Theme: In the Odd Chance

Advocating for a world where we achieve innovation and creation despite unexpected circumstances, the TEDxUW theme is “In The Odd Chance.” We believe that the greatest catalyst for growth and opportunity can often come from embracing uncertainty. By learning to take calculated risks, we can explore uncharted territory with confidence, bringing ideas to fruition. Through this year’s theme, we celebrate the courage of embracing what is uncomfortable strategically to meet challenges head-on and unlock our full potential. Place your best bets on life’s roulette table, and together, we can achieve the potential for remarkable outcomes.

Like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, our journey through life is marked by unexpected twists and turns. Embracing the TEDxUW theme of 'In The Odd Chance,' we recognize that the greatest catalyst for innovation often arises from the unlikeliest of circumstances. Just as a shooting star defies the norm of the night sky, we too can defy expectations and norms by daring to venture into the unknown.

Theater of the Arts (Modern Languages 135)
200 University Ave
Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1
Canada

Joel Blit

Professor, Department of Economics, University of Waterloo

Dr. Joel Blit is an Economics professor, Chair of the Council on Innovation Policy, and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. A leading expert on innovation policy and strategy, he studies the role of multi-location firms in knowledge flow, the impact of patents, skilled immigration and innovation, and the future of work. His research has been featured in The Globe and Mail, CBC, and The Economist. Joel advises policymakers and industry leaders on AI’s transformative potential, including CEOs, Ministers, and G7 representatives. His framework for technological disruption has been adopted by a multi-billion-dollar financial firm for its AI strategy. A sought-after speaker, facilitator, and consultant, he delivers talks, workshops, and consulting services globally. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he lives near the University of Waterloo with his wife and four kids.

Julia Nuguid

Global Business and Digital Arts Student with a minor in Computing, at the University of Waterloo

Julia is a 3rd year Global Business and Digital Arts student pursuing a minor in Computing. Exploring a background in user experience design, her work is driven by community and human-centered solutions. When she's not in school, Julia loves playing piano, scrolling aimlessly on Tik Tok and sending word hunt to her entire iMessage contact list.

Krysta Traianovski

Associate Director of Founder Development at Velocity, University of Waterloo

Krysta is currently the Associate Director of Founder Development at Velocity, the University of Waterloo's flagship incubator. Her mission is to develop students into founders by designing engaging programs and opportunities that move founders further, faster. Previously, Krysta supported deep tech teams at the University of Waterloo campus with their business and technical development through Velocity Science. Prior to her role at Velocity, Krysta worked for a seed-stage health tech startup and founded a health tech company "BrightGuide" which was specialized in dementia care, which won “Best Idea for Diagnosed Individuals” at DementiaHack in 2017. Krysta holds an Honours BSc in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo.

Marjorie Dixon

CEO & Medical Director, Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, University of Toronto Assistant Professor

Dr. Marjorie Dixon is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist with a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In 2016, she founded Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, Canada’s leading fertility and IVF center, where she serves as CEO and Medical Director. Dr. Dixon was honored with the 2022 Mathias Gysler Award and featured in the Globe & Mail’s Quantum Shift Class of 2019. She received the RBC Canadian Women of Influence Momentum Award in 2018 and is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Dr. Dixon has appeared in Time, Vanity Fair, Flare, and more, and regularly contributes to Cityline, advancing conversations on women’s reproductive health. A McGill University graduate, she completed Obstetrics and Gynecology training at the University of Toronto and specialized at the University of Vermont. Dr. Dixon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a member of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center.

Meti Basiri

Co-Founder & CEO at ApplyBoard

Meti Basiri is a seasoned relationship-builder who has a strong appetite for driving positive change. As a former international student himself, Meti leans on his experience to help his teams support students along their educational journey. Meti believes effective and clear lines of communication are a cornerstone of the continuous innovation he strives to create. Since co-founding ApplyBoard in 2015 with his brothers, Meti has been instrumental in building longstanding partnerships with over 1,500 of the top educational institutions across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland, has helped over 1 million students achieve their study abroad dreams. As CEO, Meti is charting a path for ApplyBoard to strengthen and improve international student mobility by breaking down barriers in new, innovative ways that will last generations. He does this with a focus on the future and aligning internal talent with external operational execution on a global scale.

Michelle Grocholsky

CEO + FOUNDER of Empowered EDI

Michelle’s life and work are driven by the philosophy that we must lift as we rise. An award-winning equity strategist, she has earned global recognition for innovation in engagement and inclusion. As CEO of Empowered, she leads the company’s global EDI brand, advancing equity by transforming people decisions and HR practices. A sought-after speaker, Michelle regularly engages with universities, professional associations, and employers worldwide. Her work has earned a Catalyst Canada Award, a European Diversity Award, and a Best Companies Award for Innovation in Engagement. She was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in 2023 and a Top 40 Under 40 awardee. In 2024, Empowered won a prestigious CWE Industry award for Gender Equality in the Workplace. Michelle holds a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Waterloo and is an ICF-certified coach. A devoted mom of two, she strives to build a more inclusive world.

Rachel Almaw

MSc student at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health

Rachel Almaw is an MSc student at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health. Her research focuses on the pain experience of those living with osteoarthritis, with a particular interest in the intersection of race and health. She has conducted research on a national and international scale, giving her a broad perspective on health disparities. Rachel is passionate about advocacy, striving to bring awareness and change to systemic issues in healthcare. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by advocating for a change in Canada’s approach to data collection and research to create a more equitable healthcare system. Her goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare access and ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve.

Samuel Wong

Associate Professor, Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo

Samuel Wong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Waterloo. As a researcher, he develops computational methods to extract scientific insights from large and complex datasets. Together with his research team, he tackles data science problems in diverse fields of application ranging from proteins and biological systems, to lumber and forestry, and even to music and sports. At UW, he has taught courses in probability, surveys, and building statistical models for data. Before becoming a professor, he grew up in Vancouver where he studied Math and Statistics at the University of British Columbia, and went on to complete a PhD in Statistics at Harvard University. Outside of work, you might find him playing Chopin on the piano, studying theology, having a game of chess, or most recently, getting immersed in fatherhood (with another baby coming soon!).

Shania Bhopa

PhD Candidate in Global Health, Co-Founder of The Canadian Courage Project, and Author of Children's Books.

Shania is a CIHR Vanier Scholar and a PhD candidate. She is the founder of the national NGO, the Canadian Courage Project, and the author of "Gurk the Gut" and "Bianca the Brain." As an international speaker and award-winning entrepreneur, Shania has made significant contributions in the field of womens health. She served as the Health Sciences Valedictorian in 2022 and is an angel investor focusing on consumer products that are good for the body and the planet. Most recently, Shania built a social media community, WellbyShania, which has garnered an audience of over 200k women worldwide. Shania is here to empower multifaceted women around the world with the tools, systems, and community to do it all..well.

Tracy Schmitt

Motivational Speaker, Best Selling Author, and Decorated Athelete

Oprah Magazine shared her story as Quest for the Gold World Cup Sailor sailing against able bodied men. Now in 2024 a #1 International Award-Winning Leader & Speaker with stars like Jane Fonda and Dr. Phil in over 40+ countries, a TV and Podcast HOST, #1 Bestselling Author of the book ‘Unstoppable You’, whose forward is written by Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Canada’s Hall of Fame inductee who has over 100 million viral video views, BEd, and MBA. Oh, and... she was the 1st four-way amputee, born without hands or legs, to climb the Himalaya Mountains, sail, scuba dive and bronze medalist alpine skier. Clearly our expert on DisArming Lim(b)iting Beliefs.