TEDxUNB

Speakers

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

• Ben Newling

  Dr. Newling is a researcher in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of materials with more than fifteen years of experience teaching large introductory classes using evidence-based, active learning techniques. He directs research programs in materials MRI, supervises undergraduate and graduate students, and is deeply engaged in science outreach, bringing physics demonstrations to all ages. What excites him most about TEDxUNB is the sharing of ideas and their potential once they are out in the open. Outside of work, he enjoys fencing, music, musical theatre, and toast & marmalade.

• Camilla Drost

  Camilla is a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering student at the UNB Centre for Nuclear Energy Research. She has always loved watching TED Talks, especially while preparing to speak herself, so being able to attend a TEDx event live and be part of it is incredibly exciting for her. Outside of her research, Camilla is deeply passionate about music: she plays the guitar, piano, and ukulele, loves to sing and perform, and is an avid reader. She also enjoys casual painting and going biking with her husband. Her favourite food is ice cream (especially cotton candy flavour), and her go-to song is “All the Pretty Girls” by KALEO.

• Candi Rose

  Candi Rose is the author of her memoir NAKED, a real estate investor, and a keynote speaker on resilience, identity, and the power of truth. Through her work, she challenges individuals and organizations to confront what they’ve been avoiding and choose how they move forward with clarity, courage, and conviction. She is also the founder of Your Journey to Freedom, a community for those ready to stop hiding and start living free.

• Drashtant Varma

  Drashtant is a fourth-year Business student at the University of New Brunswick, majoring in Economics, with plans to pursue law school. With a deep interest in law, politics, government, and public policy, he is driven by the idea that meaningful change happens when these worlds connect. Originally from Gujarat, India, he immigrated to Canada with his family in 2006 and has called Fredericton home ever since. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in his community through student governance and municipal, provincial, and federal politics, often finding himself as the youngest person in the room. Those experiences have shaped not only his leadership but his perspective on growth, pressure, and what it means to stay grounded in fast-moving spaces.

• Earl Hoeg

  Earl Hoeg is the CEO and Founder of PeopleFirst.ca, a leadership practitioner, and an Insights Discovery partner with over 35 years of experience. He supports leaders and organizations in building trust, strengthening connections, and creating workplaces where people can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

• Hanna Bordage

  Hanna Bordage is a final-year Psychology–Biology (Neuroscience) student at the University of New Brunswick. She is a research assistant in early blood cancer detection and a cancer survivor, with interests in neuroscience, health, and resilience.

• Julie Cafley

  Dr. Julie Cafley is Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, where she leads efforts to advance inclusive, high-performing workplaces. A strategic leader and accomplished academic, she is recognized for her expertise in equity and inclusion, public policy, and higher-education leadership. In 2023, she served as a member of Canada’s delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. A sought-after writer and speaker, Julie previously held senior leadership roles at the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, the Public Policy Forum, and the University of Ottawa. She holds a PhD in education leadership and is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact.

• Nicole Paquet

  Nicole Paquet is the founder of Nicole Paquet Leadership Inc. and the author of Thriving Through Change: A Guide for Catalytic Leaders. She helps leaders and teams build clarity, trust, and follow-through during times of change and disruption.

• Terri-Ann Richards

  Terri-Ann Richards is a speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work focuses on belief, resilience, and human potential. She works with young people, teams, and organizations to help individuals step forward with clarity, confidence, and courage, especially in moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

• Yan Simard

  Yan Simard is an entrepreneur who has spent his career building technology where change is hard and resistance is real. He is a tech entrepreneur, executive, consultant, and investor with deep experience in product management, venture growth, and innovation across industries ranging from telecommunications and finance to education and government services. Through his work, he has seen firsthand that the biggest obstacle to innovation is rarely technology, it’s the status quo.