Past TEDx event

TEDxQueensU

Took placeJanuary 24, 202611:00 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT-5)
LocationKingston, Ontario, Canada
FormatUniversity
Since its founding in 2009, TEDxQueensU has become a cornerstone of innovation and dialogue at Queen's University, growing into Canada's second-largest student-led TEDx event. Over the past 16 years, it has provided a platform for diverse voices, transformative ideas, and meaningful connections that continue to inspire both the Queen's and Kingston communities. The 16th annual TEDxQueensU conference, themed "Orchestrate", marks a milestone in our ongoing journey of inspiring change and connection. This year, we are proud to feature a dynamic lineup of eight speakers, including Queen's alumni and current students, alongside Indigenous artists and performers to bring our conference to life. Delegates will also enjoy a curated selection of meals and refreshments throughout the day. In partnership with many of Kingston's local businesses, all attendees will receive delegate bags valued at about $60, filled with exclusive items and gifts from TEDxQueensU merch and our sponsors. Our Innovation Lab will feature some of the region's most exciting organizations, fostering collaboration, creativity and ingenuity in their interactive exhibits. Through these initiatives, TEDxQueensU 2026 not only celebrates the legacy of impactful storytelling but also embraces its role as a bridge between Queen's University and the vibrant Kingston community.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Abigail Lee

    Abigail Lee is a Spacecraft Deployment Engineer based in Golden, Colorado. A graduate of MIT and Queen's University, Abigail is also an endurance athlete currently training for Ironman-distance events. Her unique background allows her to bridge the gap between high-level technical execution and her passion for building a strong mindset and consistent resilience.

  • Alexandra Wasti

    Alexandra Wasti is an undergraduate student at Queen’s University and a research student in Dr. Robin Green’s Cognitive Neurorehabilitation Sciences Lab at University Health Network (UHN), where she studies concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).

  • David Fontaine

    An aerospace systems engineer, David Fontaine has been developing safety-critical marine, air, and space systems for 30 years - but his problem-solving passion is now squarely on public health. In 2018, a serious home mold problem, and a failed remediation, led David and his wife Lissa to join the full-time RV community. They embarked on a 6-year, 65,000km journey around the U.S, working to restore their health, sharing their story, and learning about the deep connections between our buildings and our health. David tells an emotional story, weaving personal experience, extensive research, and keen-eyed observation into an undeniable argument for change.

  • Glory St. Germain

    An international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Founder/CEO of Ultimate Music Theory, Glory St. Germain has published over 60 books and built a global movement dedicated to one powerful belief: when we invest in music educators, we change the world. As a certified Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner, she blends communication mastery with pedagogical excellence through her Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course, empowering elite educators to build purpose-driven teaching careers.

  • John Edward McGraw

    In one classroom in Japan, John Edward McGraw discovered that "common sense" isn't common across cultures. That moment sent him on a mission to help workplaces stop misreading people. Today John is a Multicultural Workplace Expert and Human Connection Speaker who helps leaders turn cultural differences into advantages. As founder of Hiyaku Coaching, he blends fifteen years teaching English in Japan and Canada with ICF-certified coaching to boost cultural fluency and retention.

  • Lindsy Matthews

    Lindsy Matthews is an award-winning speaker highlighting resilience, positive mindset, and health advocacy through the lens of living with incurable stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Expanding on her passion for storytelling and confident communication, Lindsy is also a public speaking instructor at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies known for her engaging, fun and relatable teaching style.

  • Marc Hull-Jacquin

    A passionate social justice leader, Marc founded Shelter Movers while on leave with his daughter in 2016. Struck by the dangers involved in leaving an abuser, Marc developed an innovative moving service for survivors fleeing abuse. The only service of its kind in Canada, Shelter Movers fills a critical gap in the country's social safety net, having completed nearly 10,000 moves for families in crisis. The organization is currently powered by 1,200 volunteers serving survivors in major cities across Canada. Prior to Shelter Movers, Marc spent 15 years operating in government relations, program evaluation and policy development, providing expertise to public and private sector agencies like Enbridge, the Senate of Canada and several nonprofit organizations. Marc is the recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal and the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal.

  • Nina Ahuja

    Dr. Nina Ahuja is a surgeon, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and creator of Depth Perception Leadership™. Her work focuses on helping individuals strengthen self-awareness and emotional regulation to lead more effectively and create cultures of reliable respect.

Organizing team