Our team throughout the years
- 2025
- 2023 x Industria
- 2022
head:
Shees Khalid
Volunteer communicator blending tech, leadership, and strategy. Curious problem-solver who thrives in collaboration. TEDx fuels my growth as a leader and inspires me to share ideas that spark change.
head of communications: Ana Margarida de Almeida
I’m a Master’s student in International Politics, passionate about human rights and social justice. I believe TEDx is a powerful platform to amplify meaningful voices and spark positive change.
Head of Design:
Vika MEŠKAUSKAITĖ
I’m part of the TEDx curation team, helping speakers master their ideas. Studying abroad deepened my passion for cross-cultural communication and exchanging perspectives. I believe a well-told idea can spark real change.
Head of MEDIA PRODUCTION:
Kristian Buriasco
Passionate about photography and IT, backed by international Erasmus+ experience. Active volunteer involved in community initiatives and large-scale events.
Head of Operations:
Teresa Raposo
I hold degrees in Philosophy and C. Writing which have shown me how valuable communicating and sharing ideas is. Through TEDx I hope to be a facilitator of people full of ideas and people eager to learn from them.
HEAD OF FINANCE:
GisÈle Ingabire
Motivated Applied Economics student with a strong passion for finance. I love bringing ideas to life, collaborating with people, and creating positive impact. Driven, curious, and always learning with a smile.
HEAD OF Partnerships: Nicolas Olieslagers
When I was younger, TEDx talks on YouTube inspired me in countless ways. As someone who loves collaborating with international students, helping to organize this event feels very fulfilling
Communications TEAM:
Ana Crespo GuillÉn
Managing TEDx social media, I craft genuine content that brings ideas to life. Driven by curiosity, I aim to inspire, spark conversations, and build community through meaningful storytelling.
Curation Team:
Adaeze Okenwa
A lover of books, especially those that encourage self-reflection and growth. Through TEDx, I help create a community where ideas can inspire others and positively shape their lives.
Curation Team:
Agnieszka Kuszaj
I’m part of the TEDx curation team, helping speakers master their ideas. Studying abroad deepened my passion for cross-cultural communication and exchanging perspectives. I believe a well-told idea can spark real change.
Curation Team:
Irina Lazar
Lover of people, the cosmos, and all things STEM. As a Computer Science student, I can’t wait to see what the future of technology holds. I believe in the power of words and want to give the stage to the next generation of revolutionaries.
Operations team:
Ahmed Salheen
As an ICT student, I am driven by a passion for the evolution of technology and all fields that push humanity forward. I joined TEDx because it delivers the ideas required for this evolution.
Operations & Media Production team:
Rizwanul Sakib
At TEDxKU Leuven I support both Operations and Media Production. I am responsible for ensuring smooth logistics and help shape the visual storytelling behind the event. I enjoy to create meaningful experiences.
Partnership & Licence Manager:
Pari Bossuyt
I’m drawn to the alchemy of thought and action. My background in Business and Philosophy taught me reason and imagination are allies. Having lived in New Delhi, Dubai, and Brussels, I see culture as connection. TEDx is the stage where these ideas breathe and drive real change.
Web & Design Specialist: Sophie Malon
A creative digital media professional drawn to the variety of communications work. Eager to support TEDx.
Julius Schelstraete,
Licensee & Curator
Student industrial- & organisational psychology
I’m a positive thinker, always trying to make the best of a bad situation. I love thinking and talking about complex and deep topics and I’m convinced that our ideas become truly great through others. Start a conversation with me about psychology or philosophy over some Belgian beers and I’m hooked!
Gilles Nivelles,
Head of Communications & Head of Speaker Coaches
Student Master in Communication Sciences
Communication sciences student with a professional bachelor in Marketing and Data. TEDx gives voices to a lot of topics that are not enough talked about and to share knowledge. I want to contribute to this event and leave a small mark in future generations.
Ines Thiers,
Executive Director
PhD researcher at the MiCA lab (KU Leuven)
I am a first year PhD student at the KU Leuven, specialising in salmonella infections. I don’t only investigate new concepts for my own research, i also love to explore innovative ideas and learn about the world in my daily life. That’s why I started listening to TED talks and how I ended up in TEDxKULeuven. In my spare time I travel as much as possible and dance and go running to clear my mind.
Alexandre Karetzopoulos
Operations Director
Student Electromechanical Engineering
After my MSc in Business Engineering I decided to go ahead and continue with a MSc in Electromechanical Engineering. Passionate about innovation and technology I decided to join TEDxKULeuven because I think ideas are worth spreading !
Defne Kincir,
Partnerships Director
Student MA in Social & Cultural Anthropology
Soon-to-be anthropologist, experienced in international communications, marketing, and project design. I love volunteering, my plants, and the sun. You can probably find me at the library or no farther than a kilometer from the faculty of social sciences!
Camilla Brambilla Pisoni,
Speaker Director
Creative Copywriter & Content Creator | Freelance Translator
Creative Copywriter & Content Creator and occasional Freelance Translator. Passionate about languages (friends call me a language nerd), world literature, and writing, I graduated in 2020 with a MA in Western Literature at KU Leuven. Additional secret obsession: yoga and baking.
As a future Astrochemist, sports enthusiast, project manager, and former TEDx licensee and organizer, I joined TEDxKULeuven during my Chemistry master’s. TED talks and the community deeply inspired me, fueling my passion for sharing ideas, learning, and engaging with diverse perspectives.
Matilda De Meurechy,
Speaker Coach
Student MA in Law
Law student specialising in economic and private law and passionate art lover. The concept of creativity/creation has always intrigued me. TEDx is a space where creativity and sharing ideas is central. Being a part of TEDx is a great way to gain more experience in public speaking by helping another as a speaker coach.
Master of Business Administration – MBA, International and Sustainable Finance
Proud Latina women, in love of customer service, music, creativity, nature and human behavior. Always thinking how to be a better human and help others to improve their ideas, that’s what TEDx is about and I want to be part of it. Let’s have a talk!
Julius Schelstraete,
Licensee & Curator
Student industrial- & organisational psychology
I’m a positive thinker, always trying to make the best of a bad situation. I love thinking and talking about complex and deep topics and I’m convinced that our ideas become truly great through others. Start a conversation with me about psychology or philosophy over some Belgian beers and I’m hooked!
Jean van Tieghem,
Legal & HR Officer
Student MA in Law
Law student specialising in private and economic law. TED talks have always been a source, not only of information, but also of inspiration for me. I strongly believe everyone should have access to qualitative educational content, which is why I joined TEDx. I love sports, whether on a ski slope or on a tennis court.
Ines Thiers,
Executive Director
PhD researcher at the MiCA lab (KU Leuven)
I am a first year PhD student at the KU Leuven, specialising in salmonella infections. I don’t only investigate new concepts for my own research, i also love to explore innovative ideas and learn about the world in my daily life. That’s why I started listening to TED talks and how I ended up in TEDxKULeuven. In my spare time I travel as much as possible and dance and go running to clear my mind.
Alexandre Karetzopoulos
Operations Director
Student Electromechanical Engineering
After my MSc in Business Engineering I decided to go ahead and continue with a MSc in Electromechanical Engineering. Passionate about innovation and technology I decided to join TEDxKULeuven because I think ideas are worth spreading !
Defne Kincir,
Partnerships Director
Student MA in Social & Cultural Anthropology
Soon-to-be anthropologist, experienced in international communications, marketing, and project design. I love volunteering, my plants, and the sun. You can probably find me at the library or no farther than a kilometer from the faculty of social sciences!
Camilla Brambilla Pisoni,
Speaker Director
Creative Copywriter & Content Creator | Freelance Translator
Creative Copywriter & Content Creator and occasional Freelance Translator. Passionate about languages (friends call me a language nerd), world literature, and writing, I graduated in 2020 with a MA in Western Literature at KU Leuven. Additional secret obsession: yoga and baking.
I am an international student at the campus in Brussels, with a passion for education and lifelong learning. Communication is often the key to any closed door, that’s why I love to chat and meet new people. In my free time you find me either on the bike, in the pool or running around somewhere.
Matilda De Meurechy, Speaker Coach
Student MA in Law
Law student specialising in economic and private law and passionate art lover. The concept of creativity/creation has always intrigued me. TEDx is a space where creativity and sharing ideas is central. Being a part of TEDx is a great way to gain more experience in public speaking by helping another as a speaker coach.
Baptist Devos, Production Director
Student in Psychology
I love deep, meaningful conversations, which is why I’m a huge podcast fan. Like the rest of the team, I’m eager to build an engaging weekly show. When I’m not listening to podcasts, I’m cycling through the cobbled hills of my Flemish Ardennes or playing squash to unwind.
Student Graphic & Interaction motion design
Passionate about creating images since I was a kid. This ranges from photography, to creating posters and moving images. I just love to visualise people’s ideas and bring them to life, it’s like explaining things without needing words.
Naman Agarwal, Finance Director
Student BSc in Business Administration
Naman Agarwal is a finance major at KU Leuven, active in student communities and sustainability initiatives. For him, TEDx is a space where diverse voices share ideas and experiences. He currently manages finances at TEDxKULeuven .
Maarten Van Malcot , Podcast Host
Multimedia professional
I am a multimedia professional with expertise in communication projects and experience in television and editorial work. I am passionate about sculpting stories into an inspiring video. I’ll be overseeing the video and production of the event – from managing audio and video needs, photography, camera operators and the livestream.
Stefanie Van Moen is founder and speaker coach at Vox Consult. Passionate about voice and communication and slightly addicted to TED talks… I love to help speakers stretch their comfort zones to unleash the best speaker in them. Proud of my 2nd book-baby: ‘ Spreken met impact‘ published by Lannoo in 2020.
Dr. Syed Ali Shirazi, Speaker Coach
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Syed Ali Shirazi holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from KU Leuven. He is a peace researcher, activist, and co-founder of PhD Society Leuven and PEARL VZW. At Bozar, he promotes interfaith harmony through annual Sufi music nights. He speaks internationally on religion, peace, and diversity, including at the European Parliament .