CURIOSITY, CHAOS & CREATIVITY

Tonia Daley-Campbell is a proud Wolverhampton actress, writer, director, producer, community activist and presenter. As a mother of 4 and a foster carer, she’s not shy of hard work.

Tonia runs her own drama group ACTS and is also the young children’s agent at Red Talent Management. Tonia is always very committed to finding and supporting hidden talent.

Currently Tonia is producing a  brand new Birmingham/West Midlands based TV series “Lucid The Dreamwalker” a psychological thriller and story of discovery, which will be featured at this years MCM comic con Birmingham NEC. Tonia sold out her local theatre Newhampton Arts Centre with her one act play “Dr King The Aftermath”, which was also featured on BBC news for black history month. Tonia has published her first book “39 steps to 40” and recently won 2 x awards at the Enter Stage Write competion, which saw her short play Truth performed in front of industry professionals from BBC, Channel 4, writers Guild, and ITV.

She has recently opened up a brand new TV, Film and Theatre production company called Themis Creative limited with Business partner and friend Oraine Johnson. Tonia is well known for her infectious laugh.

Martin Khechara is an Associate Professor for Engagement in science technology engineering and maths (STEM) at the University of Wolverhampton. Martin is a medical microbiologist, researcher and educator who has an international profile for his work in higher education.

He is also a professional science communicator, presenter, writer, director, and science theatre performer who believes in that study at university can change lives. He is a champion of social change and actively works in the community with the award-winning STEM response Team to bring the magic of STEM subjects to those that need it the most’.

As a first-generation British Indian entrepreneur, Paramjit refused to conform, challenging conventions through bold flavour, storytelling, and sheer determination. She blends deep cultural authenticity with cutting-edge techniques, redefining how heritage is experienced in premium drinks.

Her world-first creations, Lassi Gin and Punjabi Chai Gin, have set a new standard in spirits—crafted for bold, unexpected flavours, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and exceptional smoothness. Listed at Harvey Nichols for eight years, they have defied expectations and reshaped industry norms.

Beyond spirits, Paramjit is a consultant helping brands harness flavour and aroma to create unforgettable customer experiences. She works with businesses to craft sensory identities that deepen connections and elevate their brand presence.

Sharon Thompson’s story begins with her experience as a homeless teenager, which has shaped her drive and determination to bring about social change. In 2010, Sharon made a conscious decision to change her life in a decade. Since drawing up a life plan, Sharon has received numerous national awards for her contributions to social change and politics. She has held senior leadership positions and served as a magistrate, and since 2014, has been an elected Councillor for the City of Birmingham.

Sharon has held several non-executive director positions. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on political engagement, homelessness, housing, women in leadership, and Black, Asian, Ethnic Minorities in Leadership. Her presentations are practical and inspiring, challenging audiences to develop their leadership skills both personally and professionally through self-leadership.

In May 2023, Sharon was appointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, the very first ethnic minority to hold the position in our city. As Deputy Leader, Sharon also holds the Cabinet portfolio for skills, jobs and apprenticeships, strategic partnerships and Cost of Living. She shares Major Sporting events with the Leader and is the WMCA portfolio Holder for Levelling Up and Devolution.

In May 2024 she was reappointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills. In addition to the above, she has political leadership responsibility for the international promotion of the City and inward investment, promotion of the City with partners such as West Midlands Growth Company.  Sharon also now chairs the BAES Advisory Board.

On a more local footing the portfolio includes responsibility for development of BIDs, land use planning such as Local Development Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. Alongside oversight of  major physical regeneration and infrastructure projects in the city and engagement with key economic growth partners, partnerships, and investors.

In June 2024, Sharon was appointed Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority. She is the first woman to hold the post and whilst supporting the Mayor, she primarily focuses on the skills agenda.

Are you ready to experience the power of Dance with Sterran Dance Company?

Produced by Flexus Dance Collective , this amazing Company will be taking the stage at TedX Wolverhampton 2025 and we couldn’t imagine a better fit for our theme Curiosity, Chaos and Creativity.

Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary and youth dance, Sterran Dance blends powerful storytelling, intricate choreography, and raw emotion to create performances that leave a lasting impact.

Founded and led by Artistic Director Katy Sterran, Flexus Dance Collective are a leading force in the West Midlands dance scene, where they not only nurture young talent but also produce thought provoking performances that challenge and inspire – and their TEDx performance will be no exception!

CURATOR

A born and bred Wulfrunian Clare is passionate about Wolverhampton and promoting everything the city and its residents has to offer. A bid and tender writer by profession, for the past 12 years Clare has been a Magistrate in the Black Country on the Black Country Bench.

Passionate about promoting women’s rights and gender equality, Clare is the founder of Fawcett West Midlands, a long standing director of Women of Wolverhampton, Founder and Chair of the Homeless Period – Wolverhampton, and was Chair of Wolverhampton Women’s Business Forum for a number of years.

In 2018, Clare applied for and was granted the licence for TEDxWolverhampton, with the aim of putting Wolverhampton on the map. As event Curator, Clare is responsible for bringing TEDxWolverhampton to life and ensuring attendees have a fantastic experience.

@cecroberts

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Zoe Mason is a dynamic force within the TEDx Wolverhampton team, having been an integral part of its journey since its inception. With a fervent dedication to bringing TEDx to the heart of the community, Zoe has voluntarily worked with the TEDx Wolverhampton team to elevate the platform and make it a cornerstone of Wolverhampton’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

A local social historian by trade, Zoe brings a unique blend of academic rigor and community spirit to the table. Graduating from Wolverhampton University with a degree in History, and later completing a Master’s in Data Science, Zoe has always been driven by a passion for uncovering narratives and giving voice to the unheard.

Beyond academia, Zoe proudly serves as the Student Recruitment Manager at the University of Wolverhampton, where she champions the transformative power of higher education. With an unwavering belief in the life-changing benefits of pursuing one’s passions, Zoe encourages others to find their place in the world and make their mark.

As a proud Wulfrunian, Zoe is deeply rooted in her hometown and is a fervent advocate for its diverse voices and narratives. Whether it’s delving into the annals of history or amplifying contemporary stories, Zoe is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every story is told.

In her capacity as the Production Director for TEDx Wolverhampton, Zoe amalgamates her expertise in history, data science, and community engagement to orchestrate enriching experiences that ignite conversations and catalyse change. Her dedication also contributes to the ongoing legacy of TEDx Wolverhampton, ensuring its position as a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment within the community.

PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR

Anju is a passionate leader, mother, guest podcaster, school governor, guest lecturer at university, coach and mentor, and public sector worker who works in environmental health, health and wellbeing, and engagement and communications. One of Anju’s core values is growth for herself and those around her. So volunteering for TEDxWolverhampton is aligned to her passions, ensuring the event is enlightening, informative, and provides an opportunity to network with great minds in our wonderful city!

PR & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

After stepping onto the TEDx Wolverhampton stage as a speaker in 2024, Emma Rushton is now behind the scenes as the PR & Communications Director, helping to shape and share the stories that make TEDx so powerful. An award-winning former journalist, Emma spent years reporting for the BBC and commercial radio, covering major global events including the War in Ukraine, the Cost of Living Crisis, and the pandemic.

She has interviewed politicians, celebrities, and changemakers, and one of her biggest achievements was travelling to Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon to create a documentary highlighting the impact of education for displaced children.Her passion for storytelling and working with charitable organisations led her to found Roseleigh Media, a PR and social media company specialising in charity communications.

Now, as PR & Communications Director for TEDx Wolverhampton, Emma is excited to amplify the voices of inspiring speakers and thought leaders, bringing bold ideas to the stage.

EVENT HOST

Dee Roberts-Molloy! Dee is originally from Birmingham, but has adopted Wolverhampton as her home. She is a highly skilled facilitator, speaker and leader. She is currently Head of People Solutions and has had a varying career in HR, Learning & Development, Talent Management and managing services supporting people through homelessness, domestic abuse, complex needs, mental health and addiction.

She advocates for better mental wealth and champions disabilities, as she is visually and hearing impaired.

She is passionate about people, inclusion and developing people to be the best they can be, by injecting passion and creativity in everything she does. She has an amazing ability to engage her audience, being creative and innovative whilst ensuring she motivates and encourages others along the way professional and personally as a coach and mentor.

She was one of the Top 10 International Diversity and Inclusion Champions to follow in 2024 and nominated for The Diversity Power List 2024.

EVENT HOST

Tonia Daley-Campbell is a creative freelancer who has been working in the creative industries for over 25 years. She is a writer/director, actor, compère and recent casting director for Heart Casting. She is the annual host for Tedx Wolverhampton, and hosted MAWA theatre companies, all black female Shakespearean monologue slam, at the Sam Wannamaker playhouse the Globe.

Tonia is the Audience Development consultant and chair of the Black African and Caribbean ambassadors for The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Tonia was nominated for a Black British Theatre award in 2022 for her pioneering work in theatre. She won Enter Stage Write Audience and Judges awards for her short play, Truth.

Tonia is an associate director for Gazebo Theatre and prides herself on highlighting hidden stories from history with a particular focus on black women. Tonia is an energetic whirlwind of creative energy; she creates open safe spaces for creatives to be inspired and thrive.