Theme: Illuminating Shadows

TEDxAshburyCollege is a student-led, independently-organized TEDx event—a local gathering where live and inspiring TED-like talks are shared with our community. Speakers this year will explore the theme of 'Illuminating Shadows'. The theme encourages us to investigate overlooked topics, and uncover all ideas, old and new.

Ashbury College
362 Mariposa Ave
Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0T3
Canada

Allen Li

Student

Allen Li He enjoys engaging in educational and public welfare activities, with a dedication to creating positive change. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, he initiated planning online courses to help broaden access to education. Beyond this, Allen provided on-the-ground support in areas such as Hunan and Tibet, engaging in projects related to educational support, resource provision, and tree planting. He has also participated in events organized by UNICEF and other educational foundations in Beijing, China and is recognized for his ability to inspire action and coordinate impactful projects. Allen’s TEDx talk will explore the impact of mutual support and how acts of kindness enrich both the giver and the receiver.

Delilah Hao

Student

Mackenzie Delilah Hao is a high school student at Ashbury College pursuing the full International Baccalaureate Diploma. She is passionate about a variety of activities, competing at the Ontario VEX Robotics Provincial Championships, presenting biological research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Conference, and competing as a rhythmic gymnast where she has won several provincial medals. Delilah has also worked with organisations supporting people with developmental disabilities such as Ausome and Ottawa Rhythmic Spirals and hopes to advocate for a more inclusive community.

Gabriel Bernal

Student

I'm Gabriel Bernal, a high school student at Ashbury College with an array of passions ranging from space technology and science hackathons to musical theatre and cross-country running. As a recipient of the RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Award, I’m recognized for my commitment to community impact. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and other passionate students through organizations like NASA, the Conrad Challenge, and more, all with the goal of engaging in projects that push the frontiers of innovation and inspire new perspectives.

Lauren Hewison

Student

Fascinated by history and the way in which it shapes our world today, Lauren attends Ashbury College as a grade 12 IB diploma student. She is a balanced student that prioritizes school work while also participating in sports and clubs such as cross country running and media club. She has volunteered as a student teacher and coach in the Bahamas at her former school, Lyford Cay International School. Having attended international schools since the age of three, she is passionate about intergovernmental organizations and the role that these institutions play in creating lasting peace and security within nations. Lauren is interested in pursuing a bachelors degree in International Relations and History.

Lubna Forzley

Founder & CEO of Why Stories

Lubna is the CEO & Founder of Stories, a coaching portal that supports founders and corporate leaders tell the world the right stories and most importantly shift the stories they tell themselves. Under her leadership, Stories was just named ‘Most Innovative Mental Health Tech’ for 2023 by Mentl. Lubna is also a speaker, having spoken in and moderated large conferences, including TEDx, and Euromoney Conferences. Through her talks, she has shared the stage with ministers, leading entrepreneurs, and global innovators, including Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. She has moderated workshops for Fortune 500 companies and has also spoken in many podcasts around the world. Finally, she is a proud mum and an advocate for Women in Leadership positions. As a change agent, she uses her voice to uplift other women.

Reese Shu

Student

Reese Shu Student and Aspiring Entrepreneur Passionate about innovation, youth engagement and leadership, Reese Shu is a high school student, club leader, content creator, start-up and NGO founder. Reese’s ambitious nature and entrepreneurship values has led her to secure thousands in capital investment the first 2 months of her startup, focused on transforming the gift-giving experience through personalized AI-driven solutions. Reaching over 50,000 followers in the fitness community and creating an NGO to bring live music to underserved communities, every project is driven by her passion for sparking creativity. An active leader in extracurricular and academics, Reese was named a Top 3 Finalist in the prestigious Queen's Young Entrepreneur Competition (QYEC), issued by Queen's University, Baraza leader in Round Square International Conference, and club co-head for business and investment club senior and junior school

Sasha Peters

Student

Sasha is a Grade 10 student currently at Ashbury, having joined the school last year, and will give a TED Talk for the first time titled "Perspective is Everything: Illuminating Shadows." Sasha is a competitive dancer and also a passionate singer. She loves music both as a performer and an individual who expresses herself with the help of music and finds her spirit in creative environments. Sasha is an outgoing person, and she has always loved meeting new people and learning from them. With highly varied interests ranging from sciences to humanities and including business, she intermixes creativity with analytical thinking. Sasha's curiosity and ambitions are palpable; she is ever so eager to explore new opportunities for growth and impact in everything that she does.

Stephanie Young

Director of Development at Ashbruy College

Stephanie is in her eighth year as the Director of Development at Ashbury College, bringing more than 15 years of experience from independent schools across Canada. She jokes that she is “hooked” on the Ashbury community and adores her work engaging with parents, alumni, and friends of the school to generate multi-faceted support for our students and faculty. When Stephanie isn’t immersed in her work or spending time with her two children, Bailey and Paige, she loves getting outside, cooking in her kitchen, or finding moments of zen in a yoga class.

Susan Nally

Modern Language Teacher

Susan has been teaching at Ashbury College since 2013 and is currently the head of the French department in the Junior School. Previously, she taught in the Ottawa Catholic School Board and in Ecuador. With a B.A. from Queen’s University and studies at Université de Provence, she brings a global perspective to her work in education. Outside the classroom, she leads a community running group, recently completed an ultramarathon, and loves to sew. Inspired by her father’s recent journey through medical assistance in dying, Susan’s TEDx talk seeks to shed light on this profound choice, aligning with the event theme, Illuminating Shadows. She is a devoted mother of two, balancing family, work, and her love for adventure and creativity.