2013 Speaker Spotlight

We are pleased to announce the 2013 line-up of five dynamic speakers for our theme, “Shut Up And Do It”.

Monika Bolin
After being diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988, Monika realized a “normal” life would be almost impossible as people with kidney failure had no chance of travelling and doing many of the things we take for granted. But that didn’t stop her. Monika will take us through her struggles and triumphs as she reveals how she had changed the face of dialysis for herself and hopefully for many others coping with kidney failure.



Damien Laliberte

It’s unusual to see such a young person interested in teen suicide, but Damien took it to a whole new level by working with teens in producing real, raw human expression. His eccentric and compassionate nature has led him to realize how the current system is failing these youth. And his inspiring, engaging story has driven him to produce a local documentary on this volatile and often misrepresented issue.


Emily Falk - B.R.I.T.E.

From an early age, Emily has recognized the importance of helping others, volunteering, investing in community, peace, and social harmony for the betterment of humankind. Her volunteer activities have impacted both the local and global community. In 2010, Emily had the opportunity to hear Amanda Lindhout - Founder and Executive Director of the Global Enrichment Foundation (GEF) - share her powerful story of hope and forgiveness. Lindhout’s message struck a chord very deep inside her, and Emily was moved into action.

In January of 2012, Emily established B.R.I.T.E. - Bringing Relief; Inspiring Through Education - which is proud to be GEF’s founding volunteer Chapter. Operating in Red Deer, Alberta and surrounding areas, B.R.I.T.E. strives to provide proactive and concrete ways for individuals to help GEF support, educate and empower the people of Somalia.

Rob Aronson - Spread the Love

Concerned about the multiple challenges brought about by poverty, in 2002 Rob set up Spread the Love, a not-for-profit organisation that combats hunger through the simple power of the sandwich. Ten years later, the organisation has provided over 100,000 sandwiches to the hungry and homeless across Canada, engaged hundreds of young people in supporting their communities and educated thousands of Canadians about the problems created by poverty. Rob started Spread the Love as a way of getting young people involved in supporting their local communities and educating them about the issues associated with poverty and food insecurity. He also identified an opportunity to create wider social awareness about Canadian poverty and over the past seven years has spoken to thousands of young people about Canadian food security, homelessness and social change.

Brad Rabiey - The Carbon Farmer

Brad grew up just east of Manning, Alberta, on a farm that has been in his family for three generations. He loved the connection to food and nature that the farm gave him, but every year he heard his dad complain about how the farm wasn’t sustainable the way it was. Factors like rising fertilizer costs and closing local elevators were making it harder and harder for “the little guys” in agriculture to survive.
Not seeing a future on the farm, after high school he left the only home he had ever known to get an education and chase a career in the bright lights of Edmonton, Alberta. He had some amazing life changing adventures during his seven years away from rural life, including meeting his wife Rebecca serendipitously outside an elevator, but despite all the positives, he just wasn’t happy in the concrete jungle. So he returned to his roots in the Peace Country and put some rather unconventional agricultural roots back into the soil of the Rabiey family farm.
On his journey to cut a new path for the family farm, without cutting down any trees, Brad Rabiey has been called many things, but crazy has certainly been one of the most uttered. You could say that this farmer has “gone wild” in the face criticism and is redefining agriculture along the way.


About TEDx:
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxRedDeer, where x = independently organized TED event. In 2013, TEDxRedDeer, TEDTalks video and live speakers combined to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

TEDx Red Deer will be held at the Margaret Parsons theatre on Friday, May 24, 2013 to an intimate crowd of 100 people.