TEDx is a program of local, independently-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. These events are officially endorsed by TED and are designed to inspire discussion and connection at the community level. Locally organized by Imagine Comox Valley, with support from North Island College and World Community, TEDx Comox Valley is a fantastic night that will stimulate the mind and spark the imagination!

Stan Hagen Theatre
2300 Ryan Road
Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N8N6
Canada

Amanda Ridgway

A consultant and entrepreneur, Amanda Ridgway, Ignite Consultancy, facilitates redesigning the necessary holistic systems that support healthy communities. She brings international experience strategizing community development to the challenges of affordable housing and homelessness. Presently she is engaging the Port Alberni community working with non-profits, municipalities and health services in completing an evidence-based homelessness prevention plan. Previously she worked in the Comox Valley to devise a model for more effective service provision. With a unique blend of psychology, performance coaching and mindfulness of the spirit, Amanda reframes real community challenges in a way that invigorates citizens to reconnect with their best selves and discover creative solutions.

Annie Becker

It’s hard to believe Annie Becker is from the West Coast of Canada and not from the basement of a late 30s Jazz Club. Becker has been cloaking her audiences in a Gyp-sea of sultry soundscapes across Canada, New York, and Thailand for the past 5 years. In 2011 Annie Released her first album, ‘All About the Beez Neez,” and in 2013 was awarded, Vancouver Island Vocalist of the Year. With this New EP, ‘Back to the City,’ Annie takes us out of the City and back to that Vaudeville Cabaret. She laces Latin grooves with a taste of Rockabilly and Jazz. The music is stripped down to showcase the rawness of Becker’s Vocals. This is music you can play loud in your car.

Dawn Tisdale

Dawn Tisdale is a third year student obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at North Island College. Dawn grew up in Montreal, moved to the island in 2000, and became a community support worker for adults with disabilities. Wanting to further explore her career in health care, she decided to go back to school to become an RN. Since entering the BSN program, Dawn has become extremely passionate about nursing - aboriginal health, in particular. What fuels her fire is social justice and advocacy for health promotion. Dawn was recently elected president of the Canadian Nursing Student Association, representing 28,000 nursing students across Canada.

Nick Ward

Nick Ward grew up in England, studied Engineering at Cambridge and followed a predictable career path for a while. In 2007, he left the UK and sailed the Atlantic and the Caribbean with his family before washing up on the shores of Vancouver Island. Now settled in Cumberland, Nick is a Director of local web and marketing firm The Update Company, and a Director of London based Map Insight Ltd.