Theme: A Day of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)

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, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. 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).

Espoo
Lillhemtintie 1
Espoo, Uusimaa, 02250
Finland

Aicha Manai

CEO of a social enterprise (Startup Refugees) and DEI expert

Aicha Manai is the CEO of Startup Refugees. She leads Startup Refugees, a social innovation that supports refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in building careers and launching businesses. Startup Refugees has become a powerful force for connecting untapped talent with meaningful opportunities and reshaping the narrative around refugees, immigration and integration.

Apurva Ganoo

Lecturer in Entrepreneurship

Apurva Ganoo is a permanent (tenured) Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Aalto University School of Business. His research examines entrepreneurial education from a critical perspective, exploring its connections to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and institutions. In his teaching, he contributes to Aalto's new master’s program in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and teaches introductory bachelor’s courses in entrepreneurship. Apurva is actively involved in several EU-funded capacity-building projects, where he has played a key role in securing over €3M in funding and establishing partnerships with universities across Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2024, Apurva was recognized by the Suomen Liikemies-Yhdistys (The Finnish Businessmen's Association) for his contributions to promoting entrepreneurship at Aalto and beyond.

Dora Puhakka

Diversity Work Specialist

Dora Puhakka, a highly experienced DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultant from Namibia, currently based in Finland. She is a co-founding member of Kuikan Co. With over a decade of experience in the Finnish NGO sector. In recognition of her significant contributions to women's rights, she was honored with the "Mentor and Supporter of Women’s Rights" award in 2022 by AFAES (Africans and African-Europeans Associations). Additionally, Dora Puhakka serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the board for Suomi-Namibia Seura (Finnish-Namibian Society), the oldest friendship society in Finland with an African country.

Ted Apter

Industrial Policy Special Advisor + Local Politician

Ted Apter is a Special Advisor on Industrial Policy, an active local politician, and has taken many roles in a multitude of NGOs. His career includes positions in both the public and private sectors. He currently works as a Special Advisor on Industrial Policy for Suomen Ekonomit, with a focus on accelerating Finnish economic growth. He is mainly focused on themes such as increased study - and work - related migration, adding financing for research and development and supporting the startup ecosystem for grow in Finland.