We’re Kind of Awesome.
Back in May, we began our recruitment of new additions to the team, searching high and low for those who embody the passion and character of TEDxUTSC the most. After we met a lot of amazing people, we had to limit our selection to the 13 wonderful members of our current team! Together, we make up the executive team of TEDxUTSC and we have been working hard to bring you TEDxUTSC 2015: Unleash The Fantasy.
Our Executives
Marah Ayad
Driven by success and inspired by Feminism, Marah is a curious soul with a passion for adventure and a thirst for knowledge. Outside academia, TEDx, and co-op job at Microsoft, Marah spends her time exploring vegan restaurants, travelling the world, and let’s face it, watching Gossip Girl. She hopes to retire at 40, open a vegan restaurant in a small town, and live with her 27 pets.
Vicky Lo
Vicky carries around an infectious smile and a contagious laugh, she is always trying to brighten up the dark winter skies. Wanderlust is her best friend, if she isn’t at home cuddling with her puppies, she is feeling ecstatic being lost in the right direction. Vicky is a part-time daydreamer and a full-time friend, she values genuine friendship and loves to surround herself with positive success-driven people!
Daniela Spagnuolo
Daniela’s life is on permanent CAPS LOCK! She finds her enthusiasm in everything from room bookings to inserting Drake lyrics into casual conversation. You’re most likely to find her roaming Toronto and the world in search of adventure, spicy food, and new friends. Right now she’s probably off somewhere laughing at her own joke. It probably isn’t that funny.
Saad Nathani
Saad Nathani is curious by nature, always wanting to figure out how the world works. He is a technology guru, a board game enthusiast and a cup o’ hot chocolate guy. The thrill of solving problems is his contagious passion.
Lachezar Arabadzhiev
Born in Bulgaria, lived in China and having parents in Dubai is an awkward, but also rewarding combination! Being a part of numerous cultures, but not having ownership in any has given Lachezar the skin of a chameleon, always changing and adapting to new challenges. Lachezar will hear what isn’t said and inspire you to go beyond the basics, because for him honest communication is the key to understating yourself and those around you.
Andrés Francken
Andrés is a Spanish-speaking, food-loving, graphic designing, amateur guitarist and sports addict. Growing up he was torn between wanting to be a professional soccer player or the blue Power Ranger. His more recent struggles in life decision-making include deciding between design or the sports industry for a career and between using his free time to watch The Blacklist or Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Danielle Martinez
Danielle is the sunshine in Canada’s eternal winter. She is charismatic, loud, outgoing, driven and slightly (slightly?) out of her mind. She is always up for a party, lime or good conversation and she is a certified Cumberbabe. Allons-y!
Samridhi Kundra
Samridhi comes with a little bit of awkwardness. Animals, chocolate and incorrect verbiage are things she enjoys. She loves indulging in anything that makes for great conversation.
Joanna Rong
Joanna is one of the most positively charged particles you will probably meet. She is a keen explorer, passionate photographer and you can always spot the smile on her face when the word “traveling” is mentioned. Along with the bundle of awesome experiences, Joanna sees happiness as “Going to bed without setting up an alarm” – not worrying about the future, but living in the moment!
Marwa Sheikh
Marwa is the ultimate word nerd. Fabulous grammar, a witty remark and the perfect pun are things that she lives for. When she isn’t lost in the worlds of books, she can be found watching reruns of ‘Friends’ and talking people’s ears off. There are 2 things she is certain to wrestle you for: the answer to her latest question and the last slice of chocolate cake. More than anything else she wishes we were all nicer to one another.
Akash Adhiya
Akash, one who never fails to charm you with his smile. Raised in Uganda, he loves travelling and meeting new people. He is always down to chill and share a story. Some of friends refer to him as ‘Eros’ (greek god of love), cause Akash is always spreading some kindness and his hard core vegetarianism. He’s always down for some adventure and one who’s about a different perspective and thinking beyond the horizon.
Ary Maharaj
Ary takes a kaleidoscopic approach to life, and sees immense value in looking at things from multiple perspectives. As a neuroscience student, he loves to learn about how human behaviour is guided by the different neural connections in our brain, but over his four years at UTSC, he’s taken courses in a variety of different disciplines to explore how seemingly unrelated concepts are interconnected. He believes that the ability to form connections and ascribe meaning to things is a central tenet of being human:Stars are simply light. Yet, we insist on forming constellations.
Preksha Surana
Preksha is a trail trekking, pancake eating, dance performing individual who is trying to save the earth one napkin at a time. She loves a good challenge and going out to listen to live music. And isn’t afraid to ask for your waffles.