Meet our 2021-2022 Executive Team
Shirley Xu, Chair
“Hello! My name is Shirley and I am a U2 student studying Biology and Economics at McGill. I am beyond excited to chair the TEDxMcGill conference and work with an amazing team. What I find most special about this year’s theme ‘Illuminate’ is the diverse interpretations it gives rise to. Feel free to say hi if you see me roaming in Montreal - I'd love to hear your story and what 'Illuminate' means to you!
One TED talk that never ceases to inspire me is “Biomimicry in action” by Janine Benyus, which learns from nature to solve complex human design challenges.
Though we may not always realize it, everyone has an idea worth sharing that the world would benefit from hearing. I look forward to exploring these ideas and sparking conversations with our attendees, organizing team, and speakers at the November conference. See you soon!”
Harlan Hu, VP Finance
“Hi, my name is Harlan! I am a U2 student studying Industrial Relations here at McGill. I am thrilled to be part of the TEDxMcGill executive team this year and organize the first in-person event after the pandemic. TEDx talks were always a source of inspiration for me. One of my favorite TEDx Talks is “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone” by Yubing Zhang. Sometimes, in order to realize our true potentials, we need to step out of our shells to embrace the growth mindset. Life is a classroom, we all learned something along the journey. I am excited to hear what lessons our amazing speakers would share on the TEDxMcGill stage this year!”
Malorie Beaufils, VP Communications
“I’m Malorie and this is my first year at McGill, studying Occupational Therapy. I’m excited to hear all the original ideas presented by the selected speakers! TEDx has so much potential to inspire our communities, it is an honour to have the opportunity to be a part of TEDxMcGill.”
Sarah Bounouar, VP Communications
“Hi everyone, I’m Sarah! I am a U3 student studying Labour-Management Relations and Human Resources with a Concentration in Retail Management (yes, it’s a mouthful). I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the TEDxMcGill Executive team this year. It’s an honour to be part of an organization that truly celebrates diversity and champions innovation. I look forward to meeting you all this upcoming November and hearing all about your stories.
As VP Communications alongside Malorie, I will be directly interacting with our audience (AKA you guys!! yeehaw!) via our platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Don’t be shy, come say hi (especially if you see us roaming around campus)! We swear we don’t bite 😉”
Lidie Silva, VP Memberships
“Hi, I'm Lidie ! 😊 I am a U3 student in the Honours Psychology program here at McGill. I look forward to working with our volunteer team to ensure our event this year is one we will not forget! The TEDxMcGill team is full of amazing people and I'm super excited for this year's conference! I'm sure this year's theme "Illuminate" will bring about impactful and exciting new conversations. I hope to see you all there :) Please reach out if you have any questions!”
Manav Maini, VP Logistics
“Hello, my name is Manav. I am a U3 History student here at McGill. I chose to join TEDxMcGill because I have always been connected by the swathe of important and diverse ideas which are spread by Ted. I find that each person has their own, personal favourite Ted video which inspires them, and I really wanted to have an active role in taking part in something which means so much to me. As VP Logistics, I am really excited for all the attendees to see the space we have created for the event. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to work with a great team and host a great event!”
Séamus Kaip,
VP Logistics
“Hi, I’m Séamus! This is my first year here at McGill, studying Mechanical Engineering. I am thrilled to be contributing to my second TEDx event, after organizing the TEDxYouth@PCI event. I am passionate about new and insightful ideas and am organizing this event to help my peers share ideas, and to learn from others in our community. I think everyone should watch the TED Talk "Why I, as a black man, attend KKK rallies" by Daryl Davis.”
Oluchi Akinfenwa, VP Sponsor
ships
“Hello, my name is Oluchi! This is my third year at McGill, studying Computer Science. I joined TEDxMcGill because I was excited to bring to light the brilliance that exists in the McGill community. As VP Sponsorships, I reach out to local businesses and ask them if they're willing to financially support our event. I look forward to seeing you all at the conference!”
Roberto Xavier, VP Sponsorships
“Hi, I’m Xavier! I am a U3 student studying Economics here at McGill. TED talks have inspired me to look and go farther than I expected. The impact they had in my life brought me to where I am now; while I still have a long way to go, it is a dream come true to help share ideas worth spreading.”