Meet Our Speakers

We proudly introduce the speakers of our TEDxLausanneWomen Event 2024.

Tess Holliday

Super Model, Body Positivity & Inclusivity Pioneer, Founder #EffYourBeautyStandards

Tess Holliday is one of the world’s most famous plus-size models and a pioneer in the body positivity movement. She made history with her groundbreaking Cosmo UK cover, which won Cover of the Year, and has graced the pages of Vogue Italia, Time, Nylon, People, and Self. As the founder of the viral #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, Tess has inspired millions to embrace self-love at every size while challenging traditional beauty standards.

Beyond modeling, Tess is an author, global inclusivity consultant for brands like H&M and Pinterest, and a keynote speaker. She penned The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl and was a keynote speaker at the United Nations’ inaugural World Eating Disorders Action Day. She’s been recognized with the Global Changemaker award by the National Alliance of Eating Disorders and the Inspire Award by Project Heal for her activism.

Tess’s mission is to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and the opportunity to pursue their dreams, continuing her work as a champion of inclusivity and self-acceptance.

Maya Gabeira

World Record Holder in Big Wave Surf, UNESCO Champion for Ocean and Youth

Maya Gabeira is a groundbreaking Brazilian big wave surfer, renowned for her remarkable achievements and relentless spirit in conquering the world’s most epic waves. She not only won the Guiness World Record in 2018 but she created the category itself by riding a 68-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal—the largest wave ever surfed by a woman. She then broke her own record in 2020 by riding a 73.5-foot wave at the same location—the biggest wave surfed by anyone that year. An ESPY Award winner and 7-time Big Wave Award champion, Maya is regarded as one of the most influential female surfers of all time.

Her journey is defined by resilience and the courage to face her fears head-on. After a life-threatening wipeout at Nazaré in 2013, Maya returned to the waves, confronting trials that demanded both physical strength and mental resolve. Her commitment to facing her fears is a central theme in her recent documentary, Maya and the Wave, which showcases her determination to embrace the unknown.

Beyond her remarkable accomplishments, Maya is a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. As a UNESCO Champion for Ocean and Youth, she raises awareness about environmental issues and inspires the next generation to protect marine ecosystems. She also authored 2 Children book. Maya and the Beast which tells her life story and Maya Makes Waves, emphasizing ocean protection. Through her groundbreaking feats and unwavering commitment to the ocean, Maya Gabeira continues to challenge stereotypes and empower individuals worldwide to embrace courage and the transformative power of facing their fears in pursuit of their dreams.

Dr. Naomi Potter

Hormone Doctor, Menopause Revolutionary, Best Selling Author of “Menopausing”

Dr. Naomi Potter is a pioneering hormone specialist, acclaimed menopause expert, and one of the foremost advocates for women’s health today. As an accredited specialist with the British Menopause Society, Dr. Potter has redefined how we approach menopause care, empowering women with cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions. With over 20 years of experience, her career is a testament to innovation, compassion, and advocacy.


Dr. Potter co-authored the groundbreaking bestseller Menopausing with TV personality Davina McCall, a book that revolutionized the conversation around menopause. In 2023, Menopausing took home not one but two prestigious British Book Awards, winning both Overall Book of the Year and Lifestyle Book of the Year. This milestone reflects her deep impact not just in medicine, but also in reshaping societal narratives on menopause.


As the founder of Menopause Care Ltd, Dr. Potter leads a clinic offering personalised menopause management across the UK, setting a new standard in hormone therapy and holistic care. Featured in The Times, The Guardian, and British Vogue, she is a tireless advocate for accessible, stigma-free menopause treatment.


In collaboration with many companies, Dr. Potter integrates menopause education into corporate wellness programs, ensuring workplaces become more supportive environments for women. Her public appearances and social media advocacy have created a thriving online community, where she provides women with support and the tools to navigate this transformative phase of life.

BC Serna

Purpose Mentor, Conscious Masculinity Coach

BC Serna is a dynamic purpose-driven leader and community builder whose decade-long journey across over 80 countries has fueled his passion to inspire transformative change in individuals and communities. For over 15 years, he has helped teens and adults heal trauma, reclaim their authenticity, and discover their purpose. He founded the Love Tribe movement, a global community dedicated to emotional healing and authentic connection.

A key part of BC's vision is reframing masculinity, guided by the belief that "Heal the boy, and the man will appear." He encourages men to embrace vulnerability and redefine strength through emotional openness, challenging conventional ideas of toughness and stoicism. With a deep commitment to youth development, BC has established various programs designed to inspire hope and leadership in young people, empowering them to engage actively in their communities and serve others.

BC also hosts the podcast Pursuing Purpose, where he explores life and conversations that transcend personal goals and dreams, moving toward something bigger and more beautiful.

Having spent years creating the culture he couldn’t initially find—through community, content, events, and mentorship—he feels he's just beginning his story, inspiring others to build inclusive, loving communities where healing and intentionality are at the heart of leadership and personal growth.

Sarah Atcho

Swiss Olympian, Mental & Physical Health Advocate

Sarah Atcho is a  3x olympic champion as a Swiss sprinter and local heroine whose career reflects not only her athletic prowess but also her commitment to mental and physical health advocacy. As a world-class athlete, she has represented Switzerland on the global stage, most recently competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sarah’s athletic journey began in her teenage years when she joined an athletics club, quickly excelling in sprint events. Since then, she has participated in major competitions, including the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Sarah is passionate about using her platform to empower women through sports. She actively promotes mental resilience and overcoming challenges, believing that physical and mental well-being are crucial for success both on and off the track. Her story of persistence, especially following a significant knee injury in 2020, showcases her dedication to reclaiming her narrative and inspiring others to do the same​.

In 2019, she was part of the Swiss 4x100m relay team that earned the Team of the Year award at the Swiss Sports Awards, a testament to her excellence in teamwork and leadership.

Throughout her career, she has pushed international organizations to support grassroots women’s sports movements and has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for female athletes​.

Kathryn Topp

AI Entrepreneur, Tech Innovator, Futurist

Kathryn Topp is an influential force in the world of artificial intelligence and insights. Twice honored as one of the 250 most influential leaders in market insights, Kathryn is a transformative figure whose visionary leadership is revolutionizing the industry. 

As the CEO and founder of Yabble, Kathryn has spearheaded the creation of the world's leading generative AI platform for insight generation, which has been recognized both as one of the 25 most innovative platforms globally and one of the top 50 most innovative insights businesses in the world.

Kathryn began ideating, creating and launching generative AI products before the world even knew ChatGPT existed. One of her most groundbreaking contributions is the development of the insights industry's first commercially viable synthetic audiences’ product. This innovation has fundamentally reframed the way brands answer questions, collect, process, and analyze data. This, in turn, impacts the narrative on almost every aspect of life – what we see, do, buy, think, believe.

Kathryn is a passionate advocate for women in business. She actively mentors numerous female-led startups, empowering women to utilize their unique viewpoints and storytelling abilities to navigate the intricacies of the modern world with empathy and respect. As a global speaker and thought leader in AI for insights, Kathryn inspires countless individuals by advocating for innovative and inclusive approaches to technology and business.

In a world in which only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders, Kathryn has charted a pathway forward to exceptional achievement. Don’t miss the chance to hear Kathryn Topp at this year’s TEDxLausanneWomen.

Kelly Shawn Joseph

Gender Based Violence Activist, Women’s Rights Champion

Kelly Shawn Joseph is committed to ending violence against all women and girls. Throughout her career, she has worked across the public and private sectors in 30 countries, co-leading program development, implementation, evaluations, and research across Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and in parts of Central, Southern, East, and West Africa as well as the United States.

Kelly has worked extensively on the technical and social aspects of addressing violence against women and girls within various international organizations and UN agencies. She has also conducted feminist-grounded research and facilitated local partnership building aimed at strengthening and increasing women and girls’ access to survivor-centered services in humanitarian and development settings, while mobilizing resources to support and strengthen women’s rights movements. 

She prides herself on pushing more international organizations to work in true partnership with grassroots women’s rights activists and organizations from global majority countries to ensure their voices are heard and listened to within the halls of power.

Kelly holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Ay Wing

Acclaimed Singer, Songwriter, Producer

Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and producer Ay Wing captivates audiences with her dynamic R&B sound, seamlessly blending introspective lyrics that explore femininity, healing, and self-reflection with infectious, beat-driven rhythms. Her distinct style has garnered international acclaim, collaborating with notable artists such as Nappy Nina, Patrick Paige (The Internet), Chuuwee, and Mark Battles. In 2022, Ay Wing was honoured as Best Talent by SRF3, recognizing her exceptional talent and impact in the music scene.

Her hit single “Orange Dreamer” has amassed over 8 million streams and more than 100,000 downloads, landing on prestigious Spotify playlists including Mellow Bars, Fresh Finds, and the official Adidas playlist Adidas for Creating at Home.

Having toured extensively across Europe and the USA, Ay Wing has opened for acclaimed acts like Selah Sue, LP, and Sofi Tukker. Her music continues to resonate with listeners globally, showcasing her ability to weave emotional depth into captivating soundscapes.

Mélanie Freymond

Acclaimed Journalist, Host, Actor

Mélanie Freymond is a dynamic force committed to empowering women to make a powerful impact, whether in the boardroom or on stage. An acclaimed Swiss journalist, television and radio presenter, and actor, Mélanie combines her extensive media experience with a deep passion for communication. With a master’s degree in sociology of communication and journalism, she has built an illustrious career across leading Swiss media outlets, including RTS, Rouge FM, LFM, and Radio Lac.

As a seasoned event host, Mélanie has graced major platforms such as the Swiss Economic Forum, Watches and Wonders, and the Swiss Film Prize, bringing her poise and charisma to high-stakes environments. She also hosts notable Swiss television programs like The Swiss Voice Tour, Agriculture Durable, and Votre Argent, where her engaging presence and expert communication shine.

Beyond media, Mélanie is devoted to helping women discover their authentic voices, equipping them with the tools to communicate their worth with confidence. Her workshops empower participants to deliver compelling messages that influence key decisions, leaving a lasting impression. A versatile stage performer, she continues her acting career with performances across Europe, including a notable appearance at the 2022 Avignon International Theatre Festival.

Mélanie’s mission is clear: to inspire women to step into their power and make their voices heard in every arena.

Join the event

At TEDx Lausanne, we hold a steadfast belief: true change begins by focusing on our immediate sphere of influence. We understand that effective systemic change is not solely an individual responsibility but a collective endeavor.

Together, let's explore the power of collective action and ignite the sparks of transformation.