In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

BAU Conference Hall
No 1 Osmanlar Sokak, Mustafa Kemal Caddessi, Alaykoy
Lefkosa, Lefkosia, 99200
Cyprus

Chimezie Nwabueze

Emotional Intelligence coach

Chimezie Nwabueze is a certified Emotional Intelligence coach and trainer, a life coach, and a productivity coach with close to a decade experience working with groups and individuals to produce transformation and improved outcomes in their lives. He is the founder of The MAN Academy where he equips men for a purposeful life. Chimezie is the International Coordinator at EQ2Homes, a non-profit committed to empowering children and youth, especially in inner cities and underfunded schools with the life skills to help them thrive in life, leveraging Emotional Intelligence. ‎ ‎Chimezie holds a Masters degree in Management Information systems from Cyprus International University, often performing in diverse capacities across the fields of his work and responsibilities to help solve problems. He is also a Web Designer, helping his clients to find efficient ways to automate their business and build a digital marketplace for their brands.

Damla Fehmi Sertbay

Accountant

Throughout her years of study, she was awarded full educational scholarships due to her outstanding academic performance. She pursued higher education in the United Kingdom at Queen Mary, University of London, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with First Class Honours in 2008. Damla qualified as Chartered Accountant in England in 2012. She has successfully followed a path in a traditionally male-dominated profession. She returned to Cyprus and became a partner at Erdal & Co. Chartered Accountants. She holds the distinction of being the first and only female Chartered Accountant in the TRNC, delivering professional services in auditing, accounting, taxation & financial consultancy. A mother of two, Damla excels in balancing family life and successful career, demonstrating that both can coexist harmoniously. Known for her sharp analytical skills, collaborative thinking and personal touch, she provides expert audit and financial consultancy to major institutions in TRNC.

Esra Hatipoğlu

President BAU Global

Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu is the current Rector of Bahçeşehir University and an esteemed academic in Political Science, International Relations, and European Studies. A graduate of Kadıköy Anatolian High School, she earned her Bachelor's from Marmara University, completed Master’s degrees in Economics (Anadolu University) and European Studies (Marmara University), and specialized in Post-Soviet Studies at the London School of Economics. She holds a Ph.D. in European Studies from Marmara University. Prof. Hatipoğlu has represented Türkiye in international election observation missions in countries like Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova through the OSCE. She has coordinated numerous national and EU-supported academic projects and taught the Jean Monnet–funded course “EU Enlargement and Eurasia." Her work has earned her prestigious scholarships and awards, including the Jean Monnet Scholarship, UN Nippon Fellowship, and Marmara University Excellence Award.

Mary Ayuba

Student

Mary Damilola Ayuba (Nee Ogundimu), fondly called The Multiwoman, is a Mental Health Literacy Advocate, an Award-winning Speaker, Author and Trainer who specializes in using stories to reconstruct and correct everyday narratives and life experiences. She is passionate about women development and empowerment and this is evident in her works, volunteering and advocacy roles. She started her career as an intern in Access Bank where she worked for 6 years before transitioning fully into Digital operations. Simultaneously, during the same period, she volunteered as a radio co-host at Unilag FM for about 4 years where she had the opportunity to interact with top executives, presidential aspirants and successful entrepreneurs in various fields. Over the years, Mary has blossomed graciously in her areas of gifting, qualifying her as a polymath in her own right.

Mohammed Abdullah

Student

Muhammad Abdullah is a third-year software engineering student with a love for building things that probably shouldn’t work—but somehow do. From crafting mobile apps to porting DOOM to a PlayStation 3 “just for fun,” Abdullah thrives on pushing technical boundaries. His work straddles the line between innovation and mischief, reflecting a generation that grew up on cracked software and limitless curiosity. When he's not debugging, he’s deep-diving into subcultures where tech, creativity, and rule-breaking collide.

Vildan Esenyel

Lecturer

Asst. Prof. Dr. Vildan Esenyel is a leadership expert, business consultant, and faculty member at Bahçeşehir Cyprus University. She is the founding coordinator of GETI (Global Expertise Training Initiative), an initiative of BAU Cyprus that bridges academia and the business world through strategic training and consultancy. With over 25 years of practical experience in Turkey, North Cyprus, and the UK—including more than a decade in senior management roles—she brings real-world insight into everything she teaches and builds. She has published articles and book chapters on leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior. Passionate about empowering future leaders, she is dedicated to helping individuals and institutions grow with purpose, vision, and impact.

Zainab Subira Abdlrahman

Student

My name is Zainab Subira Abdlrahman, but most people call me Zeynuu. I’m a pharmacy student at BAU with a deep passion for learning and helping others. I enjoy reading novels in my free time—they take me to different worlds and give me a sense of peace. I consider myself a calm and introverted person, but I’m also curious and thoughtful. I love sharing the little knowledge I have, especially when it can help someone else understand something better. I’m committed to growing, both academically and personally, and I strive to be a kind and reliable person in everything I do.