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).

2735 Mount Baker Road
Mill Bay, British Columbia, V0R 2P1
Canada

Cedric Burgers

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, Accredited Passivhaus Designer

Cedric holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Masters degree in Architecture from the University of British Columbia, where he also taught as an assistant professor in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He worked for the architect Daniel Liebeskind and Müller Knippscheld Wehburg Landscape Architects in Berlin, Germany after graduating. He has served on design review committees for the District of West Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. He is now an Accredited Passivhaus designer, pioneering sustainability and low-energy design in Vancouver. Cedric’s other interests include rowing and sailing; he was a member of the 1992 Barcelona Canadian Olympic Rowing Team, and served as commodore of The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in 2023. Sports and teamwork are a critical parts of his work and family life, with a particular interest in performance in the built environment.

Collin Zwickel

Investment Advisor & Philanthropist

Collin Zwickel is an accomplished investment advisor and avid runner from Vancouver who brings the same energy to his business and athletic pursuits. His passions for running, skiing, and giving back drive him forward. Now, he’s preparing for his biggest challenge yet: becoming the youngest Canadian to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days as part of The Great World Race. He’s doing it for charity, raising funds through his foundation, Happy Kids, to support children in need. During his last fitness challenge, running 122 KM from Vancouver to Whistler he raised 77 thousand dollars for local children's charities. Collin’s a big believer in giving back, volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Vancouver Native Housing Society. His experiences in business and sport make him an inspiring speaker on topics like perseverance, leadership, and the importance of community.

Greg and Hali Scott/ ScottSmith

Philanthropists, Adventurers, Innovators

Greg Scott and Hali ScottSmith are the co-founders of the Tidbits of Change Foundation. In 2012, what began as the small notion of a dad and his 11-year-old daughter’s annual busking adventures together through the years raised attention and thousands of dollars for a variety of great causes. Their efforts became a bigger concept, a foundation that focuses on encouraging youth and their parents/mentors to collaborate on their own passion projects. Greg Scott is an alum of UBC and the University of Alberta, a speaker, and an entrepreneur with a varied background in the ski industry, board games, tiny houses, and hospitality. He is the author of ‘The Cycle of Life’ - a fifteen-year coast-to-coast cycling adventure with his son. Hali ScottSmith is an alum of Quest University Canada. She has worked extensively in hospitality management and is invested in uncovering how happiness can be sustainable. She is an avid traveller and is absorbed in taking in as much ‘new’ as she can.

Kennedy Peterson

Brentwood Student '25 & Neuroscience Enthusiast

From San Francisco, California, Kennedy Peterson is a keen debater and neuroscience enthusiast. As co-captain of both the Brentwood Debate program and the Research Action and Innovation in Neuroscience club, Kennedy can be found engaging in vivid discussions with her peers or scanning students’ brain waves. In her spare time, she often watches her favorite show, The Office, or chats over coffee with her friends.

Preston Curtis

Brentwood Student '25

From Denver, Colorado, Preston Curtis enjoys studying psychology and is a varsity rower. A first year student who has done everything they can to become as engaged as possible. He loves to spend as much time as he can hanging out with friends while also trying to experience everything possible. Whether it be competitive tennis or water polo, life is too short not to try it all. He firmly believes that hard work and a smile on your face are key to achieving our goals, both in rowing and in life.

Ruby Satusky

Brentwood Student & Environmental Activist

Ruby is from California and fun fact she once faced a wildfire and came out with singed eyebrows. Other than her love for Hamilton, she immerses herself in environmental justice as BEAT captain at school (Brentwood Environmental Action Team). She’s not a fan of bell peppers but is a fan of her two sweet brothers Noah and Max and cats Poppy and Chip who always support her. She owes her success to her charisma, impressive vertical jump, and her amazing, hardworking parents who she is endlessly indebted to. She hopes you feel inspired by her TEDTalk.

Shannon Simpson

A Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Wellness Coach

Shannon is a passionate and sought-after thought leader dedicated to reshaping the future of education. As a health and family wellness coach, nutritionist, motivational speaker, and creator of Toolbox Tuesdays, Shannon inspires others to discover their strengths and realize their gifts. A survivor of childhood abuse, breast cancer, and the challenges of supporting a family through anxiety, autism, anorexia, and trauma, Shannon knows firsthand what it takes to uncover "The Magic Inside", and is committed to making a positive impact in the world by sharing her passion for life. Shannon lives in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, where she enjoys cold plunges, sunsets, paddle boarding, forest walks, dancing, and homeschooling her 16-year-old twins.

Shunsuke Nakatani

Brentwood Student '25 & Technology Enthusiast

I'm a Gade 12 Ellis House student. I have a deep passion for technology, especially blockchain technology. Three years ago, I founded my own organization, which utilizes blockchain to support artists. I believe that blockchain technology is the future and has immense potential to revolutionize various industries.