Theme: Sandbox

Welcome to TEDxAbbotsford 2023: Sandbox, where creativity, collaboration, and fearless experimentation take center stage. In a sandbox, both in childhood play and the tech world, we learn to test ideas, make adjustments, and innovate without fear of failure.

This year, we're bringing that sandbox ethos to life through a series of carefully curated talks. Our diverse lineup of speakers will ignite discussions around innovation and boundary-pushing, all within the safe confines of our Sandbox.

Join us at TEDxAbbotsford as we navigate the Sandbox together, exploring the power of iteration and fearless creativity. Let's transform ideas and redefine possibilities at TEDxAbbotsford this year.

UFV
33844 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M7
Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7M7
Canada

Aaron Hunter

Lead researcher, BCIT center for cybersecurity AI, Trust Information Security

Dr. Aaron Hunter is the Mastercard Chair in Digital Trust at BCIT. He is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher, with a particular focus on applications in cybersecurity. Aaron has published extensively in AI, where his work has focused on computational logic, reasoning, belief revision, and trust. Our world is changing quickly due to advances in AI, and some people are worried. Should we trust the information we are given by AI systems? Should we allow AI systems to take action on our behalf? And when should AI systems trust each other? Unfortunately, we don’t always agree on what trust means – and we often make choices that are irrational or inconsistent with our current trust relationships. In this talk, Aaron will discuss how the notion of trust will play a key role in our AI future.

Gwendolyn Point

Knowledge Keeper for the BC Assembly of First Nations

Dr. Point currently serves as the Knowledge Keeper for the BC Assembly of First Nation Chiefs. She served a term 2015-2018 as The Chancellor for the University of the Fraser Valley. She taught in her home community Sts’ailes School and she worked for the Chilliwack School District as a District Support Teacher before working 15 years for the Stó:lō Government as the Education Manager. She has a Doctor of Education from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Education from the University of Portland, a Post Baccalaureate from SFU, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Numerous awards include, Paul Harris Fellow, Order of Chilliwack, BC Aboriginal Tourism Award, Seattle Art Museum: “The Recognition for work in First Nation Language & Culture”, The University of the Fraser Valley: “The Betty Urqhart Community Service Award”, Chilliwack School District set up 2 bursaries in her name.

Jelena Brcic

UFV, Expert in the study of teams in extreme “workplaces”

Dr. Jelena Brcic is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley’s School of Business. She is an expert in the study of teams in extreme “workplaces”; among which are the International Space Station, the Canadian Artic, and the BC wilderness. Dr. Brcic is trying to understand how these extreme teams deal with adversity, maintain resilience, build their own culture, and solve problems. Informed by her research, she also teaches classes on how to build great teams in typical organizations and how to lead happy, satisfied employees. When she isn’t working, she is exploring the local beaches and mountains with her husband, two boys, and a Labrador Retriever named Buzz.

Justin Perry

BCIT, Wild Fire Management

Justin Perry is an instructor at BCIT in the Forest & Natural Areas Program. His work involves applying traditional and holistic approaches to wildfire management. Justin’s talk will focus on teaching the audience different components of wildfire such as forest ecology, fire behavior and the role of prescribed and cultural burning. Justin will discuss how can we change our relationship with fire and improve how it is managed. Justin Perry is a member of Métis Nation BC and is a lifetime resident of Squamish, the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation.

Les Talvio

Director and Co-Founder of Cyrus Centre

Les is a dedicated advocate for those in need, proudly serving as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Cyrus Centre for the past 19 years. His journey has been marked by resilience, having survived a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). “Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with a loving marriage spanning over 40 years, which has been a source of strength and inspiration”. His passion lies in extending a helping hand up to those facing adversity, and this drive has earned Cyrus Centre and himself several awards and distinctions. Les believes in the transformative power of compassion and community, and continues to work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Luisa Giles

Health Sciences, UFV, Researcher in air pollution, Kinesiology

Dr. Luisa Giles (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley. Prior to this Luisa was a faculty member in the Department of Sport Science at Douglas College and a knowledge translation scientist at the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. Luisa earned a doctorate degree from the University of British Columbia where her research focused on the health effects of exercising in air pollution. Her main area of research focuses on air pollution, exercise, and health which will be to focus of her talk at TEDxAbbotsford. Luisa's other research interests focus on chronic pain, as well as nutritional strategies for health and exercise performance.

Mallory Rose

Indigenous entrepreneur, online marketer, startup coach

Mallory Rose is an Anishinaabe-kwe, Ojibwe woman from Curve Lake First Nation. She is an innovative, high-energy communicator with over 10 years of experience creating content focused on Indigenous wellness, cultural education and community engagement. Her passion is developing practical and accessible education frameworks aimed to grow awareness, appreciation and resilience of Indigenous people, communities and allies. Mallory is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices through online workshops, learning programs, and community-driven initiatives. She has led creative teams at Tribal Trade Co, and has grown an audience of 2.5 million views on YouTube, and 100,000+ subscribers across email and social channels. Mallory is the creator of Smudge Circle, Resiliency Transformation Week, and the Truth & Reconciliation Workshop Series.

Saniya Kaushal

Writer, Med student, and Founder of the 'you are not ugly foundation'

Saniya Kaushal is a 22-year-old female with a passion for empowering others. She is a fourth-year medical student and a published author, with two self-empowerment poetry books available worldwide - ‘you are not ugly’ and ‘you are so worthy’. Her vulnerable poems were inspired by her experiences with name-calling and imposter syndrome. Saniya also founded her own non-profit organization- the 'you are not ugly foundation'- to create a platform for people to contribute their experiences navigating their self- esteem and mental health, to continue raising awareness while inspiring others. Through her organization, Saniya has hosted many free workshops and awareness campaigns on social issues. Saniya will be speaking about the power of internal dialogue and how reframing this dialogue can help to combat self- doubt and imposter syndrome.