Effie Genovese

Concerned citizen, Designer, Foodie, Idea generator, Parent, Philanthropist, Single, World traveler

Born and raised in Vancouver Canada to Greek immigrant parents. Attended art school for design post high school and worked in interior design. Married and had 2 children and lived in Monaco for 7 years before coming back to Vancouver in 2005. Designed and built houses in Vancouver for the past 15 years. Divide my time between Vancouver and Palm Springs and travel extensively. Very active enjoying hiking and skiing and yoga/pilates classes and gym sessions. Love to be outside in nature, connect with friends and learn about people, health and spirituality.

Nature, good design for living, learning, clean food, ethical work environments, community and equality

Loneliness is more dangerous than people think. It can lead to mental health issues and addictions. Helping children connect and learn how to maintain a community can save their lives and live fuller happier lives. Banning social media in developmental years is what we need to move towards.

I've always been inspired and enjoy watching Ted talks over the last decade. It's always been my dream to attend and as this is the last year of Ted in my home town I decided this was my chance to take the plunge. A chance dinner with a woman last year at a car rally I had attended led me to attendance. She is a die hard and we connected on learning and doing summits and this inspired me to attend this year. The car rally will have to wait for next year!

Connections. I love connecting people and having friends all over the world. Finding gratitude through my grief.