DURHAM COLLEGE
DC alumni, speakers make TEDxOshawa a success

Durham College (DC) was well represented at the second annual TEDxOshawa event in May.

The co-founders and organizers of the event are both DC alumni. Faris Mahoon Siddiqui is a 2024 graduate of the Firefighter - Pre-Service Education and Training program, while Chad Andress recently completed the Electrical Engineering Technician program.

Together, they've created a stage for the changemakers of Durham Region to share their expertise. This year, that group included four members of the DC community.

"I'm DC proud," said Siddiqui. "I love Durham College, and I wanted to give back to the school."

Three of our DC faculty members - Corey Gill, Arjun Kashetty and Stan Zalewski - as well as Director of Corporate Training Services Robin Young, happily accepted the invitation and presented to the sold-out crowd at the event.

Siddiqui, who now works in industrial safety and rescue, sees the event as more than just a showcase it's a platform for forward-thinking, practical dialogue on a multitude of important subjects.

"We've never had something like this in Oshawa that happens year over year," he said. "It's really good sharing these ideas with the community. I think we're here to stay."

Read on for more about the four DC speakers who entertained and informed the crowd at TEDxOshawa.

• Corey Gill - "AI: Your Unexpected Child"

  Students in DC's Human Resources programs are well acquainted with Faculty Member and Program Coordinator Corey Gill.

  "My focus is on equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application skills that are essential for their future careers in HR and business," he said.

  His presentation at TEDx was all about artificial intelligence (AI); its profound impact and the importance of guiding its development intentionally.

  "AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and we must shape its evolution to reflect ethical values, diversity, and fairness. By engaging with AI thoughtfully, we can ensure it becomes a force for positive change rather than perpetuating biases and misinformation."

• Arjun Kashetty - "The Power of Supply Chain and Buying Local"

  DC's Supply Chain students benefit from Arjun Kashetty's expertise in the important field, having held key roles at large retailers like Walmart, Sobeys and Home Depot. At TEDx, he leveraged that experience to explain the importance of buying local and how it impacts the supply chain industry.

  "Buying local will make our supply chains stronger and resilient," he explained.

  "I want to educate and empower the next generation to build massive supply chain infrastructures."

• Robin Young - "The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Why Kindness is an Essential Leadership Competency"

  As DC's Director of Corporate Training Services, Robin Young helps people and organizations boost performance and integrate change through workforce development.

  At TEDx, his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments.

  "I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting change in workplaces and communities."

• Stan Zalewski - "From Tent Cities to Thriving Communities: Rethinking Urban Housing"

  As Program Coordinator of Architectural Technology at DC, Stan Zalewski has inspired students to address important issues like sustainable building and the housing crisis. At TEDx, he spoke to these issues as they relate to Durham Region, as well as the rest of Canada

  "I described initiatives in various countries including Canada, Finland, and Austria, showing successes and setbacks in the fight against homelessness," he said.

  "Homelessness is a structural ill of society and making housing available to all is possible. The means are available if we want to apply them."

This year's presentations will soon be available for viewing on the TEDxOshawa website, and plans for next year's event are already underway.