TEDxGrandviewHeights — TEDx Events

January 10, 2025 at the Annex Theatre, Vancouver

Featuring Dustin Hogan, Dean Kotopski, Kuldeep Panjwani, Gagan Singh, Luna (Luciana) Stella, Dr. Pam Theriot, Daniel Titchener and Kare Van Delft.

Afternoon Show - The Spark Within

Bernie Florido

As CEO of Cocoflo Innovations, Bernie combines his background as a former police officer and accomplished land developer with his passion for digital transformation to bridge the gap between communities and government. A social change advocate, he leads initiatives on community well-being and supports marginalized groups on the Vancouver Council of Women.
Dustin Hogan

Dustin is a Men's Mental Health Counsellor and founder of Therapy For Dudes, a brand focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Having walked his own path through anxiety and depression, Dustin believes that when men open up, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire a ripple of positive change in their families, workplaces, and communities
Kuldeep Panjwani

Kuldeep is a software engineer at Microsoft specializing in Cybersecurity and AI. He sees the world as a beautifully delicate network of shared beliefs, and is driven to help others recognize and protect this interconnectedness using technology to bridge any divide. An audiophile and avid traveler, Kuldeep finds joy in music, adventure, and exploring diverse perspectives.
Gagan Singh

Gagan is a marketing expert and community builder with extensive experience in systems building, leadership, and public engagement. He combines personal insights with professional expertise to bridge the gap between farmers and the public. Gagan is dedicated to empowering communities to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system.
Luna (Luciana) Stella

Luna is a visionary entrepreneur and mindfulness advocate devoted to helping leaders align success with purpose and well-being. With expertise in Corporate Management and international mindfulness teaching, she empowers others to optimize their lives from within. Leading a boutique real estate enterprise, Luna’s passion is inspiring others to create lasting, meaningful impact.
Dr. Pam Theriot

Dr. Theriot is an optometrist and internationally recognized expert in dry eye disease, known for her dedication to improving patient care and advancing dry eye treatment. She promotes global eye health education. Her passion for patient education led her to create a popular dry eye vlog, and her ability to bridge clinical expertise with patient understanding has made her a sought-after speaker.
Daniel Titchener

Daniel is a British architect, designer and YouTuber located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Drawing from his background as an architect in London, he now runs a popular YouTube channel targeting creative and practical home design for urban spaces, attracting over 40 million views.
Kare Van Delft

As an educator with decades of experience and a seasoned interior designer, Kare excels in transforming both individuals and spaces. Whether guiding students to develop confidence and leadership skills or reimagining homes to improve functionality and beauty, she is driven by a passion for helping others thrive.

Evening Show - The Fire Ahead

Featuring Stefano Cossalter, Bernie Florido, Darrell Hall, Teri Holland, Dr. Clinton Lee & Lulu Li

Stefano Cossalter

Stefano Cossalter is a communications coach, inventor, and competitive speaker, bringing expertise in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and speechcraft. When not on stage, this proud "mamma’s boy" enjoys playing soccer, practicing hypnosis, and umpiring baseball with his son, further fueling his passion for personal growth and connection.
Bernie Florido

As CEO of Cocoflo Innovations, Bernie combines his background as a former police officer and accomplished land developer with his passion for digital transformation to bridge the gap between communities and government. A social change advocate, he leads initiatives on community well-being and supports marginalized groups on the Vancouver Council of Women.
Darrell Hall

Darrell Hall is a seasoned educator, speaker, and author with over 45 years of experience in Catholic education and Christian apologetics. A former principal of St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby, Darrell has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between faith and reason, making complex theological and scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Teri Holland

Teri Holland is a Professional Speaker, Podcaster, and Coach. Teri is the creator and host of Success in Mind, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders that ranks in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide. Having been a podcaster for over 9 years, she is now excited and passionate about helping others find their voice through podcasting.
Dr. Clinton Lee

Dr. Lee is an international culture and etiquette consultant for business leaders, as well as the founder of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. Based in Vancouver and Hong Kong, he specializes in helping his clients, ranging from CEOs to international diplomats, navigate complex cultural landscapes.
Lulu Li

Lulu is a second-year student at UBC’s Sauder School of Business and president of the UBC Modeling Club. She is also Miss Teen Personality Vancouver, a passionate advocate for social justice in global education. Through her entrepreneurial ventures, she combines creativity with social impact, aiming to reshape beauty standards and promote environmental consciousness.
Kuldeep Panjwani

Kuldeep is a software engineer at Microsoft specializing in Cybersecurity and AI. He sees the world as a beautifully delicate network of shared beliefs, and is driven to help others recognize and protect this interconnectedness using technology to bridge any divide. An audiophile and avid traveler, Kuldeep finds joy in music, adventure, and exploring diverse perspectives.
Gagan Singh

Gagan is a marketing expert and community builder with extensive experience in systems building, leadership, and public engagement. He combines personal insights with professional expertise to bridge the gap between farmers and the public. Gagan is dedicated to empowering communities to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system.

Featuring

George Harjani

George Harjani is the organizer of TEDxGrandviewHeights. He is the founder of Leaders of Tomorrow Academy - a proven leadership and public speaking program for young adults. His passion is to teach and help children realize their potential in speaking and leadership. His personal mission is to seize every opportunity and to live life to the fullest.
Anni Yu

Anni Yu, a classically trained violinist from Edmonton, Alberta, has performed on renowned stages like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and gained over 500,000 followers as @YuAViolin on social media. A passionate educator and artist, she is currently composing her debut album of original works for violin and piano, showcasing her unique voice in the music world.
David Acres

David Acres is a Vancouver-based electronic music artist and multi-instrumentalist. Inspired by cinematic soundscapes and synth-driven baselines, his music primarily draws on melodic and progressive house influence. In 2022, David released his debut EP, Pilgrim, featuring the songs "Prophet," "Passage," and the title track "Pilgrim."
Devon Downie

Since joining Toastmasters in May 2008, Devon has become a multi-award-winning speaker and a passionate advocate for learning and growth. With over a decade of experience in Learning & Development, she has empowered employees in technical, professional, and safety training across diverse organizations. Driven by her love of learning, she inspires others to achieve their full potential.
Isabella Cossalter

Bella Cossalter is a competitive dancer who discovered a passion for movement as a way to immerse herself in music. She trained at the Peggy Peat School of Dance, where she honed her skills in several dance forms, including ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Bella has had the opportunity to dance in several high-profile productions such as the PNE, Kitsilano Showboat, Ballet Victoria’s Nutcracker, and Ballet Jorgen.