Theme: A Springboard for Thoughts

Join us at TEDx Cranfield University 2025 for a day of inspiring talks, ground-breaking ideas, and networking with brilliant minds!

Vincent Building
College Rd, Wharley End, Cranfield
Cranfield University
Bedforshire, Bedford, Mk43 0al
United Kingdom

Dominika Kalinowska

Therapist and Author

Dominika Kalinowska is a psychologist, hypnotherapist, wellbeing speaker, and EFT practitioner with years of experience in mental health. As founder of Relief Therapies, she helps individuals overcome anxiety, release emotional baggage, and process emotions worldwide. She is also the author of 365 Reflections Journal, available on Amazon. She leads workshops, speaks at events, and creates mental health content for her YouTube channel, with over 110,000 views. At Cranfield University, she manages nearly 100 student ambassadors, using psychology to enhance marketing and engagement. Her work earned her a nomination for the 2025 Anglia Ruskin Alumni Rising Star Award.

Dr Lydia Frumosu

Principal Systems Engineer

Dr. Lydia Frumosu is an engineer passionate about knowledge and exploration. Now a systems engineering manager and principal satcoms engineer, she began her career in biotechnology and has worked across sectors from manufacturing to medicine, marketing, and materials. A Cranfield University alumna with an MRes and PhD in Ultra-Precision Engineering, she also served as the CSA’s first student engagement coordinator. Known for her voluntary work, Lydia has supported homelessness charities, sustainable development, and first aid initiatives—and even organized the first TEDx Cranfield University.

Dr Vishal Youhanna

Space Exploration Scientist

Vishal Youhanna is an aerospace engineer designing aerial robots for extreme environments, from Mars’s thin skies to Earth’s most challenging terrains. He completed his PhD at Cranfield University, developing innovative aerial concepts for Martian exploration. Blending engineering and creativity, Vishal rethinks how we explore remote or inaccessible regions. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, he applies technology to real-world challenges in space and on Earth. He hopes to make space exploration more accessible and inspire the next generation of explorers and problem-solvers.

Isaac Marshall

Investment Manager

Isaac serves on the investment team of TLG Capital, a leading Africa-focused investment firm. He also serves on the Investment Committee of the firm’s $200m flagship fund series, the TLG Africa Growth Impact Fund. Isaac has more than a decade of investment management experience, beginning his career at Goldman Sachs in New York. Outside of investing, Isaac serves on the board of the Tahirih Justice Center, which provides legal defence for survivors of gender-based violence, and he cofounded Human.NYC, a homelessness research and advocacy organization. He holds a Bachelors of Science (Honors) in Finance from NYU Stern.

Mandy Legg

Photographer and Public Arts Councillor

Mandy Legg is a respected mental health speaker, author, and community leader who rebuilt her life after illness. Following time in a psychiatric ward, she embraced resilience and became a powerful advocate for mental health awareness. After recovery, Mandy held leadership roles in the arts and children’s services, served as Mayoress, and was hailed as her city's most prolific consort. Her art has been featured on ITV and BBC2, and she is known for impactful speaking, breaking stigma, and inspiring audiences across the UK.

Maria Yang

MBA Candidate

Maria, a former investment banker with 14 years of experience, was most recently VP & Portfolio Manager for Sustainable Investments at Credit Suisse (now UBS). A One Young World Ambassador since 2022, she is dedicated to driving impact in communities and organizations. Now pursuing an MBA at Cranfield University with support from the Cranfield Australian Alumni Scholarship, Maria challenges capitalism’s status quo to create a better future. Her TEDx talk explores how money, power, and human nature collide—and what it takes to build a system that truly serves people.

Martina Lastikova

Activist

Martina is a storyteller and community builder. With a Master’s in Peace and Development Work, she has worked across the NGO sector, creating spaces where people can collaborate, learn, and grow. With experience spanning UN agencies and grassroots initiatives, she specializes in building connections, amplifying impact, and curating spaces for collaboration. Passionate about social change, she uses storytelling, facilitation, and creativity to foster dialogue and build communities that inspire action and belonging.

Neil Marshall

Development Director

Neil is the Development Director, ChangeSchool. Neil specialises in innovation, education and entrepreneurship, and has run programmes in 30 different countries in those fields. Before co-founding ChangeSchool, he was a Management Consultant leading change in the Education Sector countrywide. Neil holds an MBA from Cranfield.

Oriona Robb

Style Consultant

Oriona Robb is a London-based Style Consultant and founder of Style Therapy, helping individuals reconnect with their true selves through fashion. With over 20 years of experience in luxury brands, she guides professionals and creatives in aligning style with identity, confidence, and goals. Blending fashion, psychology, and purpose, Oriona proves style is more than clothing—it’s a tool for self-expression and impact. Through her Luxury Style Academy, she also consults for luxury hotels, private aviation, and the yachting industry, elevating personal image and style standards.