Our team took on the task of bringing TEDx to the University of Auckland to initiate dialogue on issues that affect our community. We believe that revolutionary ideas have the power to shape our minds by challenging existing notions. But often these ideas go unheard, because they lack a platform that gives them a voice; we want TEDxUoA to be that platform.
Our Team
CO-PRESIDENTS
Hansi Jayatilake
MBTI: ENFJ
Degree: Masters In Audiology
TEDX Talk I would give..."I’d speak on how empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a superpower.
I’d share how emotionally intelligent leadership fosters real change, deeper trust, and community growth, and why leading with heart creates stronger, more sustainable impact than ego ever could."
Veronika Stojanovikj
MBTI: ENFJ
Degree: Bachelor of Optometry
TEDX Talk I would give..."If I had to give a TEDx talk, it would be about The Power of Passion Projects. From uni to work, music, dance and sport, I’ve learned that my passions aren’t distractions, they're fuel. I’d explore how personal projects can ignite confidence, creativity, and purpose, even in the busiest seasons of life."
OPERATION TEAM
Amica Valencia
MBTI: ENTJ
Degree: Bachelor of commerce - International Business, Operations, Supply chain and management
TEDX Talk I would give..."How to create, manage and not feel overwhelmed by a full calendar."
Jessie Wu
MBTI: ENTP
Degree: Bachelor of Law & Finance
TEDX Talk I would give..."Why swiss cheese should be illegal. I just bought a packet of it by accident instead of edam cheese, heartbreaking."
Dewmi Jayatilake
MBTI: ENFP
Degree: Bachelor of Science & Commerce
TEDX Talk I would give..."How to Fake It Till
You Make It (And How to Fake Making It)." It’s about mastering the art of navigating
group projects and internships with confidence, even when you're unsure. Let’s talk about faking
it like a pro—because sometimes, pretending is half the battle!"
Banruo Liu
MBTI: ENFJ
Degree: Bachelor of Law & Bio Chem
TEDX Talk I would give..."The Art of Strategic Slacking:
who says you have to work hard to get ahead? I’d share the secrets of
efficient laziness—outsourcing, strategic napping, and mastering the fine art
of looking busy. Because sometimes, the best way to win at life is by doing less… but doing it well."
CURATIONS TEAM
Fatuma Farouk
MBTI: ENTJ
Degree: Law & biochem conjoint
TEDX Talk I would give..."‘How TikTok Might Actually Save Humanity.’
I’d explore how a cringe dance app became a radical tool for cultural exchange,
political awakening, and challenging traditional information gatekeeping. I would also
discuss the power of the app to educate and mobilise across borders in ways that institutions
have long failed to do. "
Riana De Leon
MBTI: ISTJ
Degree: Bachelor of Health Science
TEDX Talk I would give..."I'd love to explore topics in Psychology and Neuroscience.
I've always been fascinated by the human brain, and I'd love to tackle ideas that have some form of
real-world application like neuroplasticity and its impact on rewiring our thoughts and decisions."
Phoebe Li
MBTI: INTJ
Degree: LLB/BA In Maths and Economics
TEDX Talk I would give..."Advocacy and Debating, I've seen firsthand how the ability
to articulate ideas and opinions cause personal and professional growth. I would want
to explore why learning persuasive communication is important in our daily lives and why yapping is so great :)"
Alyssa Ann Dela Cruz
MBTI: INFJ-T
Degree: Biomedical Sciences specialising in Neuroscience
TEDX Talk I would give..."I would speak about the art of falling behind and how it can get you ahead.
Falling behind can feel like the world is caving in. But that allows us to put things in perspective,
slow down, and rethink our choices. It builds experience, resilience, and perserverance"
Roda Ibrahim
MBTI: ENTP
Degree: Bachelor of science
TEDX Talk I would give..."How Googling Weird Symptoms Made Me a (Fake) Doctor.
A deep dive into how I survived adulthood with WebMD, vibes, and blind optimism."
PARTNERSHIPS TEAM
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Sahar Sheik Freed
MBTI: INFP-T
Degree: Master of Speech and language therapy (MSLTprac)
TEDX Talk I would give...I’d speak on “The Power of Listening.”
I’ve learned that listening goes beyond hearing, it’s about presence,
empathy, and connection. When we truly listen, especially to women and people of colour,
we validate their voices and create space for healing, growth, and change.
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Sophia Khan
MBTI: ESFJ-A
Degree: BSc(Hons) Pharmacology & BSc Chemistry
TEDX Talk I would give..."The future of precision medicine."
Mashal Khan
MBTI: ISFJ
Degree: Masters of Speech Language Therapy Practice (MSLTPrac)
TEDX Talk I would give..."Stop being a people pleaser; learning to say no."
Devin Vinsuka
MBTI: ENFP
Degree: Bachelors of Computer Science
TEDX Talk I would give..."The Meaning of Genuine Connection - In a world of constant interactions,
we mistake communication for connection. I would love to explore how real connections are born not just from words,
but from presence, empathy, and the courage to be truly seen—and to truly see others."
MARKETING TEAM
Lyna Prum
MBTI: ENFP
Degree: Bachelors of Law & Commerce
TEDX Talk I would give..."The journey of balancing solitude and social life at university"
Senilka Yapa
MBTI: INFP
Degree: Bachelors of Computer Science & IT management
TEDX Talk I would give..."Mastering the art of patience to help create a easier and
more fufilling life"
Christopher Kenyon
MBTI: INTJ
Degree: Bachelors of Law & Fine artsa
TEDX Talk I would give..."I'd like to give a masterclass on pulling all nighters and
the art of skulling energy drinks before exams"