Theme: CREATIVE LEADERSHIP in the 21st CENTURY

TEDxLethbridge is a day long event sharing ideas with 14 presenters and more than 300 participants.

GOALS AND VISION
TEDxLethbridge will foster the spread and application of great ideas.
Imagine Southern Alberta's fascinating and engaging speakers coming together for one day to share their passions and discuss their visions for the world. Our region is home to ground-breaking research, extraordinary ideas, and remarkable people and TEDxLethbridge looks forward to showcasing this brilliance and enabling these great ideas to be put into action.

TEDxLethbridge will bring together a diverse group of citizens who want to foster change.
In recognition that our region is an arena for innovation, originality, and excellence at every level of study we have chosen to invite undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty members, and community leaders to present their own ideas at TEDxLethbridge and perhaps more importantly, to discuss each other's ideas. TEDxLethbridge will be an exciting opportunity for professionals, educators, community members and students to share their ideas on the same stage.

TEDxLethbridge will provide a platform for the brightest minds to be inspired and to inspire others.

We are committed to creating an event where participants are challenged to communicate their passions in an exciting and engaging dialogue. At TEDxLethbridge, speakers will give the best talk of their lives and then will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas. The format ofTEDxLethbridge will allow speakers and attendees to digest and debate the talks and encourage the exchange of ideas and information amongst all participants.

The theme of our first TEDxLethbridge event is "Creative Leadership in 21st Century".

TEDxLethbridge, therefore, is a unique opportunity for members of southern Alberta to share their ambitions for our collective future. Speakers will present their forward-thinking ideas and our hope is that all participants will leave the conference inspired and empowered to effect positive change.

Chinook Theatre
259 Britannia Blvd
Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4A3
Canada

Al Price

Al Price was born and raised in Acme, Alberta and now lives in the Calgary area with his wife of 33 years Ginny, son Scott and daughters Torey, Josie and Allie. Al has a degree in Physical Education and Diploma in Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University being recognized as the top graduate student in the program at NAU. He was a teacher, athletic director and Principal of the National Sports School in the Calgary Board of Education. Al has a passion for sports, played basketball at the U of A and represented Canada internationally on Canada's National baseball team. He has coached youth sports for over 30 years, including helping teams win city, provincial and national championships and qualify for the Sr. Little League World Series. His most enjoyable and rewarding experience was getting the opportunity to coach each of his 4 children. He has presented coaching clinics to over 160,000 coaches and training and development sessions to over 60,000 players around the world. He has co-authored curriculum and resources over 1 million coaches, managers, players and their parents. Al was recently inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Al will bring to his presentation what he has learned from his family, friends, and colleagues in education and from the coaches and players he has served with over the years.

Bryan Kolb

One of Canada's most prominent neuropsychologists Dr. Kolb's remarkable research with human brain recovery has ignited new hope for many humans that have acquired a brain injury. Bryan Kolb is a native of Calgary, Canada and is currently a Professor in the Department Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, where he has been since 1976. He received his PhD from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 and did postdoctoral work at the U of Western Ontario and the Montreal Neurological Institute. He has been working on the organization of the cerebral cortex and factors influencing recovery from brain injury for the past 35 years. His recent work has focused on the development of the prefrontal cortex and how neurons of the cerebral cortex change in response to various developmental factors including hormones, experience, stress, drugs, neurotrophins, and injury, and how these changes are related to behaviour. Bryan Kolb has published 5 books, including two textbooks with Ian Whishaw (Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology, Sixth Edition; Introduction to Brain and Behavior, Third Edition), and over 350 articles and chapters. Kolb is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Killam Fellow of the Canada Council. He is currently a member of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research program in the Experience-Based Brain Development program.

Jim Henry

When I look back over my long career I see that I have been a songwriter longer than anything else. Since I started at age fourteen that gives me lots of experience (more than 30 years). And over the years other pursuits of mine have included psychologist, teacher, writer and a long, long time ago, brief forays into a variety of strange and unusual pursuits like forest-firefighting-dude (2 summers) and encyclopedia salesman (2 days). After 10 years as a psychologist in private practice and completing my doctorate at the University of Alberta, I joined the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge. My passion for creativity has been the focus of my research for the past ten years. And over the past five the faculty has been kind enough to let me teach courses in Creativity. In these classes we spend our time exploring the wonders of creativity and how we all can foster our creative ability in any field of endeavour. I’m presently working on a project exploring the factors that most significantly influenced the development of creativity in highly creative people. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning and aims to discover and promote the factors that allow people and communities to thrive.

Jean Greer-McCarthy

Jean Greer McCarthy is owner and founding partner of Greer Homes Ltd. in Lethbridge, Alberta. With 18 years of industry leadership as a new home contractor and as Past President of Canadian Home Builders' Association - Lethbridge Region, Jean has a good understanding of industry issues, the impact that issues have on new home construction, and how that affects new home buyers. Highly regarded for her commitment to improving the industry through collaboration, Jean has a good balance of business experience and volunteer leadership. She has been actively involved in collaborating with local and provincial governments on issues such as building codes and fire regulations, Lethbridge's MDP, off-site levies, signage regulations, and other policies and processes. Jean has twice represented the new home construction industry before various provincial cabinet ministries as a part of an initiative by Economic Development Lethbridge. Additionally, Jean has represented Alberta on CHBA's "National Education and Training Council" in Ottawa. Recently, Jean was invited to Ottawa to present to the National Housing Research Council as well as to the Urban Developers' Institute Alberta Conference. Equally impressive are Jean's achievements as a performing songwriter, recording artist, professional speaker, and community volunteer. With two contemporary folk cds to her credit, as well as numerous awards for her efforts and accomplishments, Jean exemplifies the art of balance in leadership.

Cheryl Meheden

Growing up in rural Alberta, Cheryl Meheden does her best work under the big, open skies of a prairie landscape. Working as an instructor at both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College, Cheryl delights in her job as a self-titled 'facilitator of knowledge' for university and college students. Having an enormous capacity for work, Cheryl also contributes through several volunteer roles; including Director of Protocol for the Alberta Summer Games, serving as incoming President for Economic Development Lethbridge, and sitting as Vice-Chair for McKillop United Church. In the past she has also been a member of the Lethbridge College Board of Governor's, the University of Lethbridge Senate, the Sik-ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, Junior Achievement, Phi Theta Kappa, and other community groups. Driven to make a difference in the world, Cheryl is a committed, caring citizen whose exemplary work has resulted in numerous awards; including being named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, recognition as a Chair Academy International Leader, and an Innovation in Teaching award. No stranger to the topic of Leadership, Cheryl has completed studies on leadership at the PhD level, been invited to lead several groups and organizations through turbulent times, gathered a global perspective through work in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and personally stepped up to the plate by running for Mayor of Lethbridge. Her leadership philosophy is based on a comprehensive, collaborative approach that focuses on the followers; whose role she views as (if not more) important than that of the leader.

Randy Royer

Mr. Royer has over forty years of experience in the hospitality industry. He conceived, financed and built over 30 properties and another 30 (plus) re-development properties across North America. This includes the Grand Okanagan Resort a 495 unit hotel in Kelowna, British Columbia. He started and was the President and CEO of a TSE Listed Hospitality REIT. He has significant experience in working in all aspects of the hospitality business including: operations, marketing, finance and development. Mr. Royer expressed his passion for leadership in a book he authored "A View from the Bottom". It calls for a new era in the relationship between mankind and each other and mankind and the planet. He also has been involved with politics running for leader of the Alberta Party. Randy co-created and was the President of a TSE listed publicly traded Hospitality Trust, a $.5 billion enterprise with over 2700 employees and operations in many cities across Canada, the US and Mexico. With over 40 years of experience in the development & service industry, Randy knows service.

Julia Mitchell & Jason Baranex

Jason Baranec and Julia Mitchell are the founders of Southern Alberta Permaculture (SAP). Permaculture (the word, coined by Dr. Bill Mollison, is a hybrid of permanent agriculture and permanent culture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems on any scale. As certified Permaculture Designers, they specialize in a systems design approach to sustainable human habitat. They incorporate ecological design solutions that seek to produce more than they consume. Further to design, Jason and Julia offer educational opportunities, such as courses and workshops, which inspire people to bring connected design concepts into their home or business. They focus on low energy buildings, water management, waste re-use, renewable energy & food production systems. They encourage individuals and families to spend more time in their garden and less in their grocery. They believe that the integration of renewable resources and emulation of patterns in nature could have a positive effect on surrounding ecologies. Choices made today will significantly impact future generations.

John Kolk

Owner of Kolk Farms Ltd. , John and his family operate a diverse agri-business incorporating both dryland and irrigated crops and mixed livestock. Together with his wife Laura they have successfully raised four children and built a straw bale home. - Board Member and the Chair of the Rural and Sustainability committee of Alberta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) working on revitalizing rural areas and creating jobs and opportunities for young people rural broadband - Serves on the Alberta Water Council - Agriculture representative on Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) - Collaborated on the South Saskachewan Water Basin State of the Environment report - Takes part in national policy development as part of the Expert Panel on Water and report Agriculture for the Council of Canadian Academies - Municipal councillor for the County of Lethbridge for nine years - Formerly chaired the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company (AEFP). - Mediator with Community Conflict Resolution Services and is currently Board Chair

Kelsey Prenevost

Kelsey Prenevost is President and CEO of Kyoto Fuels Corporation, which owns and operates the largest biodiesel facility in Canada. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He has over twelve years experience in the Biotechnology sector working with University of Victoria, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the University of Alberta on projects varying from the development of genetically modified crops, cattle genotyping, plant and animal pathology and the investigation into the nature of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. President and CEO of Kyoto Fuels Corporation, Kelsey has created a company poised to provide biodiesel and other alternative fuels to Western Canada and the Northwestern United States.

Shannon Phillips

Shannon works for the Alberta Federation of Labour, as a researcher and policy analyst. She is also a research associate for the Parkland Institute and the volunteer Chair of the Board of Directors for Lethbridge’s Womanspace Resource Centre. Currently, Shannon is on maternity leave after the January 2011 birth of her second son, Hudson Davies. Shannon attended French Immersion and graduated from Spruce Grove Composite High School with a bilingual diploma. She also learned German and spent a semester in Germany. Shannon earned an Honours B.A. in Political Science with First Class Honours from the University of Alberta, and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the U of A in 2002. During her time in university, Shannon was active in the New Democrat Youth of Alberta and Canada. After university, Shannon was a researcher for the University of Alberta Students’ Union, and then became an organizer for Jack Layton’s NDP for the 2004 federal election. She then worked as the Alberta NDP Opposition’s communications officer and Executive Assistant to Alberta NDP Leader Brian Mason. She has also worked on campaigns for the NDP in provinces across Canada. Shannon has served on the board or as a staffer for Womanspace Resource Centre in Lethbridge since 2006. She is now the volunteer Chair of the Womanspace Board of Directors, and was instrumental in leading the organization through a funding crisis. Shannon was instrumental in ensuring Womanspace’s financial literacy programs for low-income women remain accessible to the community.

Eva Gorny

Eva is a 5th-year Education student at the University of Lethbridge. While studying to become a teacher, she is also very active in campus life. This year, she is the Faculty of Education Representative on the U of L Students' Union, as well as the Vice President External Affairs for the U of L Rotaract Club. Eva is also the 2011-2012 recipient of the John Gill Memorial Award for leadership and volunteerism on campus. From a young age, Eva learned the value of volunteering, and has logged thousands of hours of service. She is quick to take on the challenge of working with a new organization or group, and has built up quite the repertoire of philanthropic work. With experience from such organizations as the Girl-Guides of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, Rotary International, and the University of Lethbridge, she is well versed in the skills and attributes that service brings. Eva is huge a proponent of youth being involved in all aspects of volunteerism, from the earliest planning stages to the carrying out of final projects. She speaks with enthusiasm on the importance of incorporating philanthropy into the life of the 21st century learner. Eva was born and raised in Lethbridge. As a 22-year old young woman, she has already accomplished much, and is looking forward to a bright future of working with youth and creating positive change

Paul Bohnert

The 21st Century has the potential to be one of great change, filled with anxious anticipation and innovative creativity. It has the potential to bring humankind greater economic, social and environmental prosperity then ever before. However, the adoption of many 20th century practices in education, business and politics has stiffled 21st Century economic growth, environmental literacy and responsible citizenship. Paul's presentation at TEDxBanff in 2010, 'Resistance to the 21st Century' focused on educators, politicians and business leaders. Since that time Paul has worked with educators, politicians, First Nations, students, and business leaders to examine their best practices. Paul has been a community educator for twenty years working with people throughout North America on making choices to create a more sustainable community for which they live through responsible citizenship. Paul's post graduate studies focused on the engagement of citizens in their own community to make a difference. In 2005 Paul created SACEE (Southern Alberta Community of Environmental Educators) and SAYEE (Southern Alberta Youth for Environmental Education) with the intent to learn with people who lived in southern Alberta. However, SACEE/SAYEE innovative and creative educational approach has attracted interest from across North America and Paul has directly shared his ideas, knowledge and actions with more than 20,000 North Americans and produced more than 25 educational videos that are viewed across the continent. These ideas are not rocket science but they do require a new creative leadership to emerge. One that is willing to consider radical change from the 20th century. A person that recognizes that status quo is not engaging our youth. A person who is willing to be proactive in their actions, innovative in their thought and respectful to our future.

Bridge Brass

The Bridge Brass Quintet was formed in 1990 by a group of enthusiastic brass players. Inspired by such groups as the Canadian Brass and the True North Brass. The five member group has performed around Southern Alberta. Engagements have included performing at the closing ceremonies for the Alberta Winter Games, engagements with the Foothills Brass Quintet, worked with leading composer Dr. Howard Cable, a performance with trumpeter Jens Lindemann, and numerous other engagements. Of the five original members, the trumpeters Don Robb and Ken Lewis continue to perform with the Bridge Brass. Karly Lewis, horn, has been with the group for 14 years, Rene Van de Vendel, euphonium, joined in 2004 and Andrew Mazara, on tuba, joined in 2009. The Bridge Brass is proud to offer their talents at the 2012 TEDx in Lethbridge. Their passion and enthusiasm is contagious when they perform. They are excited to offer their talents to those who attend the event.