Toronto uses its brain, grows a moustache, and becomes a dad
TORONTO - A catchy way to describe three people who are bringing to Toronto an idea that may change how you (or anyone else, for that matter) sees the world around them. In 18 minutes, or less.
Technology, Entertainment, Design. Ideas Worth Spreading. That's the original premise of TED, a non-profit organization that believes "in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world." Hundreds of TED events are held worldwide each year, and they have expanded to include science, the arts, business, and global issues. No political, religious, or commercial agenda. Just a man, woman or child reaching out with a thought to share with others.
TEDxToronto 2011 takes place at Koerner Hall in The TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, in Toronto, on September 23rd. Three of at least 12 speakers have been announced.
"We are excited to present speakers who are having such a massive impact on our communities," says Dan Jacob, Co-Chair for TEDxToronto. "TEDxToronto puts exceptional care in selecting the best speakers from all disciplines to bring ideas worth spreading to our attendees and thousands online."
Each speaker's work delivers real world examples of this year's TEDxToronto theme, 'Redefinition'. "Definitions impose a frame on the world, shaping communities, social and political structures, our relationships, and ourselves. A changing definition can be the most powerful force on earth and a redefinition can change the world," concluded Jacob.
Some of the speakers lined up to date include:
Adam Garone - co-founder and CEO of Movember, the global charity event that raises awareness and funds for men's health issues (specifically prostate cancer) through the power of the moustache. Movember, the world's largest private funder of prostate cancer research, has engaged over a million participants to grow and support moustaches for the month of November, raising $178 million to date. A recipient of the Ernst and Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2008, Adam's vision is that the moustache and Movember will have the same global impact on cancers affecting men that the pink ribbon has for breast cancer.
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Ariel Garten - the CEO and co-founder of InteraXon, which creates thought controlled computing products and applications. Her work converts the workings of the mind into tangible solutions. Referred to as the "Brain Guru", Toronto-based Arial and her team's remarkable technology allow people to engage with devices using thought alone. Ariel has also researched at the Krembil Neuroscience Institute studying hippocampal neurogenesis, displayed work at the Art Gallery of Ontario, been head designer at a fashion label, and opened Toronto Fashion Week. InteraXon's has been featured in hundred of articles in over 20 countries.
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Brandon Hay - founder for Black Daddies Club (BDC), who started his organization when he realized that there was no existing group or organization with the mandate to help fathers in the black community learn how to be parents. Shortly after Brandon became a father at the age of 24, he began to patch up his relationship with his own dad, but the bonding was cut short with his father's murder in 2003. Launching BDC was also a way to do something meaningful in honour of his late father. BDC strives to empower black fathers and fathers as responsible, involved and loving role models, providing a source for new black fathers to learn from their older and more experienced counterparts in the community.
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Delegate applications for the event are open now, and can be found at tedxtoronto.com/get-involved/. Nominations for speakers can also be made on the website, and will remain open until August 1, 2011.
To learn more, visit www.TEDxToronto.com
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