TEDxTrenčín

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Anna Polcková

  Anna is an Evangelical pastor serving in the Bratislava Old Town parish. She studied theology in Bratislava and completed part of her studies in Erlangen, Germany. She believes that words about love, understanding, and acceptance only matter when they are translated into action. In her work, she connects trust in people and in God with trust in science and critical thinking. Anna considers it essential to open discussions on cultural and ethical issues, support people on the margins of society, and stand up for minorities.

• Anna Viľchová

  Anna is the co-founder of the Emotional Compass program. She studied European Studies and Development Management at UCL and the London School of Economics. After returning to Slovakia, she worked as a primary school teacher, where she realized that alongside knowledge, children also need the ability to cooperate and work with their emotions. She transformed this experience into co-founding the Emotional Compass program, which helps teachers develop children’s social and emotional skills and now reaches thousands of students across Slovakia.

• Liberty Blake Simon

  Liberty is an inspiring speaker who has collaborated with organizations such as UNICEF and UNHCR on campaigns focused on human rights and the fight against discrimination. As a consultant, she provides mentoring and workshops on leadership, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace, self-confidence, and self-acceptance. Her next plans? Traveling across Slovakia and, through the format of a “Living Book,” opening conversations about inclusion and breaking down prejudice—through personal storytelling and open dialogue.

• Mária Bieliková

  Mária is a computer scientist and a key figure in the field of artificial intelligence in Slovakia. She founded the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies (KInIT), which brings a new science-driven approach to innovation within Slovakia and across Central and Eastern Europe. Her expertise has earned her recognition in international scientific communities. Previously, she worked at the Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies of the Slovak University of Technology, where she also served as Dean. Mária actively contributes to discussions on the ethics and regulation of AI and supports the development of young talent and women in IT.

• Marit Benthe Norheim

  Marit is an internationally recognized visual artist with roots in Norway, Iran, India, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Arts in London and has exhibited and realized public commissions in many countries around the world. Her works are part of major collections, including the National Museum of Art in Norway, the New Carlsberg Foundation in Denmark, and Kunsthaus Dresden in Germany. In her artistic practice, she weaves together storytelling, intercultural symbolism, and social engagement. She is the creator of the iconic Life-boats project, a floating sculptural installation created for the European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017.

• Martin Valihora

  Martin is one of the most respected Slovak drummers, known for his presence on the international jazz scene. After studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he was based in New York, where he collaborated with numerous world-class musicians. His career has taken him to stages around the globe, where he is recognized for his musical sensitivity, technical mastery, and authentic expression.

• Michal Pastier

  Michal is a branding expert, creative, and angel investor who has been recognized among the Top 100 European innovators by Google and the Financial Times. Thanks to the success of his companies, he has appeared on the cover of Forbes and was included in the 30 Under 30 ranking. He stands behind dozens of successful brands that have made an impact both locally and internationally, and his team brought Slovakia its first Gold Euro Effie. Michal summarized his experience in the bestselling book The Yellow Book of Brand Building, which has helped more than 15,000 readers build strong personal, corporate, and product brands in an era of chaos and constant distraction.

• Monika Tadlánek Chochlíková

  Monika is a world and European champion in Muay Thai and K1, as well as a winner of the World Games. She is a member of the VŠC Dukla Banská Bystrica sports center and holds a degree in Sports Management from Masaryk University in Brno. Monika also helped co-found the Professional Muay Thai League (PML) in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where she continues to support the organization of events in her free time.

• Peter Kaščák

  Peter is one of Slovakia’s leading gynecologists and obstetricians and currently serves as the Head of the First Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Slovak Medical University and University Hospital Bratislava. He is a member of several professional societies in Slovakia and abroad and is a strong advocate of natural childbirth that respects both women and children. Previously, he served as Chief Physician and the founding Head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, where he built a top-level center for healthcare and medical education. Under his leadership, the clinic received the prestigious ESGO certification in 2023 for the treatment of endometrial cancer.

• Rastislav Kiavčin

  Rastislav is a marketing strategist, mentor, and founder of the Digitálci community, which helps brands grow through content that connects people rather than just sells. He is the co-owner of ToTheMoon Studio and believes that great marketing starts with empathy. Rastislav challenges common stereotypes about marketers and shows that the best ideas are born where honesty, courage, and humanity meet.