Meet Assoc. Prof. Pedi Obani

An academic. A climate governance expert. A UKRI Future Leaders Fellow.

Dr. Pedi Obani is an Associate Professor at the University of Bradford, where she leads a multi-country research exploring Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GenCGov).

Her work asks an important question:

What happens when the people most affected by climate change are given a meaningful voice in shaping the solutions?

Through her research, Dr. Obani examines how inclusive climate governance can create more equitable and sustainable outcomes, particularly by empowering women and marginalised communities to play an active role in building climate resilience.

As a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, she champions interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation, bringing together researchers, communities and decision‑makers to address critical climate change challenges.

She was recently recognised as one of the 100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water and Sanitation Future, and was also featured by the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) among the 25 Women Who Inspire in 2025.

Pedi, trained through the Advance HE Aurora Programme in 2023, combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to gender equity and inclusive environmental and climate change decision‑making.

At TEDxWibsey 2026, she will bring her expertise and perspective to the stage, where she will speak on There Are No Vulnerable People - Only Vulnerable Systems. Her talk reframes vulnerability as a design flaw in systems, not in people. And because systems are built by people, she believes they can be rebuilt to protect rather than expose us.

Founder of Veritel | Engineer at Booking.com

The Most Important Password You Never Chose

 Dany Kattouf works at the invisible layer of global communications. He is the founder of Veritel, a telecoms platform serving 130,000+ users across more than 90 countries, and an engineer building revenue-critical systems at Booking.com. He previously worked at Meltwater and a YC-backed startup that later exited, and is joining Entrepreneur First. He has been building software since he was eleven.

Damilola Rebecca Alade popularly called Becca

I’m a Filmmaker, Creative Storyteller

* Production Manager

* Event Photographer/Videographer

I turn ideas, moments, and events into captivating visual stories and unforgettable experiences.

I am a product designer with over 4 years of experience building financial products that solves real life problems. Also, I love to engage in relevant conversations that spark critical thinking and problem solving which is why i've developed interest in TEDxWisbey. Being a volunteer for me doesn't just mean i get to be an attendee but it involves me getting to meet and collaborate with individuals from a diverse background and efficiently contribute ideas to the success of the event.

Akash Joshi is an international speaker and facilitator known for delivering clear, energising, and highly engaging sessions for audiences across Europe and Asia. He regularly hosts talks, workshops, and conversations that help people understand emerging ideas, navigate change, and feel confident exploring the future of technology and work.

With experience speaking at major events including Google I/O Extended, TypeScript Congress, and community conferences across the UK, Akash is recognised for his ability to connect with diverse audiences, build momentum in the room, and turn complex topics into accessible, practical insights.

His stage presence blends clarity, curiosity, and storytelling, creating experiences that leave people inspired and ready to learn more.

Hi I’m Ilsa, Filmmaker and events videographer/ photographer sharing stories and memories through visual arts!

Paul Abakada is a technology professional and software developer with a passion for using technology to solve real-world problems and create meaningful digital experiences. His work spans web and mobile development, product development, digital strategy, and technology consulting.

Beyond writing code, Paul is deeply interested in ideas, research, creativity, and the ways technology can shape how people connect, learn, and solve problems. He enjoys exploring new technologies and turning complex ideas into practical solutions.

As TEDxWibsey's Website & Media Strategist, Paul brings his expertise in responsive design, API integration, and performance optimisation to create seamless digital.

GbolaJesu Amusa is a Campaign Strategist and Cultural Storyteller who believes the most powerful stories are the ones people remember. She builds brands, stories, and campaigns that create meaningful connections, using photography, videography, and creative direction to celebrate culture and amplify community voices.

Dr. Osemeike Gloria Eyieyien is an accomplished Project and Transformation Leader, academic, researcher, mentor, and community leader with over 18 years of experience delivering complex, high-impact projects across Telecommunications, IT, Energy, Banking, Healthcare, Religious, and Public Sector environments.

She is recognised for her expertise in strategic leadership, project and programme management, stakeholder engagement, organisational transformation, collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes. Her academic and research work contributes to professional knowledge and practice, while her leadership career demonstrates a consistent commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability, and sustainable impact.

Dr. Eyieyien has obtained several professional project management certifications and academic degrees, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning, professional excellence, and the development of expertise across both academic and professional disciplines. She continually applies this knowledge to successfully lead complex initiatives, drive transformation, and deliver sustainable organisational value.

Beyond her corporate and academic achievements, Dr. Eyieyien is passionate about people development, family relationships, inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community development, She is the Founder of Black and Interracial Women in Bradford (BIWIB), an initiative dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, celebrating their contributions, fostering connections, and creating opportunities across diverse communities.

Through her community leadership, mentoring, counselling, and volunteer initiatives in Africa and the United Kingdom, she continues to contribute to stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities. She is also committed to empowering individuals and creating platforms where people can connect, learn, collaborate, and thrive.

Dr. Eyieyien has received several awards recognising her achievements in project leadership, transformation, community development, and social impact. Her leadership philosophy is centred on bringing people, ideas, and resources together to turn ambitious plans into meaningful and sustainable results.

Her work reflects a powerful combination of professional expertise, academic achievement, transformational leadership, and community impact.

Bukola Ogundipe, known as Peculiar Talker. Property, business and personal development are areas I’m incredibly passionate about. I love connecting with people, sharing knowledge and, most importantly, having honest conversations about how we can build wealth and create better opportunities for ourselves and the next generation.

I’m especially excited about this workshop because it’s not just about talking about property, it’s about making the knowledge practical. I’m looking forward to learning from everyone, hearing different perspectives and seeing the ideas and experiences each of you will be bringing to the event.

We also have some fantastic speakers joining us, and I’m excited for the conversations, the field trip, the networking and everything we’ll be able to take away from the two days.

If you’d like to connect or have a chat before the event, please feel free to message me. I’m always happy to have a conversation and get to know people beforehand.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon and making this a really valuable experience for everyone!

I’m Emmanuel, a Software Developer passionate about building impactful digital experiences. I’m also a mentor and educator who loves sharing knowledge, solving problems, and constantly learning. I’m driven by the desire to build, grow, and make a meaningful impact through technology.

MC / HOST | COMMUNITY BUILDER | PROJECT SPECIALIST
A project and community leader with years' of experience creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and make a difference. Now Head of Special Projects at the Malawi Leeds Association, Ngonie leads initiatives spanning local communities and international partnerships.

INSPIRING ACTION
Whether bringing people together, leading a project or standing behind a microphone, Ngonie is passionate about transforming ideas into action and helping communities move forward. A compassionate communicator and passionate advocate for inclusion, she creates spaces where diverse perspectives can be shared, celebrated and valued.

Every voice matters. Every idea has potential. Every connection has the potential to create change.

Noel Watkins is a professional storyteller and biodanza facilitator who is passionate in bringing out the best in everyone using music, movement and group dynamics. He'll regale you with a tale and get you dancing the day and night away. He's determined to find a way of honouring our children and young people by creating an education system in which everyone can thrive.

Tobi is a multidisciplinary creative strategist and experience curator with expertise in planning and operations, corporate brand identity, and brand activations. Working across corporate, cultural, and community spaces, Tobi designs and delivers experiences that are strategically grounded and creatively executed. Through storytelling, spoken word, and participatory arts, Tobi creates meaningful experiences that strengthen brands, foster authentic connection, improve wellbeing, and inspire dialogue.

Alex Ranahan is a presenter and host fascinated by people, how we live, and the unusual things we get completely absorbed in. Warm, curious and quick-thinking, he loves creating conversations that feel natural and genuinely human - helping people relax, open up and share what matters to them. Across hundreds of live, virtual and hybrid events, Alex has developed a presenting style that is playful, thoughtful and always focused on the people in front of him.

Mayowa Agyo (LadyMay) is a Public Health Analyst, Public Speaker, Certified Mental Health First Aider, and youth development advocate with over 15 years of experience empowering children, teenagers, and young adults. She is passionate about helping young people thrive by embracing holistic well-being—nurturing their spiritual, mental, physical, social, and financial health. Over the years, she has facilitated mentorship and wellbeing sessions for hundreds of young people, equipping them with practical tools for purposeful living , emotional resilience, self-awareness, and goal setting, while also supporting youth-led initiatives focused on personal development.

As the founder of Revive Tribe, which includes Revive Ladies Club and Revive Girls Club, Mayowa has built a community dedicated to the growth and empowerment of young women. Through structured programs, interactive workshops, prayer and reflection sessions, and safe spaces for open dialogue, she has directly engaged girls and young women in experiences that strengthen self-esteem, improve communication skills, and encourage positive life choices.

Through all her work, Mayowa champions the belief that transforming lives begins with transforming minds. Her mission is to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, resilience, and confidence, creating lasting impact within their communities and beyond.

Martin Scott is a Bradford‑based musician, educator, and filmmaker whose work celebrates the power of unheard voices. As a Black British African Caribbean teacher for over 24 years, his heart’s work has always centred on nurturing social and emotional growth through creativity and connection.

With a career rooted in community and artistic expression, Martin blends music, storytelling, and film to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change. His performances weave rhythm, narrative, and emotion into experiences that connect people across cultures and generations.

His play, Ezekiel: The Haunting of Freedom’s Song, pays tribute to resilience and progress, giving breath to his greatest hope: helping every unheard voice find its strength. Whether on stage, in classrooms, or behind the camera, Martin continues to champion authenticity, empathy, and the transformative power of art.

Abdullah Abu-Hassan is an AI engineer at Microsoft focused on implementing AI solutions for some of the largest UK clients.

He’s a passionate teacher and public speaker, with particular emphasis on the effects of AI on critical thinking and future generation. Whilst a technology optimist, he maintains a pragmatic outlook on life and is often not afraid to say things as they are.

Abdullah was born and raised in Jordan before moving to the UK in 2022 to pursue his career in AI.

Samuel Ogundapo, widely known as Dayo Sax is a UK based saxophonist

Based in the United Kingdom and shaped by his Nigerian roots, Dayo sax approaches music as a living and responsive tool. One that can hold attention, calm agitation, and create moments of connection for children, particularly those with special needs. His practice is not framed by spectacle but by intention. Whether through a saxophone phrase, a piano progression, or a carefully curated soundscape, his work reflects a deep understanding that music does not need permission to reach the body. It simply arrives, settles, and does its work.

What emerges from this is not just artistry, but a form of creative health practice.

Oriyomi Badmus is a DevOps engineer working at the intersection of cloud infrastructure, security and automation. He builds the secure, scalable platforms that modern software depends on, and is passionate about giving back through mentorship and volunteering his skills with national and international non-profit engineering communities.

CISA-certified Governance, Risk and Compliance professional with experience in AML/KYC, risk assessment, data protection and internal controls. He is currently developing SmartSavers Compliance AI, a RegTech solution aimed at simplifying compliance reviews and regulatory decision-making.

Mental Health Practitioner & Social Impact Leader
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Passionate about emotional wellbeing and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Funmilola brings experience in mental health support, therapeutic practice, and person-centred care, with a particular commitment to supporting women and families.

SOCIAL IMPACT LEADER

Founder of Impact Women Network CIC, Funmilola champions the empowerment, inclusion, and advancement of women, particularly those from immigrant and diverse communities. Through community programmes, advocacy, career development, entrepreneurship, cultural initiatives, and wellbeing support, she creates opportunities for women and families to thrive.

“Empowering minds, uplifting women, transforming communities.

Raphael Oluwasanmi is a Tech Nation–endorsed Product Leader, a T‑shaped professional with over 20 years of experience in tech, HP Life Ambassador, serial entrepreneur, and award‑winning Product Manager. He has taught as a lecturer at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology and as a Udemy instructor. Also he has contributed to the development, deployment and management of world‑class products across Africa, Europe, and America. Raphael is currently the CEO of Letber, the convener of Storyducation, and the organiser of TEDxWibsey.

Gav Cross is a storyteller who gets away with shouting at families and grown-ups for a living. Often found lurking around the worst corners of a ghost story, nursery rhyme, or fairy tale, Gav assures you that the tears of his audience are usually from laughter and not terror.

Iyanu Soyemi is a marketing professional; Founder & Chief Strategy Partner of Marvis Mark Ltd, a brand and business growth consultancy; and creator of Recovri, a men’s emotional fitness platform. Author of Becoming the New Man, he believes real transformation in business and in life comes from discipline and intentional systems not just luck. At TEDx Wibsey, Iyanu is leading Sales and Community Engagement by bring bold ideas and the right people together on stage.