Our Speakers
Meet the visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders who will share their ideas worth spreading at TEDxLakeheadU 2026.
Bean Gill
Co-founder of ReYu Paralysis Recovery Center
Bean Gill
A high-performance coach and neuro-recovery advocate, Bean co-founded ReYu to implement activity-based restorative therapy (ABT). Following her own sudden paralysis, she has dedicated her career to studying the mechanics of neurological recovery and pushing the boundaries of what is considered medically possible for spinal cord injuries.
View Full Profile
James McCormack
CEO of XPawn
James McCormack
James is an AI strategist focused on human-centered computing and cognitive performance. He specializes in the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) to reduce cognitive load in complex fields like healthcare. His research examines how our physical environment directly affects our capacity for deep, analytical work.
View Full Profile
Dr. Chitra Anand
Author & Advisor on Intrapreneurship
Dr. Chitra Anand
Dr. Anand is a leading researcher on organizational behavior and the former Head of PR for Microsoft Canada. She holds a PhD focused on how innovation scales within institutional hierarchies and is an advisor to global corporations on fostering intrapreneurial mindsets.
View Full Profile
Brian Lenahan
Founder & Chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute
Brian Lenahan
A former financial executive turned Quantum Strategist, Brian focuses on the practical business application of emerging technologies. He advises global leaders on navigating the transition from classical computing to quantum systems.
View Full Profile
Stephen Ritz
Founder of Green Bronx Machine
Stephen Ritz
Stephen is a pioneer in urban agriculture and education, famous for transforming classrooms into high-yield, indoor farming labs. His work addresses the technical intersection of food security, community health, and educational engagement.
View Full Profile
Arron Lin
VP of Innovation at one of the top 5 banks
Arron Lin
Arron leads innovation strategies for one of the top 5 banks’s venture arm. His work involves scaling early-stage technology and identifying the systemic shifts required for industrial growth. He focuses on the intersection of human behavior and technological design, particularly how modern "frictionless" environments impact our long-term capability.
View Full Profile
Ava I. Penney
Student, Author & Cultural Researcher
Ava I. Penney
Ava is a 20-year-old student and author whose work investigates the intersection of anthropology and modern human behavior. Her research focuses on the "Social Erosion" caused by digital patterns and how historical survival strategies can be applied to reclaim community integrity in the modern age.
View Full Profile