The core volunteer team 2025
Adam Montandon
Curator, License holder and Speaker Coach
Read more
Speaking skills expert Adam Montandon has been involved with TEDx events around the world for over a decade. He loves to share his knowledge and energy to create a platform where people can spread amazing ideas. He has been working with the speakers behind the scenes, helping them to tell powerful stories in exciting ways.
“I love to find amazing hidden stories and share them with the city. It is my absolute pleasure to work with so many talented people from around the world to bring this very special event to Odense.”
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Rita Pierson - Every kid needs a champion
Contact info:
LinkedIn I Email I adammontandon.com I Speakersimpact.com
Marketing team
Francesca Baggio
Social media
Read more
"I love TED talks (and yes, I tend to cry while watching them). They inspire me and remind me to trust in humanity, even in the face of daily bad news. TED talks reassure me that there are still incredible people doing amazing things."
Rikke Werenskiold
Marketing / Word Festival Connection
Read more
I am a Networker By Nature, get a kick out of networking and bringing people together across diversity and opinions and build the bridge between challenges and solutions.
My work is within digital marketing, event management and sustainability. I have been a part of arranging conferences, network gatherings and workshops, with national and international participants and speaker. In my spare time I network, and it gives me great pleasure to see an individual person grow and experience when community and commitment ratifies the strong bonds between all human beings. TEDxODENSE gives an extra thought, a lift, a push, a friend---- An experience beyond – that’s why I am a volunteer
Carina Rodrigues
Social media and Customer outreach
Read more
Carina came all the way from Portugal to experience life and education in Denmark, she is now a master student of Global Marketing and Consumer Culture at SDU Odense. She loves travelling, baking, and all things pop culture. Her biggest obsession? Harry Potter! Some say she is still waiting for her letter to come!
With a small addiction to scrolling (but it’s part of the job, right?) her favorite way of sharing all the travel adventures is through video and photo dumps. All those memories put together for her and others to enjoy!
She is constantly looking for the next adventure, so here she is now, at TEDxOdense!
“When finding that TEDxOdense was a thing, I had to be a part of it and help bring all these incredible stories to the stage. I’m excited to be part of the team and bring an unforgettable event to life!”
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED
Alejandro Gatto
Photographer & Graphic Designer
Read more
Video team
Frederik Lunding
Technical, video and logistics
Read more
Frederik has always loved technology and science, and creating stuff, which lead to him becoming a physics and technology engineering student at the University of Southern Denmark. Besides his studies, he is working on the Danish Student CubeSat Program (DISCO) with setting up a ground station for satellite control and communication with the DISCO-3 satellite, as well as control of future radio telescopes at the university. Apart from his studies, he runs his own freelance photography business, and has had his work featured in news articles on multiple occasions. An interesting fact about his work as a photographer is the fact that he is colourblind, but primarily creates coloured photos.
“Every creation/innovation stem from an idea, but what and where the idea itself stem from is always an interesting story. To me, TED and TEDx talks have always been a great source of inspiration. Being given the opportunity to let my creative skills portray the story of this year’s event, and hopefully help others be inspired is a dream come true.”
Favourite TED or TEDx talk:
Why you should make useless things | Simone Giertz
Contact info:
Abigail R. Luna
Animator
Web team
Maria J Andersen
UX/Website
Read more
Maria J Andersen is working as a Freelance Web Designer and has a bachelor's degree In Digital Concept Development. She was born and raised in Denmark but has in recent years spent a lot of time travelling and living abroad - including studying design at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
"Like so many others, I've watched TED videos for many years. This year I got the opportunity to be a part of the TEDxOdense team and contribute with what I do best and I couldn't be more excited."
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Andy Puddicombe - All it takes is 10 mindful minutes
Taís Ferreira Maia
UX/UI Designer
Read more
Taís Maia is a passionate UI/UX Designer who loves finding solutions to improve human lives and make the world a better place. Originally from Brazil, she deeply appreciates the cultural contrast between her roots and where she is now, which brings a unique perspective of life.
With over 10 years of volunteer experience, Taís finds great joy in dedicating her time to meaningful causes. She also loves traveling, reading books, and exploring her creativity through crafting.
"TED has been a huge inspiration to me for many years. I've always dreamed of being part of this project, and now I have the chance to contribute to spreading ideas that make a difference. I'm thrilled to collaborate with the TEDxOdense team."
Favorite TED Talk: Linda Cliatt-Wayman - How to Fix a Broken School? Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard
Speaker team
Hakim Harder
Speaker Coach
Read more
As a trained actor, screenwriter, producer, and former musician, Hakim is at home on the stage and in front of the camera. Hakim also has many years of experience in the financial industry and IT business. When he is not working, he trains Wing Chun Kung Fu in which he is also a certified instructor.
"I have loved watching TED Talks since I saw my first many years ago. I am a curious soul by nature and the amount and variety of TED Talks out there are staggering and mind-numbing. TEDx is an extremely important platform for spreading new ideas. Maybe now more than ever. So, when my opportunity came to join the TEDx speaker team I had no doubts... I am a fanboy after all."
Favorite TED Talk: Why do we sleep? - Russell Foster
Contact info:
Email
Kimmie W. Beier
Speaker Coach
Read more
Kimmie is an experienced mental health and welfare professional, holding degrees in Social Work, Entrepreneurship, and in Welfare Policy.
Born and raised near Copenhagen, Denmark, she grew up curious of cultures and diversity.
Motivated by the inspirational TEDx ideas worth sharing, she's been part of our TEDxOdense team since 2022.
Quote: “Bringing together curious minds from all around the world, the concept of TEDx is very unique. Contributing to that uniqueness feels incredible”.
Favourite ted talk: Who are you really? The puzzle of personally by Brian Little
Seda Gärtig
Speaker Coach
Read more
Seda is a versatile marketer with a background in industrial engineering, innovation, and business. Her passion lies in sustainability, advocating for a healthy vegan lifestyle, and inspiring personal growth in others. In Odense, she runs Sedas Plantekøkken, a business dedicated to crafting plant-based spreads and providing vegan catering services.
“I fell in love with TED talks since the first video I watched online. I remember wishing I could feel the magic in person. Luckily, we no longer need to travel miles away to do that! With TEDx events, we can live those 'a-ha' moments in person, and I am beyond excited to encourage people to join in. I believe that we will leave TEDxOdense as different versions of ourselves.”
Favorite TED/TEDx talk: 'Don't Believe Everything You Think' by Lauren Weinstein.
Jessica Dreyer
Speaker Coach
Read more
Jessica is passionate about valuing young people’s thoughts and ideas and giving them a voice. She strives to create a world where children’s voice is taken seriously, challenging the power dynamics of adult voice as the norm. Jessica holds a Ph.D. in Child Studies from the University of Minho, Portugal, and is an educator and children’s rights advocate.
“I am thrilled to become part of the TEDxOdense team and work with young speakers. I can’t wait to see them sharing their ideas with our community and shining on stage!”
Favourite TED or TEDx Talks:
Kids can too
Just a teen trying to figure it out
Contact info:
Linkedin I Email: dreyerjessica@gmail.com
Elitsa Marinovska
Speaker Coach
Ania Gościnna-Poulsen
Speaker Coach
Read more
Anna has lived many lives, it seems. Originally from Poland, she ran her own pub and earned a BA in Tourism and Hotel Management—a path that perfectly aligned with her hospitable nature. In Polish, the word gościnna means “hospitable,” and Anna embodies this trait in every aspect of her life.After moving to Denmark and becoming a mother, she had to reinvent herself—family and pub life don’t mix well together. Today, Anna thrives as a Digital Media Designer and SoMe Specialist at NORDUnet. Her passion for human connection finds expression through her work and her dedication as a volunteer for various local events like TEDxOdense and Odense Film Festival.At TEDxOdense, Anna also serves as a Speaker Coach, helping speakers craft and refine their messages to deliver impactful talks that resonate with the audience.Anna is fascinated by people and their stories, human nature, and the motivations that drive us.“I’ve been connected with TEDxOdense since its beginnings as TEDxEAL—first as a spectator and later as a volunteer. Over the years, I’ve met many fascinating individuals, both on stage and within the volunteer and guest community. Some have deeply influenced my life, and others have become my closest friends. I’m excited to see how this year’s TEDxOdense will inspire and enrich my life—see you there!”
One of Anna’s favorite TEDx talks is Heather Hansen’s “2 Billion Voices: How to Speak Bad English Perfectly.” Heather’s insights and delivery resonate deeply, making this talk a new must-watch for anyone interested in communication and self-expression.
Sponsorship team
Alex Kowal
Sponsorship Coordinator
Read more
Alex is from Poland and is studying Market and Management Anthropology at the University of Southern Denmark. Full of humor and character, she is passionate about politics, social relationships, culture, and, above all, music. Whenever she can, she travels the world.
"As a proper "The Office" fan - somehow I manage"
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: How to sound smart in your TEDx Talk | Will Stephen
Silja R. Grentoft
Sponsorship team
Read more
Am I crazy? yes. Am I fun? yes. With these, I am trying my best to bring something to the community I am around, and the same goes now with TEDxOdense. I am small and fast so technically I can help with anything. My favorite show is The Office and my favorite band is Arctic Monkeys. I am also in the process of becoming a proper danish (it's gonna take me some time). My fav TEDx video perfectly describes my personality and sense of humor
Darina K. Starodumova
Sponsorship team
Read more
Darina is a bridge-builder persona at heart: she loves meaningful conversations and inspiring ideas, connecting everything and everyone who can be connected in a holistic synergy.
“There’s nothing quite like connecting with others who are making moves and bringing fresh energy into the world!”
Driven by ambition to create impact she always aims to spark enthusiasm in people around her. Curiosity and life-long learning are at core of her passion for storytelling and innovation, the world around and all that is bizarre and unconventional. She believes perspectives and narratives are constructed for a reason that’s at least worth being investigated.
“For what is light but the union of all colors - all possibilities?”
“I am a Market Management & Anthropology bachelor student, Artist, Brainstormer, Business adviser, Connector, Consultant, Environmentalist, Explorer, Fitness Instructor, Global soul, Idea generator, Marketer, Performer, Promoter, a Chatter-box…you name it!”
Bringing "ideas worth spreading" to life is exactly what she’s here for.
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Sub event team
Bruna P. Concórdia
Sub event team
Read more
Born and raised in Brazil, Bruna holds a bachelor's degree in Social Communication and is specializing in consumer behavior through the Brazilian Institute of Neuromarketing.
She is passionate about learning languages, and fun fact: she once hosted a TEDx event in Brazil!
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Lera Boroditsky | How language shapes the way we think
Logistics team
Oscar Schofield
Logistics Team
Read more
Oscar is a research assistant at the University of Southern Denmark in the fields of power line inspection drones, and holds a masters in Robot Technology, specialising in Unmanned Aerial Systems Design. He enjoys solving problems with practical solutions, and can often be found tinkering and repairing everything from bikes to 3D printers.
Oscar’s journey with TEDxOdense started in 2018, where his knowledge in building and designing had led to the fabrication of multiple props and projection mapping structures within the venue.
“TED has had a massive impact on my family over the last ten years when my mother was recruited to help start and organise INKTalks conference in India (in association with TED) - every year she would inspire us of the amazing people and the stories they told.
I joined the Helping Hands team after moving to Odense in 2017 and have enjoyed working with passionate, like-minded individuals all with their own amazing stories. This year I look forward to working in the Core team and taking my experiences to make this the best TEDxOdense yet!”
Favourite TED talk: Meet the dazzling flying machines of the future | Raffaello D'Andrea
Audience happiness
Natalia Pokusa
Audience happiness Coordinator
Read more
Natalia came to Denmark in 2021. She acquired a Service Management degree from the University College of Northern Denmark and is currently pursuing an education in Market and Management Anthropology at Syddansk Universitet (SDU).
"As someone passionate about culture from an academic, but mostly personal standpoint, I'm so delighted I got to join the TEDx Odense team and be surrounded by people from all backgrounds, all happy to share their experiences and listen to each other. I believe it's the best way we can learn and grow."
Favorite TED or TEDx Talk: Grit: the power of passion and perseverance - Angela Lee Duckworth