Building bridges mightn’t be something most people would be likely to associate with Stormont right now. Given that both Northern Ireland’s two largest parties are led by women, considering the wider political context of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union and concerns over what it might mean for our peace process and the Irish border, next week’s TEDxStormont Women event (Thursday 2 November) at Parliament Buildings is pretty timely.

It’ll be one of many TEDx events taking place around the globe that will expand on the ideas brought up at TEDWomen. Under the theme of “Bridges”, speakers will share ideas from art and literature, business, technology and design, as well as relationships, personal stories and perspectives that offer bridges across race, background, belief, opinion and other differences that divide. You’ll find the list of speakers below.*

Why bridges? Quite simply, says organiser Eva Grosman, “it addresses the ways in which we build bridges, traverse them, and sometimes even burn them, for better or worse.”

Eva is CEO at the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, and has been organising and curating TEDx events since 2013. At Northern Slant we were excited to speak to Eva, to find out more about TEDxStormont Women and to hear her thoughts on the current political situation.

Eva Grosman has been organising and curating TEDx events since 2013.

First, I wanted to know what Eva has learned from organising TEDx events here. Apart from the many practical skills, of course, Eva said, “I never cease to be amazed by the ripple effect which our event creates. I wish I was able to capture the numerous stories of how people’s lives have been transformed by ideas, connections and new contacts made at TEDxStormont events.

“I’m also immensely proud that our event provides an opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland internationally. Just recently, I have attended two TEDx meet-ups in London and Krakow and visited TED Head Quarters in New York and learnt that TEDxStormont is often showcased as an example of good practice for other events across the globe.”

As 2 November approaches, so too does a certain anniversary: it’s almost twelve months since the DUP-Sinn Féin Executive collapsed. Despite this backdrop, Eva said the event itself “is about ideas and about thinking and talking, reflection and dialogue; the absence of political institutions makes reflection and dialogue even more important and relevant.”

Is Eva hopeful of a deal at Stormont? Whether or not there is a deal, she said, the governance of Northern Ireland and representation of Northern Ireland during the Brexit negations is critical. She continued, “I’m deeply committed through the work of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building and many of our initiatives, including EU Debate NI and indeed TEDxStormont to do whatever possible to bring a positive outcome for the people of Northern Ireland.”

At Northern Slant we’re looking forward to what looks set to be another great event; we’ll be sure to share knowledge and lessons learned. Until then, more information about TEDxStormont Women is available at: www.tedxstormont.com and on Twitter @TEDxStormont.

Who’s speaking?

Tina McKenzie: Award-winning business leader, having worked across Europe over the last 20 years to connect people with the right skills with the right jobs.

The Women in Business Choir: The WIB choir is led by choirmaster Katie Richardson.

Goldie Fawn: Goldie Fawn is the musical project of musician, MD, facilitator and activist, Katie Richardson

Maxine Mawhinney: Award-winning international journalist and broadcaster.

Elizabeth Flilippouli: Serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Global Thinkers Forum.

Ana Matronic: Artist, musician, author, DJ, radio and television presenter, and public speaker.

Jayne Gallagher: People manager, networker and Chartered Marketer.

Lyra McKee: Freelance journalist. Publications include Buzzfeed, The Atlantic, Private Eye.

Rosemary Jenkinson: Writer, artist-in-residence at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.

Vanessa Woolf: Specialises in stories for adults in urban environments.

June Burgess: Property developer, leadership coach and international equestrian.

Naomh McElhatton: Director of Digital Education at SMART NI and House of Comms (UAE).

Clare Mulley: Award-winning author, historian of women and war.