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).

UTC
Independence Square
Port of Spain, Port of Spain, 00000
Trinidad and Tobago

Giselle Carr

Design Strategist

Giselle is a Design Strategist who has worked primarily in design, marketing and brand strategy, creating environmental, social and economic value for a variety of brands. She is currently the Head of Brand and Communications at InPlanet, a German Brazilian impact-driven AgTech startup whose vision is to remove gigatons (billions of tons) of CO2 from the atmosphere by working with Enhanced Rock Weathering in tropical agriculture. InPlanet’s purpose is to create a liveable planet for future generations and more specifically, to regenerate soils and ecosystems, grow nutritious food, increase food security and sovereignty in the tropics. In 2020, she founded the first life-centered design consultancy in the Caribbean. More recently, she has been recognised as part of a team awarded by Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development “New Frontiers” Grant, which supports world-leading “interdisciplinary, high-risk, high-reward research”.

Meiling

Caribbean Fashion Designer

Meiling is amongst the most renowned designers in the Caribbean, whose namesake label has become synonymous with Caribbean luxury. With a meticulous eye and impeccable taste, she uses a mixture of texture and organic fabrics, along with her signature hand-stitched details, to bring her pieces to life. The daughter of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most renowned seamstresses of her time, Meiling infuses time-honored, artisanal techniques in everything she creates, beautifully representing the rich legacy of artisanal craftsmanship in the Caribbean. Meiling finds a lot of inspiration from Trinidad and Tobago’s rich architecture and references to these artisanal details sometimes peek out in her work. Meiling’s mantra “Less is more” is demonstrated in her minimalist collections that are often done in black and white. Her extravagance is often in exquisite heirloom finishes that adorn pieces. Meiling’s timeless pieces are often worn across generations and indicate timelessness of her brand

Mia Gormandy-Benjamin

Steelpan Educator

Dr. Mia Gormandy-Benjamin’s life beats for Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan. As Assistant Professor of Music (Steelpan) at the University of Trinidad and Tobago she educates others about the pan both inside and outside of the classroom. In 2017 Mia was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in ethnomusicology from Florida State University (FSU). Her doctoral research focused on the history and performance practices of steelpan musicians in Japan. In 2015, Dr. Gormandy-Benjamin founded the global steelpan project – “The Virtual Steelband” where over 300 pannists from 22 countries are registered and produce musical pieces. During the 2020 pandemic she worked on the “Pan in Unity” project, which featured 691 musicians from 23 countries. Mia’s passion for the steelpan began before she was five years old when an abandoned steelpan, originally gifted to her older brother, caught her interest. She is also the Chief Executive Officer for PanNotation.

Rachel Renie

Managing Director - Market Movers Ltd

Rachel Renie’s passions are fueled by her love for local food. She has co-founded three successful businesses, within the sector: D Market Movers Ltd; Farm & Function TT and Market Movers Design. D Market Movers Ltd was established in 2009 as the first online distribution company of green-grocer items in Trinidad & Tobago. The company focuses on farm to table initiatives that secure the freshest, local products and bring them directly to customers. Rachel launched Farm & Function TT a line of locally grown, frozen, fruit products that can be used to make smoothies, cocktails and desserts. Market Movers Designs allows local entrepreneurs to design Food Packaging and develop e-Commerce strategies that bring them success. Rachel holds a BS in International Relations and is a recipient of Ernst & Young’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award 2016. Rachel also serves as a mentor and Director at the Youth Business of Trinidad & Tobago.

Tricia Kissoon

CEO of JMMB Investments and Securities

Tricia Kissoon is driven to have an impact on the lives of those she serves. She holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Economics & Finance from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Masters of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School. Passionate about improving the world hence enabling her clients to achieve financial freedom while encouraging her team members to reach their full potential. She is a director of the Mutual Fund Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MFATT) and the Securities Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SDATT), as well as a member of the American Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee as well as Chairwoman of the ESG Banking and Finance Sub-committee. Tricia is the product of mentoring and pays it forward through her involvement with the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad & Tobago. She was awarded a Fellowship to the International Women’s Forum as a result of her leadership