Who runs TEDxABQ? Volunteers do. Marina Daldalian, a member of the TEDxABQ 2017 Leadership Team, ensures smooth operations by coordinating this massive group of dedicated volunteers. “The quality of speakers and the platform we provide them is mind-blowing,” she asserts, especially given the fact that it’s run by volunteers. This year, the leadership team of six began meeting in January, onboarded the core team in April, and will be joined by approximately 75 more enthusiastic individuals on September 9 for the Main Event.

Marina originally got involved with TEDx in Naperville, IL in the Fall of 2013. She attended a MeetUp for TEDxNaperville hoping to meet like-minded people. After attending the meeting she recognized the need for strong volunteer leadership and coordination. Having recently coordinated a large group of volunteers for her day job, she rose to the challenge and title of Volunteer Coordinator.

During that time Marina formed significant friendships with people on the TEDx team, and people she met through the TEDx community. So when she decided to move she had two requirements: somewhere warm, and somewhere with an active TEDx community. Which brought her to Albuquerque, where she has served as Volunteer Coordinator for TEDxABQ since May 2016.

Marina has found both personal and professional support through TEDxABQ and has formed new friendships within and through the community. She loves the positivity and dedication demonstrated by the volunteer team. “I meet literally everyone who is involved,” she said. She enjoys hearing about interested volunteers’ passions and finding them worthwhile roles they’ll be excited to perform.

She admires the authenticity of her fellow volunteers. “Everyone is there because we want to be there.” These are people who show up and work towards something together. Now that’s an idea definitely worth sharing.

Blog Written by: Danielle Adams