There often comes a time in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroads – the need to fundamentally change something about our lives. The path we set out on might not be what we expected, we might be unhappy and unfulfilled with our current situation, and sometimes we need to change our lives completely in service of the greater good.
We at university often find ourselves at a similar crossroads with the need to make a decision about our future: what job do we want? What kind of person do we want to be? What do we see for our future?
Whatever our personal situation, what we all have in common are moments of profound introspection, courage, and self-actualisation. At our TEDx Salon, Reinvention: Redefining Now, we feature these inspiring stories.
The speakers
Stacey Clare | Writer
Stacey Clare is a stripper, writer, and co-founder of the East London Strippers Collective (ELSC). The ELSC is a worker-led organisation which strives to empower sex workers through self-organisation, and to challenge social stigmas towards strip club work.
Stacey has spent over a decade in the sex work industry, and is a determined advocate for the recognition of stripping as legitimate work. Drawing upon her experience as a political activist, Stacey tirelessly campaigns for sex workers’ rights, and the improved regulation of the industry.
In 2015, Stacey gave a talk at TEDxCoventGardenWomen to speak out about the stereotyping and challenges faced by strippers and other sex workers, and the need to review legislation surrounding sex work.
Four years later, Stacey’s talk will revisit some of the key themes of her original talk perspective with fresh eyes, and discuss the need to reinvent portrayals of sex workers in the media.
Jade Leung | Head of Research
Dr. Jade Leung is the Head of Research and Partnerships with the Centre for the Governance of AI. She plays a central role in steering research, priorities and projects in GovAI.
Jade has also worked in social enterprise and government advisory, as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.
Jade will talk on how we need a more robust AI governance in the age of the fourth industrial revolution. She is interested in the governance of social technology and the relationship between the government and private firms and how they work together to produce general purpose technologies.
Matthew Carmona | Architect and Designer
Matthew Carmona is a registered architect and urban designer based in the U.K.. He has previously lectured at the University of Nottingham, where he completed his PhD on the topic of residential design guidance, and is now Professor of Planning and Urban Design at The Bartlett School of Planning at UCL.
Widely recognised for his research on the processes of design governance and the design and management of public spaces, he has been awarded the 2018 AESOP Prize for Best Published Paper and served as a Specialist Advisor to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Built Environment.
With a wealth of knowledge, Matthew will discuss the value of good urban design and new ways to think about place quality.
Shahin Sadafi | Entrepreneur
Shahin Sadafi is an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and founder of Grenfell United.
Having witnessed the devastation of war in his home country, Iran and his home in London, Grenfell, Shahin has selflessly dedicated himself to helping establish a voice for survivors of the Grenfell tragedy. His establishment of Grenfell United with his community has helped to address the long term needs of people affected, including campaigning for justice, access to housing and trauma support.
Shahin’s strong advocacy for the power of community and collaboration is unparalleled in his efforts to lead his community forward. As a powerful speaker and leader, Shahin has been able to use his experiences both in Iran, and in London to inspire people to develop resilience and motivation to achieve anything they set their mind to.