Misfits And Miracles

Our past conference brought together incredible speakers who shared powerful insights on embracing difference and challenging social norms. These remarkable individuals are making a real impact, and their talks are truly inspiring.

To explore their stories and ideas further, you can find each speaker’s talk under TEDx Talks on YouTube. Don’t miss out on these thought-provoking discussions that are reshaping perspectives and inspiring change.

“Misfits and Miracles”

At our past conference, we explored the transformative power of embracing what makes us unique. In a world where social stigmas are ever-present, many of us have felt like we don’t quite fit in. But the true heroes are those who dare to speak out and challenge these norms. They are the ones making a difference, right here and right now.

They remind us that being different is not something to fear, it's something to celebrate. When we shift our mindset and embrace diversity, we unlock the potential for real change. It’s through this embrace of our differences that true miracles begin to happen.

Speaker

Lineup

Michelle Kim

“Misfit to Miracle”

Michelle Kim (she/her) completed her BSc in biology and chemistry with certificates in international learning, sustainability, and Global Citizenship at the University of Alberta. She is currently finishing her Master's degree at Harvard University, working on Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Global Development, and Health while working as the Manager of Student Development at the University of Alberta Students' Union. She has been involved in sustainability work for the past seven years working at the international and community levels. She has been involved in UN Association Canada as a Gen-SDG Ambassador, Harvard Office of Sustainability as one of the Council of Student Sustainability Leaders, Lumi.Network in the UK as a facilitator, Strategic director with JIVAM Foundation in India, Executive Director at BLI college, and Climate Health Ambassador with Harvard Chan School of public health.

In her talk, she will discuss her personal journey in terms of painting her life. Her dedication to sustainability work is rooted in her growing up and learning in four different countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Canada, and the United States. She experienced various levels of inequalities leading her to create change within her communities. She strongly believes that "No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone."

Dr. Omar Yaqub

“Are non profit organizations really working?”

Omar Yaqub DSL MBA BSc, serves the team at IslamicFamily, a social change organization that is disrupting systemic inequity through research & beauty. He is the Historian Co-Laureate for the City of Edmonton. He has two decades of experience in the for-benefit sector. During his time with IslamicFamily the organization has become a multi-award winning Imagine Canada & Great Places to Work accredited charity. Omar has been awarded a Doctor of Sacred Letters from St Stephen’s College, EMCN’s RISE award for Community Leadership, and the University of Alberta’s Co-op Mentorship Award. He is a settler on Treaty 6.

A take into how non profits organizations designed to help and support misfits around us, are not sensitive and understanding. This talk will discuss how thoughtful design, compassionate gamification, automation, and above all else beauty are the key to designing a more equitable, effective and transformative social sector.

Omnia Elhakim will discuss how to continue garnishing yourself. She will motivate the audience to look beyond appearances; as a “misfit” can surprise you.

Siri Nelson

“ADHD and Autism - How to Cope With a Juxtaposing Dual Diagnosis”

Siri Nelson is currently in her second last year of her BA in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. With her recent diagnosis of ADHD and Autism and the support of her friends, Siri has gained the confidence and motivation to challenge herself to do things she previously never thought were possible, such as this TED Talk. When she is not at school, Siri is constantly keeping herself busy by engaging in many different art forms such as poetry, fashion and styling, video production and editing, and her favourite artform, dance. Siri has won fine art and dance awards over the last 5 years and continues to follow wherever her passion takes her. When she isn't trying to find a way to monologue about her studies or creating elaborate plans for social media content, you can find Siri on the basketball court or working behind the scenes in promotions and event management.

Siri Nelson’s TEDx talk will discuss being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism; two conditions that often contradict each other. Siri will speak on her struggles and internal conflict, giving us insight on her diagnosis and her journey going forward. 

Tate Clifford

“The Miracle of Life: Being Worthy of Your Miracles”

Tate Clifford is an undergraduate student attending the University of Alberta, taking a dual degree in kinesiology and education. He is a former collegiate baseball athlete and now gives back in his community through his work in youth sport and recreation.

Tate Clifford’s TEDx talk will discuss his miracle birth and the immense pressure growing up to feel worthy of his life. He will inspire the audience with the message that every life is a miracle, and we all have inherent worthiness simply by being grateful and by being ourselves.

Stephen Butler, PhD

“How to find purpose in virtually any job”

Stephen Butler earned his PhD in social sciences from Cambridge before teaching at Harvard and apprenticing at The Boston Consulting Group. His experience as an executive and entrepreneur has made him a sought-after advisor to growth companies and teams, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Professionals 2023 (Top 100 Magazine).

What Estée Lauder’s head of sustainability called ”The Golden Age of Purpose” just a few years ago is turning out to be something of a paradox. Looking to revive lagging productivity, 21 st century companies have spent unprecedented amounts trying to persuade employees of one thing: that their work matters. According to a recent McKinsey poll, however, less than one in six has been convinced. The problem isn’t that WHY doesn’t work. Studies show it drives personal happiness, employee engagement and stock price performance. It’s just easier to admire than implement—because the truth is, we haven’t really understand what it is… until now.

Tahmid AI Hafiz

“The Power of Empathy in Unlocking the Unconventional You.”

Hafiz is a 4th-year undergraduate student from Bangladesh currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. Throughout his time on campus, Hafiz has consistently engaged in a variety of leadership roles — having served as the Co-President of the Engineering Students' Society (ESS) alongside being a UofA Senator and an elected representative to the General Faculties Council (GFC). Amongst his peers, he is known to be a strong advocate for nature and wildlife conservation. His aim is to promote the widespread implementation of sustainable design and eco-friendly engineering methods on a global scale. Hafiz, who also nurtures a profound interest in entrepreneurship and innovation, has successfully raised over $26,000 in pre-seed funding for his start-ups to date. 

In Tahmid Al Hafiz’s TEDx talk, he will help us explore the transformative role of empathy in liberating one’s inner misfit and fostering deeper connections with others. Delving into the power of self-acceptance and understanding, this talk highlights the boundless potential for personal growth and miraculous change when we dare to embrace our unconventional selves. Through compelling real-life stories and silver-screen examples, we learn how empathy can act as a catalyst, unlocking our hidden strengths and turning misfits into miracles.

Sarah Edwards

“A Powerful Alternative To Dealing With People Who Have Committed Crime”

Sarah Edwards has worked as a Probation Officer in the UK for over ten years and now empowers future Probation Officers to get into the career through her coaching programme, How To Be A Probation Officer. Sarah not only impacted the lives of people who have committed crimes but now reaches thousands of people through YouTube. 

Sarah is the author of Success On Probation: A Step By Step System To Reform Your Life And Release Yourself From Your Mental Jail. A practical book adopting concepts of rehabilitation to develop the self-awareness and tools to live a balanced life.

Sarah is inspired to make a difference in the world. Sarah is interested in going outside the default of punishing people more for crimes and is really interested in asking questions about how we create a society where fewer crimes are happening. Where people have the resources they need, are healthier and are being treated instead of punished. 

In her talk, Sarah will be shining a light on people who have committed crimes. The misfits in our society, who people judge before they know the full story. Sarah addresses the gaps within the prison system and shares a powerful alternative to reducing crime by connecting our mind, and body and tapping into creativity through ecstatic dance. Sarah believes that just like us, people who have committed crimes have the capacity to love, connect and have empathy and that when treated like humans, crime can be reduced.

Sarah Edwards’ TEDx talk will take a comprehensive look into the criminal mindset, and how their life stories as misfits need a better look.

Special guest

Amarjeet Sohi

The mayor of Edmonton

Past Event Information

TEDxUAlberta 2023 Conference - Misfits and Miracles

Saturday, May 13 2023

The Atrium of the Productivity and Innovation Centre at NAIT