TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self-organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
TEDxZurich is a yearly returning day of wonder, inspiration and awe. We hope to connect you to our knowledge thirsty audience and uncover exhilarating, fascinating and eye-opening topics together. The event is a series of short talks, ranging from approximately five to eighteen minutes in length. In between speakers you will have the opportunity to enjoy performances, eat some eclectic food choices and wander around our creatively inspired event spaces.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.) TEDxZurich has a focus on topics related to the city of Zurich and its surroundings, but also caters to bring ideas, knowledge and talks about broader topics.
TEDxZurich CORE TEAM
Who Are We?
TEDxZurich Lead
Carina is a finance professional with a deep passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Her innate curiosity, lifelong learning attitude and desire to unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability have now led her to TEDxZurich. Carina’s journey in a range of positions within different industries has shaped her into the resourceful, resilient, and empathic person she is today. She is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, progress, and continuous development. Those around her would best describe her as the visionary, understanding person who brings the best in everything and everyone to the surface. At TEDxZurich Carina’s mission is to team up with likeminded and passionate individuals to provide a stage for those whose great ideas have not been heard in our noisy world.
Salon Co-Lead
Klara’s professional journey is deeply rooted in leading clinical research projects, where she excels in operations management, demonstrating her commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide. Beyond her professional achievements, Klara is an advocate for community engagement and volunteerism. Her passion for event management stems from a desire to connect and inspire communities, fostering environments where positive change can thrive. As the lead of the TEDxZurichWomen, Countdown and Salon events, she is excited to create platforms for meaningful dialogue and action, amplifying voices and ideas that can shape a brighter future.
Speakers Lead
Magda Kern is a public speaking trainer, psychologist, and PCC coach. In 2021 she was chosen as one of the top 11 public-speaking coaches worldwide. The experience of giving many interviews, singing in Cuban musical, and in many jazz concerts gave her the push to start helping people with public speaking. By combining her business, psychological, and stage experience, she supports people in dealing with stress, preparing for their speeches in front of hundreds of people in the audience, and conducting small meetings or presentations. She has been coaching TEDx speakers for already six years. Magda joined TEDxZurich as a coach in 2021, and after a few months, she was nominated as Speakers Team Lead. After working in small enterprises and corporations, she opened her own company. She is an entrepreneur with a passion for learning new skills. Magda is a big fan of tea, swing dances, traveling, and playing the cello.
Marketing Co-Lead
Stephanie Vogler is a marketing professional with a strong foundation in IT and over 8 years of international experience. At TEDxZurich, she leads marketing initiatives, leveraging her expertise in global marketing, digital business, social media strategy, and event management to drive growth and engagement. With a background in IT project management, Stephanie excels at bridging the gap between technical and business goals. She is passionate about creating impactful marketing campaigns and innovative strategies that contribute to organizational success and digital transformation. In her spare time, Stephanie loves modifying vintage tech and traveling the world.
Partnership Lead
Nisha is a digital marketing specialist with a deep passion for collaboration and partnerships. Her diverse background spanning IT, Consulting to Digital Marketing in different industries has shaped and fortified her view that teams are what make great ideas happen. Nisha is committed to fostering innovation through discussion, problem solving and working together to create something new, sustainable and contributing to the greater good. At TEDx, Nisha’s mission is to bring likeminded partners onboard that share the vision of TEDx and believe in spreading knowledge to those who need it most.
Production Lead
Always curious about how everything works, Hugo was drawn to TED for all the great ideas and insights. In 2009, when TEDx events were introduced by the TED organization, Hugo and the small founding team of TEDxZurich started organizing this great event which is still going strong after more than a decade. Professionally, Hugo is a Head of Product for Digital products (Apps/Websites), coming from a strong technical background. Hugo is originally Dutch and moved to Switzerland in part because of his passion for skiing.
Volunteers and Participants Lead
Doris is originally from the ski slopes of South Tyrol in Northern Italy but left her beloved Dolomites early to study, live and work all over the world. Her passion for the real language within its culture and region got her a masters’ degree in translation and interpreting and has her speaking four major European languages fluently. She has a strong background in transcreation and localisation, high cultural sensitivity and large project, account and talent management experience in the exciting world of marketing. Doris is best described as a creative mind with a human approach and a passion for intercultural communication. Her love for travelling and exploring the world through all senses has taken her to over 70 countries and when she isn’t abroad you can find her snowboarding down some Swiss mountain with her kids.
Location Lead
Due to his passion and curiosity for his vocation, Clemens decided to leave his home country of Germany many years ago. He went on to enrich his experience in the food and beverage industry in Scotland where he developed a love for peaty whiskey. His journey then took him to the Netherlands, and after that, wanting some sun, he moved to Dubai. Now he is to be found continuing the next chapter of his adventure in Switzerland. If he is not surrounded by his passion, food and beverages, you might find him lost in a puzzle or creating music with the trombone.
Finance Lead
Viola is an international business-, tax- and transfer pricing expert with a strong and passionate background in financial analysis. She is always seeking novel, better and more efficient ways to solve problems and reach visions. Viola is excited about new and disruptive digital technologies to support the market share expansion of the leading companies she works with. Viola is passionate about change and transformational leadership. She strongly believes in the power of support.
When she’s not at the office you’ll find her in the surrounding nature (walking dogs or swimming) or diving deeper into the topics of health and continuous improvement, as well as philanthropy (i.e. performing supportive activities for the environmental protection, for the general well-being and for the public welfare).
Associates TEAM
Marketing (Creative Art Director & UX/UI Designer)
Angelina Wicker is the founder and owner of Awica Studios, a multidisciplinary design studio. She is a self-motivated, positive, diligent, and creative individual with excellent team working and communication skills, with the dark circles to prove it. With her vast set her skills, she aims to create and make the best for TedxZurich!
Group Discussion Facilitator
Charlène is a communication specialist and mindfulness advocate. With a background in sociology and communication sciences, she moderates the monthly TEDxZurich Group Discussion. She loves connecting with people, facilitating inspiring conversations and engaging with the TedxZurich community to discuss ideas worth spreading. In addition to her communications expertise, Charlène is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher, leading mindfulness workshops and retreats. She looks forward to exchanging with you at one of the TedxZurich Group Discussion.
Marketing (Visual Designer)
I’m Camila Méndez, a UI/UX designer and Visual Designer passionate about blending aesthetics and functionality to create exceptional user experiences. With a background in architecture, I bring a unique perspective to my design process, combining my understanding of spatial relationships and user-centered principles. I believe that good design not only looks beautiful but also enhances the way people interact with digital products. I specialize in crafting outstanding user experiences through interaction design. With expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, I seamlessly blend graphic design and user interface design to create visually captivating interfaces. Wireframing, prototyping, and product design are my tools for turning ideas into tangible experiences. I strongly believe in the power of usability testing to ensure intuitive interactions.
Marketing (Audience Experience Associate)
Giorgio is a geographer and sustainability enthusiast. He wants to break completely new ground with openness, passion, positivity and authenticity. With an interdisciplinary approach and a holistic perspective, he is constantly thinking about how transformation processes are implemented and how we can make the world a better place step by step. Giorgio enjoys outdoor sports and boundless exploration, which is why he travels to the most remote places in the world.
Marketing (Copy Writer)
Rachael Palmer has a diverse background in hospitality, having worked in management you could have found her in the bar creating cocktails or in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Data Science, driven by her passion for technology and science. Rachael is literature fanatic and a talented writer, dedicating her free time to writing. As a copywriter for TEDx, she brings her unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to the team, aiming to inspire and engage audiences with compelling narratives.
Speakers(Project Manager) & Salon (Speakers Coach)
Divya Shori is a dynamic entrepreneur with a zest for women’s empowerment, parenting, and personal growth. With 16 years of leadership and innovation under her belt, she’s all about championing parents and elevating women’s voices. Her impact has earned her some pretty cool accolades, like the 1000 Women Faces of Asia Award and being dubbed one of the “Young Entrepreneurs Who Are An Inspiration To The Youth.” At TEDxZurich, Divya brings her vision, strategic flair, and passion for connecting people to the table, all while helping speakers turn their ideas into show-stopping talks. And when she’s not doing that, you can catch her chatting about these topics on her podcast—because talking about topics that are seldom spoken about is what she loves most!
Production
Steffi’s passion is to bring human emotion and connection to everyone world-wide. Some years ago, she started her own production company for digital experiences, and she creates global events, that stretch over multiple time zones. And now, she spreads ideas with TEDxZurich. Software engineering and entrepreneurship and working for digital agencies is her professional background. Steffi lived in six countries – from the US to Japan – before she settled for good in Zurich. When Steffi needs to disconnect, she takes her bow and does archery.
BOARD MEMBERS
ADVISORS
Chief Marketing Officer
http://youtu.be/46bkXgxb66E in IT, & digital. Hopeless optimist, TEDster. Love my family, food & wine.
join us as a volunteer!
Get hands-on experience and contribute to TEDZurich as a volunteer. Help create an unforgettable event, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of something truly special. Your enthusiasm and support are key!
