TEDxStLaurentBlvd: An evening of Inspiration & Ideas

Join us for TEDxStLaurentBlvd, an evening designed to spark your curiosity, challenge your thinking, and connect you with a community passionate about innovation, creativity, and positive change. Reserve your seat and be inspired by thought-provoking talks that open minds and ignite action.

Influential community leaders and dynamic speakers will take the stage to explore a diverse range of topics, from cutting-edge innovations to personal stories of transformation. Each talk is crafted to offer fresh perspectives and actionable insights that will fuel your creativity and leave you motivated to make a difference.

Why Attend:

Broaden Your Horizons: Discover groundbreaking ideas and bold insights across various disciplines.

Be Part of a Global Movement: TEDx events are catalysts for change. By attending TEDxStLaurentBlvd, you'll engage with the global conversation on culture, innovation, and social impact.

An Unforgettable Experience: Enjoy a night of intellectual stimulation, artistic expression, and meaningful discussions that will inspire and energize you.

Club Soda
1225, boul. Saint-Laurent
Montréal, Quebec, H2X 2S6
Canada

Derek da Costa

Chief Medical Advisor & Consultant; Asst Prof McGill Univ Faculty of Medicine

Dr. da Costa is a respected Chief Consultant, Medical Director, and Advisor in Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, and an active staff member in the Emergency Dept. at St. Mary’s Hospital. He also serves as an Asst. Prof. in the Dept. of Family Medicine at McGill University. He is extensively involved in academic teaching as an Osler Fellow, preceptor, and mentor for medical students and residents. He is active in teaching and mentorship, including the Longitudinal Family Medicine Experience and Transition to Clinical Practice programs, as well as having been involved as an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Quebec (OSCE) evaluations. He is a recognized leader in Continuing Medical Education (CME) initiatives and contributes to research, having been involved in the McGill Vaccine Center studies and pediatric research. His dedication to medical education earned him an Award of Excellence in Teaching from McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine.

Dimitrios (Jim) Beis

Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Mayor

Jim Beis is a dedicated public servant and community leader with a passion for sports, recreation, and local governance. He began his career as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Roxboro, where he expanded recreational programs, and later served as Division Head of Sports and Recreation, enhancing community sports and leisure activities. Jim entered politics as a Borough Councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro, later becoming Mayor, a role he still holds. He also served on the Montréal Executive Committee, overseeing Procurement, Sports and Recreation, and Communities of Diverse Origins. Beyond politics, Jim remains active in his community as a Board Member for On Rock Community Services and Governing Board Member at local schools. A devoted coach for soccer and baseball teams, he fosters youth development and community spirit. Jim’s lifelong commitment to public service continues to shape the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough.

Erica Wiebe

Olympic Gold Medalist

Erica Wiebe is the 2016 Olympic Champion in the sport of Freestyle Wrestling, an Ivy League MBA graduate, sports commentator, and expert facilitator. She is also a 8x national champion, World University Champion, 2x Commonwealth Games Champion, and 2018 World Championships bronze medalist. As a passionate advocate for the power of sport, she volunteers her time as a youth wrestling coach, ambassador with Right to Play, and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta board of directors. When not taking people down, commentating on it, and/or coaching someone to do it, she works as a manager of athlete relations, safe sport, and DEI at the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Glenn O'Farrell

C.M., LL.B, ICD.D, Corporate Director, Board Chair, CEO & SVP

Transformational leadership with a proven track record of leveraging digital technology and creative partnerships. He has led executive teams in revitalizing, start-up and ongoing operations of media businesses in complex environments. Glenn served as Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, Corporate Director at Le Devoir Inc. on Le Groupe Fair-Play’s Advisory Board and Director at GPO Corp. A native of St-Malachie, Québec, Glenn studied economics, law, business, corporate governance and data analytics at St. Francis Xavier University, Université Laval, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and Schulich Executive Education Centre, York University. He is a member of the Order of Canada, the Québec Bar and the Institute of Corporate Directors (and ever-aspiring singer-songwriter).

James Mancini

Media Personality, Former Canadian Wrestling Champion, MMA Athlete & Entrepreneur

James Mancini is a dynamic figure in the world of sports and entertainment. Beginning his career in amateur wrestling, James captured 7 Canadian National titles and proudly represented Canada on the international stage, notably securing a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. His competitive drive led him to transition into professional MMA, where he continued to make his mark. Beyond athletics, James has become a versatile media personality, participating in reality shows, radio programs, short films, and podcasts. He has also appeared on TV, commentated on sports, hosted events, and taken on special skills roles in films. Currently, James is the host of The Boom Boom Show on YouTube. In Season 1, he engaged viewers with interviews and commentary on combat sports and pop culture, while Season 2 saw him hit the streets to capture hilarious moments with Montreal’s nightlife scene. James has also added stand-up comedy to his repertoire.

Josef Azam

Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

Josef Azam is a Montreal-based entrepreneur whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to giving back. Born into an immigrant family that faced financial hardship, Josef also overcame personal challenges, including learning disabilities, to become the first in his family to earn a university degree. As the founder and president of Design Shopp Int., a marketing and web agency he built from the ground up, Josef has turned innovation and purpose into the cornerstones of his ventures, including Imagination Holding Co. Through his talks and initiatives, Josef has inspired more than 10,000 underserved youth worldwide. Beyond entrepreneurship, Josef serves as president of the Riverdale Wrestling Club and Cloverdale Multi-Ressources, while also contributing as a board member for YES Montreal and the John Abbott Foundation. His dedication to fostering growth and opportunity underscores his passion for creating meaningful and lasting change.