Theme: Connecting for Change

In a world where boundaries are being reshaped, TEDxLakeheadU invites you to explore the power of connections. Our theme, Connecting for Change, focuses on how individual stories, ideas, and actions can inspire collective transformation. From innovative technologies to grassroots movements, we’ll delve into the dynamic intersections where collaboration sparks progress. Join us as we bridge ideas and inspire a new wave of change—one connection at a time.

Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1
Canada

Albert Brulé

CEO of United Way

Albert Brulé is the CEO of United Way of Thunder Bay. Originally from London, Ontario, Albert first came to Thunder Bay in 1980 as a student in the arts management program at Confederation College. After graduation, he worked across Canada with a variety of arts, post-secondary, healthcare, and international charities, always maintaining close ties to Thunder Bay. In 2019, he returned to lead United Way, where he brings people, businesses, and organizations together to tackle urgent issues related to poverty. Albert believes that real change happens when communities unite with purpose. Under his leadership, United Way is fostering innovative partnerships and collective action to build a stronger, more inclusive Thunder Bay — because when we unite for good, Better is Possible.

Alvin Law

Keynote Speaker

Alvin Law is an international keynote speaker, 2-time Hall of Fame recipient, Emmy Award winner, world-class musician, and best-selling author. In his 40+ years of public speaking, Alvin has entertained more than 2 million people across 5 different continents. His incredible true story inspires audiences to explore their lives with greater imagination and transform their obstacles into amazing opportunities. When he’s not on stage, Alvin loves mastering sports video games and prides himself on being the best driver in his family. He shares his life with his wife and business partner, Darlene; his adult son, Vance; and assorted pets. They all live in beautiful Calgary, Canada.

Ben Wise

Head of Programmatic Media

Ben Wise is a 15-year advertising industry veteran who has held successive sales and leadership roles at Google, where he is currently the Head of Programmatic Media. Ben is active in his community, where he serves on the Board of the Daily Bread Food Bank and advises multiple startups on sales and go-to-market strategy

Charmaine McCraw

Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Training at ORIGIN

Charmaine McCraw is the Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Training at ORIGIN, an organization bridging Indigenous communities and employment while advancing reconciliation in corporate Canada. An Irish-Ojibwe woman from Caramat, Ontario, she is a proud daughter, mother, wife, and community advocate. With a BA from Lakehead University and over 15 years of experience in Community Economic and Social Development, Charmaine takes a grassroots, relationship-based approach to her work. She blends Indigenous knowledge with modern strategies to create culturally grounded, sustainable solutions. Her leadership has helped build capacity and create meaningful job opportunities for Indigenous job seekers across Northern Ontario, while fostering partnerships rooted in respect and collaboration.

Darren Chiu

Strategy Lead

Darren is a Strategy Lead at Google, helping brands across all industries develop best in class marketing strategies. With over 12 years of industry experience, Darren’s passion for communication doesn’t stop at the world of business and sales. In his spare time, Darren moonlights as a comedic storyteller, stretching his creativity and perspectives beyond the boundaries of his professional life. As a recognition of his dedication and expertise, Darren was selected as an Emerging Leader in Advertising & Sales by The Peak in 2023.

Kari Chiappetta

Consultant

Kari Chiappetta is an award-winning author, speaker, and facilitator who has delivered workshops and keynote addresses to audiences across a variety of industries. Her sessions are designed to inspire and motivate audiences to achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. Kari’s authentic and engaging personality enables her to connect with audiences on a personal level. She is known for her high-energy presentations and her ability to keep audiences engaged and entertained throughout her speeches. Her use of humor, personal anecdotes, and interactive exercises helps to create a positive and dynamic atmosphere, making her presentations memorable and impactful.

Kris Alexander

Game Design, AI

Dr. Kris Alexander is an educational technology innovator and professor reimagining how we prepare future educators. With a PhD in Educational Technology from Concordia University and degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University, he bridges traditional teaching with game design, AI, and digital tools. A globally ranked gamer and passionate educator, Dr. Alexander integrates gaming and emerging tech into learning environments—from elementary to post-secondary. He uses platforms like Twitch for accessible office hours and leverages AI to enhance lecture delivery. His work, rooted in research and personal experience as a parent and professor, showcases how technology can make education more inclusive, engaging, and effective.

Mike Morrow

Financial Advisor

Mike Morrow, CFP is a MDRT member, speaker, author and commentator. Mike has been pioneering clients to their financial goals for more than 35 years. Industry peers recognize him as an expert on client engagement and client loyalty. His industry experience, coupled with a passion for client appreciation, led him to develop strategies proven to attract and retain high-quality clients are found in his popular books, The Little Book of Woww™(2016) and The Loyalty Edge (2015) and The Picture Sells the Story (2014) as well as Don’t Worry, Retire Happy for Canadians 2018

Richard Dobson

Financial Advisor

Richard Dubson is dedicated to simplifying client communications for financial advisors, authoring "Make Simplicity Your Superpower" to provide practical communication strategies. Through his "applied simplistics" approach, he helps advisors clarify the why and how for clients, improving understanding and outcomes. Drawing on his experience as a former FINRA Broker-Dealer Chief Compliance Officer, he emphasizes that clear, effective communication prevents misunderstandings, protects firms, and builds stronger client relationships, proving simplicity is good business.

Richard Togman

CEO of the Thunder Bay Public Library

Dr. Richard Togman is the CEO of the Thunder Bay Public Library. He also currently acts as Chair of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Policy and Advocacy Committee and sits on the Board of the Lakehead Social Planning Council. Previous to his role at the Library, Richard launched real estate start-up 'Rent Panda'. As Co-Founder and CEO, Rent Panda scaled from a 1 person Thunder Bay business to operating in every major city in Ontario within 5 years. Richard also holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and published a book with the world's top academic publisher, Oxford University Press. His book 'Nationalizing Sex' looks at how governments have tried to control and shape demographic growth and decline, why most government efforts fail and what we can do to shape our future.

Ume Habiba

Software Engineer

Ume is an incoming Software Engineer at Microsoft in New York City and a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in Information and Computer Sciences. She began her tech journey in 2017 by launching the first Girls Who Code club at her high school. Throughout her path, Ume has shared the highs and lows of being a woman in tech—from imposter syndrome to pushing back against stereotypes—using social media to inspire others. A passionate fashion lover, she also challenges norms by expressing herself through style in the corporate tech world. Ume is driven to be the representation she once needed and to help shape a more inclusive future in tech.