Andrew started in the construction and land development industry with creating and operating Green Solutions Inc., a general contractor for sustainability-oriented single family homes. Andrew now works at G Group Developments, managing roles in sales, marketing, finance and municipal management. In his spare time, you’ll find Andrew engaged in various outdoor activities, and pursuing interests in various other creative business endeavors.

FAVORITE TED TALK:

Sylvia Earle's TED Prize Wish to Protect Our Oceans

Allyssa is dedicated to making connections in her community. She is a long-standing volunteer for several organizations throughout the Okanagan. Her drive to share inspiring messages for the betterment of the community fuels her passion for TEDxKelowna, and continues to shape her career as a Marketing and Communications Strategist at The University of British Columbia.

FAVORITE TED TALK:

Living Beyond Limits: Amy Purdy at TEDxOrangeCoast

Drew is the OYP Collective Officer, a program under the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission that aims to attract and retain young professionals in the region. Drew is passionate about sustainable change through social innovation and enterprise. While taking an ‘Entrepreneurship in Developing and Emerging Nations’ course through Okanagan College, Drew travelled to Ethiopia and realized that simple ideas and effective execution, when combined with free enterprise, can change the world. Inspired by Muhammad Yunus, Drew’s goals are focused on utilizing the free market to enable and support those in need.

FAVORITE TED TALK:

Rory Sutherland - Perspective is everything

Hannah graduated from the business program at UBC Okanagan in the top of her class. With a focus in psychology, Hannah is fascinated by people and loves to learn. During the week, you can find her organizing the team at Sayvee as the Project Manager. In her spare time she's probably outside doing something active... cycling, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, boating, or traveling the world. As a youth leader for 7 years, she is passionate about seeing our young girls reach their potential and build true confidence despite instability in our world. Social justice issues tug at her heart and she tries to fight for our most vulnerable.

FAVORITE TED TALK:

Simon Sinek - The Golden Circle

Ali is a lawyer at Doak Shirreff LLP practicing in real estate and business law. Prior to settling in Kelowna Ali moved often for work, to study, or for travel. Having now established herself in Kelowna she is excited to be involved in the community and TEDx. With a passion for being active and outdoors Ali keeps herself busy with the year-round recreation the Okanagan has to offer.

FAVORITE TED TALK:

Jackson Katz - Violence against women—it's a men's issue

Dani was born and raised in the Okanagan. After graduating high school, she went to Ontario and played volleyball at the University of Western Ontario, where she also attended classes and graduated with a political science degree. She then went on to play intramural volleyball at the University of Victoria, where she also spent some time in the law library learning contracts. After completing her legal studies, she moved back to the Okanagan and is now an assistant coach for T2, a local volleyball club. In her spare time, she works as an articling student at Doak Shirreff and will be called to the bar in May 2017. Dani looks forward to a long career in volleyball and outdoor activities, as well as continuing her hobby of full-time lawyering.

Kylaina is an Assistant Branch Manager with Valley First, a Division of First West Credit Union. Kylaina grew up in Penticton and has spent the last 5 years living in Kelowna. She has a passion for community and sport. She volunteers at the Central Okanagan Food Bank, organizes a charity slo-pitch team in support of BC Children’s Hospital each year and plays on a local women’s soccer team. Kylaina also supports the Okanagan Young Professionals group through her position at Valley First. Kylaina is excited to partake in the TEDxKelowna Event and looks forward to many more in the future.

Favourite TEDTalk:

Frank Warren - Half a Million Secrets