Theme: Power

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).

The Imperial
319 Main Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 2S9
Canada

Barinder Rasode

Barinder Rasode is Mother to 3 amazing kids, Director of Social Responsibility for Resource Works, sits on the Board of Fraser Health and is Co-Founder and Advisory Committee Chair for SheTalks Global. In 2014 Barinder was recognized by Vancouver Magazine as one of the 50 most powerful people in Vancouver. Previously, she served two terms as an elected City Councillor for the City of Surrey taking leadership roles in public safety and transportation.

Christina Benty

Christina Benty, MA is a retired politician, a jazz singer, and the owner of Strategic Leadership Solutions, a consulting firm designed to assist teams in building a culture of excellence in leadership and governance. As former Mayor for the Town of Golden with 12 years’ experience in local government, she is passionate about sound governance, leadership development, organizational culture, community engagement and asset management. After her wealth of time spent living within the world of local government, she now facilitates conversations that encourage meaningful dialogue and assist governing bodies to transition from strategic vision to practical action.

Emelia Symington Fedy

Emelia Symington Fedy is the creator and curator of tryingtobegood.com, a website dedicated to personal essays and live storytelling that candidly explores the darkness of the human condition. A “social acupuncturist,” Emelia pokes needles into the heart of the matter and elicits results that are hilarious and healing.

Julie Salisbury

Julie Salisbury is the Founder and President of Influence Publishing Inc. and InspireABook® publishing coaching. She has coached over 800 authors with her unique “InspireABook” process to draw out the life story and purpose. She has published over 90 titles through Influence Publishing Inc. since 2008.

Maili Wong

Maili Wong is the #1 bestselling author of Smart Risk: Invest Like the Wealthy To Achieve a Work-Optional Life. She is a leading Canadian investment advisor and licensed portfolio manager whose fresh modern approach to investing for high-net-worth clients sets her apart from others in her field. Maili is a featured financial expert on radio talk shows including CBC Radio, CKNW 980 AM, CKWX News 1130 AM and Business in Vancouver Roundhouse Radio 98.3 FM. Her Smart Risk message has been featured in The Vancouver Sun Newspaper, The Province Newspaper, The Sing Tao Daily Newspaper and in the Business in Vancouver newspaper where she has won the Top 40 under 40 Award in 2012. Learn more about Maili: http://www.smartriskinvesting.com

Reema Faris

A life-long learner, Ms. Faris successfully defended her MA in Graduate Liberal Studies at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in 2015. She has worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Humanities, History, and English departments at SFU and is pursuing her studies there now as a PhD candidate with the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS). Before following her passion as an academic, Reema served as a one-term Trustee for the West Vancouver Board of Education and enjoyed a multi-decade career as a communications professional with a variety of public and private sector organizations. She is also a mother who is trying her best to guide a teenage artist through life as well as Grade 10. In addition to being a member of Vancouver Opera’s Board of Directors, Reema is an avid traveller, a chocolate enthusiast, and often dreams of Paris.

Rosalyn Mow

Rosalyn Mow was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. and has a background in rhythmic gymnastics and Chinese dance. Upon taking her first pole fitness class 4 years ago through Tantra Fitness, she instantly loved how challenging and fun it was and has since then become an instructor and seasoned competitor as a complement to her career as a Notary Public. She currently holds the title British Columbia's 1st runner up and and American national title.

Shirley Weir

Shirley Weir introduces herself as a 49 year-old Menopause Chick. Shirley’s perimenopause journey began 10 years ago. Sore breasts, sleep deprivation, depression and brain fog initially led Shirley to her doctor’s office, the book store and “Dr. Google,” but she was left feeling confused, overwhelmed and alone. At 46, she created MenopauseChicks.com, a mission-based platform that empowers women to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause, navigate midlife health information and connect to professionals who can support their journey.

Sophia Sunwoo

Sophia Sunwoo is a 10-year (and still running) serial entrepreneur. She was listed as a leading force in Social Entrepreneurship on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2016, awarded the Fred Alger Finance Award, and was a NY pitch finalist at ELLE Magazine's Impact2 Awards. Currently she is focused on http://www.thewatercollective.org

Suzanne Solsona

For the past 8 years Suzanne has been a full-time stay at home mother. In 2013 she added entrepreneur to her roster when she became Founder & CEO of MyMayu, a company focusing on innovative multi-functional outdoor gear for families. Suzanne practiced law as a civil litigator for 8 years in Vancouver and is versed in commercial and corporate law, employment law and insurance law. Suzanne is passionate entrepreneurship and about the role of women in society.

Vicki McLeod

Vicki McLeod is an award-winning entrepreneur and the author of #UNTRENDING, A Field Guide to Social Media That Matters - How to Post, Tweet and like Your Way to a More Meaningful Life. She is a newspaper columnist, podcaster, and blogger. She is the President of Main Street Communications Ltd, where for more than two decades she has worked with businesses, organizations and governments to implement comprehensive communications and marketing strategies and sustain meaningful change. She also leads personal and professional development workshops and retreats and has held senior positions in the arts, environmental and economic development sectors. A certified business and personal coach, consultant and trainer, Vicki is an advocate for everyday happiness, mindfulness, and living a passionate and creatively engaged life.