Dianne Whelan, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and author, has spent years blending adventure, art, and activism to tell stories that inspire. Her latest project, 500 Days in the Wild, captures her six-year solo journey on the Trans Canada Trail, a journey that will also be documented in her next book. In this TEDx talk, Dianne reflects on how her experiences in the wild—and her unique approach to storytelling—have shaped her life and work. She explores how embracing uncertainty, both in life and art, can unlock our creativity and help us find deeper connections to the world and to ourselves. Dianne Whelan, award-winning Canadian Documentary filmmaker, and accomplished photographer, artist, storyteller, author and public speaker. Dianne has written, directed, and produced two award winning films, a three-part series for CBC, a Gemini-nominated interactive website, written two books and has exhibited her photographs in numerous art galleries in her 30-year career as an artist and storyteller. In August 2021 she completed the land and water trails of the 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail and is the first person and woman to do so. The journey is the subject film project 500 Days in the Wild and will be the story of her next book. Her feature documentary 40 Days at Base Camp was shot on Mt. Everest and is accompanied by her book about her Everest experience called, Base Camp:40 Days on Everest. Dianne's book, This Vanishing Land, is based on her experience filming in Canada's High Arctic called, This Land (NFB).Dianne will be speaking on the topic of 'Stepping into the Unknown'. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Zoran shares his journey as an independent filmmaker, highlighting how stepping into uncertainty can ignite creativity and lead to unexpected success. Using his experience in film making, Zoran demonstrates how embracing the unknown—through creative constraints, risk-taking, and perseverance—can open doors to new opportunities, from film festival acclaim to global distribution. He invites us to see the unknown not as a barrier, but as the key to unlocking purpose, growth, and meaningful achievement. Zoran Dragelj is an independent, award-winning filmmaker from Vancouver, BC, and a graduate in Fine Arts – Film & Video from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. His career, focused on video production and motion pictures, grew from his extensive work with these mediums during his studies. Early on, Zoran won first prize in BC Dairyland's "It's Cool to be Yourself" contest and was mentored by cinematographer Don Hunter. He received the Joseph Golland Award in 1994 and had early works like When You Get Old (1995) and Moving Plates (1996) screened at top film festivals. Zoran also curated Aboriginal Kaleidoscope, directed UNICEF’s PSA, and co-founded Blitzcinema Entertainment. His films have been exhibited globally, including in Florence, New York, Toronto, and Berlin. His 2019 feature Friends Like These won major awards and is streaming on Amazon Prime and other platforms.Zoran will be speaking on the topic of 'In Motion: Art, Uncertainty, And The Beauty'. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Ashleigh challenges conventional notions of comfort in the classroom, arguing that discomfort isn’t something to avoid—but something essential for growth. She explores how leaning into the tensions we often resist can lead to deeper learning, greater creativity, and more authentic connections to the world around us. By reconceptualizing discomfort as a catalyst rather than a barrier, Ashleigh invites educators and learners alike to see tension not as a problem, but as a powerful space for transformation. Ashleigh Davies is an early childhood educator, having received her bachelors in ECCE from Capilano University. Ashleigh is the head coordinator of Burnaby Continuing Education's ECE program, previously working as post-secondary instructor and the North Shore Municipal Child Care Consultant. She presents workshops to educators throughout Canada on a variety of topics relating to equity & inclusion in education. She can be found online as Pedagogyandchill.Ashleigh will be speaking on the topic of 'Embracing Tensions in Education'. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In his talk, The Beautiful Chaos of the Unknown: Thriving in a World of Variables, Ramin explores how unpredictability and complexity are not obstacles, but essential ingredients for creativity, growth, and resilience—especially in the ever-evolving fields of education, design, and technology. Drawing from his interdisciplinary experience as an educator, artist, and innovator, Ramin challenges us to embrace uncertainty as a dynamic force that can inspire imaginative thinking, deeper learning, and meaningful change in both our personal and professional lives. Dr. Ramin Shadmehr is a visionary leader, technical artist, educator, scholar and technology entrepreneur. He spearheaded transformative initiatives at Capilano University, including establishing the first Unreal Authorized Training Center in Western Canada. Ramin is also a technology entrepreneur and founder of Techies of Tomorrow, a program focused on providing mentorship and training to support underrepresented groups in the technology sector. His research explores the use of virtual reality in education and training for autistic individuals, showcasing his commitment to inclusive practices. Ramin is a strong advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in education and is currently a sitting member of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.Ramin will be speaking on the topic of 'The Beautiful Chaos of the Unknown: The Beauty Thriving in a World of Variables'. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Pino Cantatore racconta la sua rinascita: come da due condanne all'ergastolo si possa ricominciare, riscoprendo se stessi e dando un nuovo senso alla propria vita.In questo toccante TED Talk, condivide come un passato criminale, segnato da errori e illusioni, sia diventato la base per costruire una realtà sociale concreta che restituisce dignità, lavoro e speranza a chi vive in carcere. Condannato all’ergastolo in via definitiva nel 1993, dal carcere trova la forza di tornare a studiare informatica e fondare nei primi anni duemila un call center a San Vittore, dando un lavoro e speranza di recupero per molti detenuti e detenute. Nel 2013, uscito dal carcere, ha fondato e dirige Bee4. altre menti, la prima impresa sociale all’interno del carcere di Bollate (Mi) che promuove la valorizzazione del lavoro dei detenuti e impiega 170 persone. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Il fotografo Maki Galimberti racconta come gli errori creativi abbiano trasformato i suoi scatti in successi inaspettati. Un elogio all'imprevisto.Maki descrive la differenza cruciale tra il cogliere l’attimo come reporter e l’inventare una scena come ritrattista, sottolineando come quest’ultimo mestiere richieda una profonda capacità empatica e creativa. Alcuni dei suoi scatti più iconici sono nati proprio da errori tecnici, scelte impulsive o condizioni sfavorevoli, come nel caso di un ritratto realizzato con uno smartphone o una copertina creata grazie a un blackout imprevisto. Fotografo ritrattista di personaggi famosi, studioso di fenomeni sociali e testimone dei grandi eventi della nostra epoca. Le sue fotografie sono state pubblicate su centinaia di copertine e campagne pubblicitarie in tutto il mondo. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx