Meet the Visionaries of TEDxViikki
Introducing our Speakers
Our speakers come from diverse backgrounds and fields, each bringing a unique perspective to the TEDxViikki stage. Whether they are innovators, thought leaders, artists, or change-makers, they all share a passion for sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring action. The event will be in English.
Join us in discovering the voices shaping our event and igniting your curiosity!
_edite.jpg)
Why sex, courage and visibility are vital in engineering
About
Alexandra Knight is an unlikely engineer, recovering wallflower and Founder of STEMAZING. From shy imposter to award-winning engineer, Visiting Professor and appearing on TV. In 2019 I sold my house, left my job and cancelled Netflix to dedicate my time and energy to driving diversity in STEM.
Founder of STEMAZING
Talk abstract
We are looking at the problem of lack of diversity in engineering all wrong and it is crucial for the future of humanity that we start getting it right.
In the UK we only have 16% women in engineering. This is a huge problem for our economy. But our scarcity mindset is holding us back.
We need to flip this view and focus on the scale of opportunity rather than be handcuffed by the problem. We have to join together and co-create a STEM workforce solution where every young person can "see it to be it".
Author, Entrepreneur, Podcaster & Trainer
Relocation as a Cure for Talent Suppression
About
As a young girl, Alicia Butler Pierre’s father encouraged her and her sister to, “Go and see the world.” And she has. Disappointed by her limited career choices as a chemical engineer, she decided to break with tradition and relocate to Atlanta, a larger city in the U.S. It was there that her diverse talents in STEM, content creation, and public speaking began to flourish as she found freedom, resources, and respect for her skills.
After moving, Alicia founded Equilibria, Inc., an operations management and process improvement training firm. Now, 19 years later, she is a two-time Amazon bestselling author, and the producer of a weekly podcast ranked in the top 2% in the world with listeners in over 70 countries. Her advocacy work for small businesses has gained international acclaim. She serves as the USA Chair of the Indian-based G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. In 2023, the London-based Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Global Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. She is also an Adjunct Instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University. Alicia attributes much of her professional successes to the transformative effects from relocating.
Talk abstract
At the beginning of his musical career, one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time struggled financially due to constant talent suppression. Had he not left his hometown and accepted a chance opportunity to perform abroad, the world may never have known his musical genius.
Similarly, Alicia Butler Pierre, whose talents have often been described as “unorthodox,” and “eclectic,” found that traveling within and outside her country accelerated her career. She’s coined a specific term to describe this effect where relocating allows otherwise obscure talents to be recognized, respected, and rewarded.
In her talk, Alicia will reveal the name of this relocation effect. She’ll also explore the science behind this phenomenon while sharing her story to make the case for seeking new environments to find a spotlight for your talent.
.png)
LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️ Expert EDUPLAYMENT®️ Speaker
PLAY MORE, THINK LESS
About
César Suárez Uribe is a EDUPLAYMENT® Speaker (The mix of Education, Play and Entertainment) and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® expert.
César is a passionate and experienced speaker with almost 30 years of background inspiring people around 12 countries in Latin America and Spain mixing education, play and entertainment. He mixes them, as he says: ”I'm taking the best of both worlds: the academic and technical world and the other one is the ludic and artistic world to go deeper into the brain and heart of the people and in that way help them to transform their reality."
He has formal education: has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Specialized in Business administration and with an MBA. He was an employee for 11 years and occupied important positions as a director, manager and vice president in some companies in the financial industry (that is his academic and technical side). At the same time he was in a theatrical group (3 years), he was formed as a clown, theatrical improvisation. Since 2009 learned how to play seriously with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology (his ludic and artistic side).
Talk abstract
Have you thought about how many dreams, big goals or big causes in human history have been achieved just by using rational ideas? I mean, do you really think that we can achieve our dreams by thinking rationally? Noo!
The thing is: most of the people know that we, human beings make our decisions in a 90-95% with the emotion or intuition (limbic or reptilian brain) however, we are still giving more power to our rational mind or neocortex to live in a way that many times it’s not the life that we really want.
In this conference, I want to invite you to reflect and become aware of the power of silencing “the crazy voice in our mind” more often, to break limiting beliefs and be able to transform your reality into a new one that makes you much.
Game Developer, Educator, and Technologist
AI: The Frontier of Personal Empowerment
About
With a passion for gaming, education, and martial arts, I, Malcolm Williams, have dedicated my career to inspiring and empowering the next generation. As the CEO and Lead Technologist at TechnOrganic, I lead an edutainment business that combines education and entertainment to teach robotics, drones, and virtual reality experiences. My work includes developing apps for Android, creating VR experiences for platforms like HTC Vive and Meta Quest 3, and hosting esports tournaments for after-school programs.
My journey began with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University, which led me to move to Osaka, Japan to pursue my passion for game design. This experience inspired me to write game design curriculums that became the foundation for programs at multiple U.S. universities. As an international lecturer, I have created and presented curriculums on merging technology and game development, exposing students to the history, present, and future of virtual reality. I have also partnered with veteran organizations like StackUp.org to support veterans' gamers. Currently, we develop custom Fortnite islands for brands and sponsors. My mission is to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for underserved communities to thrive in the esports and gaming industries.
Talk abstract
Imagine a world of stories where the hero looks like you, where adventures explore cultures beyond the mainstream, and where narratives are crafted by those who understand them best. This is the potential of gaming, yet the reality is often a landscape dominated by white protagonists and homogenous narratives.
This talk delves into the limitations of a gaming industry lacking diverse leadership. We'll explore how the absence of people of color in lead roles translates to limited representation and a disconnect with a significant portion of the gaming audience.
But there's a solution: co-creation. By fostering a space where diverse voices take the helm, we can unlock a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. This talk will explore the power of including creators of color, ensuring stories about a culture are crafted by those of that culture, and fostering a more authentic and engaging gaming experience for all.
However, the journey isn't without hurdles. Where is the support for indie developers, brimming with unique stories but lacking the resources to bring their visions to life?
Join the call for co-creation. Let's empower diverse voices, champion indie developers, and build a gaming industry that reflects the richness of the world we live in. Together, we can level up gaming by creating stories that resonate with everyone.
Educator and Changemaker
What about love - from random acts of kindness to meaningfulness
About
A renowned educator, Niina Halonen-Malliarakis is a school princpal and changemaker specializing in special education, co-teaching, and shared leadership, with over two decades of experience. As a mentor and group coach, she have profoundly impacted educators and students by advocating for inclusive education and implementing innovative teaching strategies. Niina's dedication to providing high-quality education and equal opportunities has earned them interesting opportunities to grow and recognition in the field.
Talk abstract
Past, present and future are all in us. Niina’s love for learning and looking at life though the eyes of her autistic son has taken her to places and to unorthodox realization of what education is and should be.
Each of us is a lifetime of stories and learning experiences. Hardships and happiness, mistakes and lessons learnt. Time is the essence of learning. What can we transform from our past to our present in order to make our world a better place? What in me and in you makes the difference by taking small steps towards each other and the future.
Education is power. Let me start by stating that even love is a skill one can learn to practice and even master without being a philosopher or a religious person. The direction taken by young people is often guided by an example given to them by someone standing close by. In the world of false information teaching hatred seems to be easy. How about teaching love and respect?
AI in Education Expert
Parenting in the Digital Era: How Generative AI can support adults in educating their children
About
Dr. Pauldy Otermans is a female tech leader in the UK. She is a neuroscientist and psychologist by academic background and a female leader of AI technology.
She was awarded as the inspirational womxn in the Tech Industry by Hustle Awards, was named one of the ‘22 most influential women in the UK of 2022’ by Start-Up Magazine UK, and has also been awarded by the UK Prime Minister in the UK in 2021, and globally for her work. Pauldy helped build the first digital human teachers powered by AI in 2021 called OIAI.
She has also co-founded Teddy AI to provide a conversational AI study buddy for all children aged 3-7 years. She is the winner of the Women in Tech Excellence award 2023. She is Topic Editor for Frontiers in AI: The Role of Conversational AI in Higher Education and Chair of AI in Education Forum, London.
Talk abstract
While many parents understand the downside of too much screen time for their children, they are often left without any choice in today's world of gamified learning and mobile-led entertainment. What if you could control what your child sees and does to the letter?
Using generative AI we can now enable parents to set the content of what their child sees in games and screen-led entertainment, giving them control of their child's screen time like never before in history. Imagine being able to prompt Winnie the Pooh to teach, and even practice with your child vowels and multiplications during their next screen time and then report back to you.
Business Coach
Resilience, Leadership and the Power of Community: Military Lessons for Business Success
About
An internationally accredited business coach with a military background, Shaun West successfully transitioned to the security sector, building a 7-figure security business and an industry-leading magazine. Having led teams and provided services for some of the world's most influential individuals within the sector, Shaun's passion now lies in helping others grow their businesses.
Talk abstract
Starting out in the military as a young boy was daunting, but it led me on a journey of growth and learning that has defined my life and career. Today, as a business coach, I draw on the invaluable lessons learned from my time in the Parachute Regiment.
This talk will explore the parallels between military training and running a business, emphasizing the importance of resilience, leadership, and building a supportive community. I'll share personal stories of overcoming adversity, including a harrowing experience in Northern Iraq, to illustrate the crucial role of mindset and network in achieving success.
Through these experiences, I aim to inspire you to act with purpose, build a strong support system, and face challenges head-on. Remember, we only have one life and one chance to make our businesses thrive. Let's make every moment count.
Storytelling Strategist
Building Our Future Stories
About
Osita Ifezue is an entrepreneur with a passion for change and community development with experience in startup acceleration. He has a track record of both successes and failures, with a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and business management.
Osita’s unwavering commitment to creating value through business development and social reforms has led them to adopt an innovative and never-give-up approach to solving complex business problems. They are a brilliant storyteller and have a natural talent for engaging and inspiring others to achieve their goals.
Osita has dedicated his career to promoting the infusion of stories in product design and personal development. He is the founder of Njiko, a groundbreaking platform that helps individuals and businesses harness the power of storytelling to create more meaningful and impactful products.
Talk abstract
When you imagine the future, what do you picture?
Humans living side by side with AI robots answering to all our needs or is it a world where climate change has finally caught up with us or we managed to survive and restore our planet.
Thinking of past experiences and our present experiences can predict future experiences.
The focus of the talk is to show the origin story strategic tool for long term planning. Show the direction we are moving with trends.
We are experiencing a generational shift, which requires a shift in our thinking and ways of doing things to have a sustainable future for us. In this talk we will hear how we as humans can build our future stories. We will highlight the importance of origin stories and tools to develop our future stories.