, Ridley Alumni

Jill Clark is a Toronto-based public speaker and communications professional. Her work has taken her across Canada and Europe, gathering lessons and skills along the way, and transferring them into her role as Manager of Communications and Media Relations with the Rideau Hall Foundation. She has built a life and career out of zigs, zags, twists, turns and saying things like “how hard could it be?”. She believes in the power of strategic and thoughtful communication as an essential tool for meaningful engagement and valuable change.

Sooae(Emily) Kim

Student at Ridley College

My name is Sooae(Emily) Kim, I am in Grade 10 in Ridley college. I was born in Korea, but I moved to Canada 4 years ago. Because of this I am fluent in Korean and English. In additions from public speaking, I enjoy Mode U.N also currently an executive in Ridley M.U.N club. I am always willing to engage and interested in different topic for debates and discussion. Including but not limited my passion for learning different cultures.

Tim Albrecht

General Manager at Christian Benefit Thrift Shop

Tim leads a strong team of staff and volunteers at the Christian Benefit Thrift Shop in St. Catharines. This social enterprise supports the work of the Mennonite Central Committee, a worldwide organization that focuses its energies on relief, development, and peace. Volunteers inspire him by living out the idea that “even if it feels small, do it anyway.” His work brings him great joy, allowing him to live out his passion for sustainability, creation care, and the development of people. Tim is married to Deb. Together they have three adult children and are anticipating the arrival their first grandchild next year. They live in Welland, ON. Outside of work you may find him performing on stage, with a community theatre company in Niagara, or working out with a few buddies in a converted garage/gym.

Will Yang

Student at UCC

My name is Will, I am currently a Grade 11 student at Upper Canada College, involved in the DP program. My academic journey has been quite an interesting one, enrolled in schools in France, Britain, Quebec and now in Toronto. I had always been an active participant in Model UN, Mock trials and Debating, most noticeably, winning McGill BP Winters out of a hundred teams. My interests lie in politics, aiding multiple Conservative MP campaigns and worked as legislative assistant in the Ontario Legislature. I devoted a lot of my time to the community, volunteering in drug charities such as Spectre De Rue back in Montreal. As for the near future, I will be working with the Red Crescent in Palestine and Israel for war relief efforts, helping civilians universally during the Winter.

Yansheng(Jonathan) Liang

Student at Ridley College

Jonathan (Yansheng Liang) is a Grade 12 student engaged in a hybrid IB & OSSD curriculum at Ridley College, Canada. His extracurricular pursuits are diverse and intellectually stimulating, encompassing sociology, psychoanalysis, negotiation, and music. Demonstrating leadership and initiative, Jonathan is at the helm of the digital studio club and is the pioneering founder of the progressive reading seminar club. His academic interests are deeply rooted in economics, psychology, and biochemistry, reflecting a multifaceted approach to learning. With a forward-looking vision, he is poised to apply for a major in Biochemistry or a specialization in Economics at the university level, aiming to integrate his broad spectrum of interests into a cohesive academic and professional pathway.

Yihan(Andy) Wen

Student at Ridley College

Yihan (Andy) Wen is a Grade 12 IBDP student at Ridley College, Canada. In addition to public speaking, his extracurricular interests include photography, origami, and music. He is a Warrant Officer in the Ridley College Cadet Band as well as First Clarinet in the school Symphony Orchestra. Academically, he is inclined towards Mathematics, Chemistry and Economics and is looking to apply for a Financial Mathematics or Engineering major in university.