The TEDxUofTMississauga event will be an engaging event held by the students at University of Toronto Mississauga campus, designed to inspire and motivate individuals across the university community. This event follows the tradition of TEDx conferences, providing a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to share their ideas through powerful talks and interactive sessions. The audience will mainly consist of university students eager to learn and faculty members keen on fostering intellectual growth and curiosity.

The central theme of this year’s event is “Change,” with the tagline “SHIFTED.” This theme will be explored from various angles, showing how change impacts different parts of life and society. Topics will include life transitions, adapting to change, and the rise of artificial intelligence amongst many more. The event aims to help students identify key adjustments they need to make personally, academically, and professionally. Our event aims to provide a complete understanding of change, empowering the audience to embrace and navigate it effectively. “SHIFTED” promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience, offering valuable insights on how to adapt, grow, and thrive amidst the constant changes in life.

Our Speakers include:

Chukwunonso Nwabufo is an award-winning translational pharmacologist with over six years of drug development experience in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. He contributed to the development of Remdesivir and Lenacapavir for COVID-19 and HIV treatments, respectively, and was involved in developing novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease. His research work at the University of Toronto focuses on personalized medicine strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety. He has received over 20 awards, including the CIHR Doctoral Awards, Emerging Academic Scholars Award, and Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award for his contribution to healthcare innovation. He has received $400,000+ in funding and authored 17 peer-reviewed papers. Nwabufo serves on the Editorial Boards of Drug Metabolism Reviews and the Journal of Applied Bioanalysis. He also chairs the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Metabolism Community of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, USA

Keisha Lerum is a student of anthropology and classical history, specializing in Roman History and Anthropology. Her broader research examines identity formation in the context of liminality. Keisha’s talk delves into Roman stoicism, which she has been practicing for over six years. Initially influenced by the teachings of Epictetus, her approach has since incorporated insights from other Roman Stoic philosophers. Keisha emphasizes the importance of mental discipline, the dichotomy of control, and voluntary discomfort for managing passions and alleviating emotional suffering. Through her studies, she investigates how ancient societies faced the same fundamental realities as the modern world, showcasing these parallels across different cultural manifestations.

Victoria Gracie is a research trainee at the Brain, Body, and Perception Lab at CAMH and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, focusing on the neurobiological basis of BDD. Beyond academia, she’s a fashion model, Miss Canada top 8 finalist, and founder of the NGO BodyIMG, merging body image advocacy with the fashion industry. An award-winning TEDx speaker, her journey as a changemaker has been featured on national TV and international platforms. Gracie is a student affiliate of leading psychological organizations and is pursuing an HBSc in Psychology and Exceptionality in Human Learning at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Leo Chan is the Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc. where he helps rising professionals and leaders create a new future by learning to innovate today. He's a people and heart-first entrepreneur who believes everyone can be an innovator. An innovator himself, with 55 US patents and 20+ years of experience, Leo has come alongside organizations like Chick-fil-A and guided them to unleash the innovative potential of their employees. Leo’s friendly, joyful, and enthusiastic demeanor makes the innovation journey exciting and attainable. He’s a LinkedIn Learning Instructor and a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® trainer & facilitator who believes unlocking innovation takes new approaches.

Martin DeSouza is a multifaceted entrepreneur in the digital marketing and personal development space from Toronto, Canada. At 32, he has carved a unique path across several industries, blending his passions for business, financial literacy, personal growth, and community. With a background in high-level competitive sports, Martin is a leadership, system-building, and mindset development student. His ventures range from helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and coaches build 7-figure businesses to launching a successful media company allowing him to work and travel to over 30 countries. Martin is the co-founder of an AI-creative marketing agency, helping personal brands and small businesses leverage AI-driven content strategies.

Dr. Rafael Chiuzi is an accomplished organizational psychologist and Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour at the University of Toronto Mississauga, where he equips future leaders with the skills to shape resilient and inclusive workplaces. Over his 15-year career, Dr. Chiuzi has designed executive education programs that have empowered hundreds of leaders across industries to harness human potential and navigate complex organizational dynamics

Sabrina Baldini is a seasoned sex educator with global experience, currently teaching menstruation through a local charity and serving as a Board Director for a Canadian abortion rights advocacy group. She also works as a sex coach, guiding individuals and couples in sexual health and leading group workshops. Holding an advanced degree in Sexual Health and Rehabilitative Medicine from the University of Alberta, she has further training from the University of Guelph and the Kinsey Institute. Sabrina is passionate about using sex education and positivity to help people enhance their relationships and lives.

Sirio Berati, a creative entrepreneur from Albania. As the founder and CEO of VISIONREIMAGINE®, he has empowered over 18,000 creators globally by merging technology with artistry. An artist, singer, songwriter, and creative producer, Sirio has developed AI platforms like LONOvm and TalkTune, highlighting AI's transformative role in business and the arts. Grounded in his Albanian heritage, his work transcends cultures, redefining creativity and innovation. Through initiatives like #createwithoutlimits, Sirio champions the synergy of human creativity and technological progress to inspire a limitless future.