Veda is now Head of Strategy at D&A, an independent ad agency. During her career, Veda has developed campaigns for American Express, Porsche, Coca Cola, Puma, Hennessy and Cadillac. Her unique approach to advertising strategy -- which insists on brands enabling cultural movement and consumer aspirations -- has been profiled by Fast Company Magazine and The Globe and Mail, among others. Veda speaks to the unexpected results of being a first generation immigrant employed in advertising, and how the basic principles of the ad world could lead to a friendlier America. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)