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).

Isabel Bader Theatre
93 Charles Street West
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C7
Canada

Aria Lorenz

Aria Lorenz (she/her) is a disability advocate and student leader. She is passionate about improving accessibility for people with disabilities across public & private sector work. She is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto, Trinity College, a former Canadian National Silver medalist in Synchronized Skating, and soon to be law student. Aria has spoken at a variety of academic conferences at the University of Toronto regarding disability and accessibility issues, as well as lead a webinar during her internship on Bay Street, highlighting the impact of climate change on people with disabilities and the implications for the private sector. She is also the founder of Future Disabled Lawyers, an initiative aiming to help disabled students see a future for themselves in the legal profession. In the future, Aria hopes to scale up her current projects to build more opportunities and support for disabled people across professional and academic spaces.

Dr. Sarah Lidstone

Sarah Lidstone is a neurologist, neuroscientist and creator of Integrated Rehabilitation, a therapy approach that blends physical and mental health skills to treat neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

Hasan Merali

Dr. Merali is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His first book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life was published in March 2024.

Narayan Srivastava

Narayan Srivastava is a recipient of the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto’s Class of 2027 currently majoring in Political Science and Public Policy with a minor in Psychology. A graduate from City Montessori School (Guinness Book of World Record Holder for being the largest school in the world) - Narayan was among the All India Toppers in Grade 12th by securing 99% in Indian School Certificate Examinations 2023 while also serving as the Student Council President where he looked after the welfare of over 7,000 students. Narayan also works as the Founder & Manager of ‘The Bhoomi Initiative’ - one of India’s leading student-run climate change organizations and a Diana: Princess of Wales’ Award nominee organization. He is also a former TED-Ed Speaker where he delivered his talk on psychology and the power of manifestation. In April of 2023, Narayan launched his debut novel ‘7 Mountains’ at the Inaugural Ceremony of City Montessori School Model United Nations – one of India’s largest Model UN Conferences – where he was also serving as the Secretary-General. Narayan has served as a Guest Speaker at various international platforms and has been interviewed by numerous organizations like Surge India International. As a public speaker and international relations enthusiast, Narayan has delivered his speeches on global stages like the International Chief Justices’ of the World Conference and has been judging numerous Model United Nations Conferences specializing in conventional UN committees.

Nase (Jessica) Lim

Nase (Jessica) Lim is a recent graduate with high distinction from the University of Toronto, holding an HBSc degree, and is now an incoming JD Candidate. During her undergraduate years, she held leadership roles as the co-president of the UofT Psychology Students' Association and the UNICEF UofT Student Chapter. With her TEFL certification and education training, she dedicated her gap year to teaching as an Elementary English teacher in Seoul, South Korea, igniting her passion for education and global outreach. Her commitment to diverse educational experiences extends to working with students from Canadian Indigenous reserves, refugees, immigrants, and children in other countries like South Africa and the Dominican Republic, showcasing her dedication to transforming education and advocating for access to quality learning.

Professor William (Bill) Ju

Professor Bill Ju prefers to be called PBJ and is a Neuroscientist and Full Professor, Teaching Stream and a member of the Dean's Office in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto. His previous research focused on the mechanisms underlying learning and memory and now his focus is on using this research to enhance the undergraduate student experience. His most recent interests include using compassion based teaching in the post-pandemic classroom.

Soban Atique

Soban Atique is a graduate of the University of Toronto with an HBA in Political Science in Criminology. Soban has spent 11 years in student government and is an experienced leader, public speaker, community builder, and storyteller. His passion for people has encouraged him to pursue roles that are centered around serving the community with the greater mission of fostering meaningful cultures in the spaces important to him. Soban is currently a Governor at the University's highest governing body, President of one of the largest colleges at the University, Secretary-General of the University's largest Model UN organization, Mooter at the Pre-Law Society, and Senior Tour Guide at the Office of Student Recruitment. Soban is the recipient of the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award, Brookfield Peter F. Bronfman Leadership Award and the Peggy Pratt Service Award from Woodsworth College, and Lifetime Membership Award of the Woodsworth College Students' Association.

Victoria Gracie

Victoria Gracie is an undergraduate research assistant at a clinical neuroscience laboratory in CAMH, with academic interests focusing on the etiology and neurobiological impacts of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). She is also a professional fashion model who placed in the top 8 at Miss Canada. Motivated by her journey with BDD, she has become a leading advocate for body positivity; her story has been showcased on national television and highlighted in publications internationally. Gracie is a University of Toronto HBSc student pursuing a double specialist in Psychology and Exceptionality in Human Learning.

Xueji Zhao

Xueji researches privacy preserving machine learning and its applications to healthcare AI systems, thinking deeply of ways for futuristic technologies to be trustworthy and private.