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Kevin Tuerff

TEDx
TEDx Speaker & Author
Real Kevin T in Come From Away
Country or state 
United States (New York)
Available to 
Global
City 
New York
Fee 
Languages 
English,
German
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Current position (3)

TEDx Speaker & Author

Real Kevin T in Come From Away

Director of Communications

Environmental Defense Fund

Founder & President

Pay it Forward 9/11, Inc.

Achievements (3)
Member, RSA Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures & Commerce

The RSA is a a London-based enlightenment organization finding innovative solutions to social challenges, founded in 1754. The mission of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is to enrich society through ideas and action. We believe that all human beings h

Cast in award-winning HBO Canada documentary "You Are Here"

I provided on-camera storytelling and personal video footage to the director of "You Are Here: A Come From Away Story" When it first aired September 2018, it broke all records for viewership. On Sept. 11, 2019, the documentary was screened at 800 US theaters through Fathom events. Youareheredoc.com.

Ford's Theater Society Recognition for Pay it Forward 9/11

During the Ford Theater Society's annual gala, Tuerff was recognized for his work establishing and Pay it Forward 9/11 in 2002 as a way to honor the heroes and victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Degrees (1)
BS, Organizational Communications
University of Texas at Austin
1984 to 1988

Bio

Horizontal Tabs

Compassionate Gay Lumberjack

International author and TEDx speaker, Kevin Tuerff’s experience as a 9/11 stranded airline passenger in Canada is one of the true stories inspiring the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical COME FROM AWAY (on COVID-19 hiatus in US, Canada, UK and Australia). The onstage character "Kevin T" is comically referred to as the gay lumberjack. Tuerff is also subject of in three related documentaries (HBO Canada, CBC and Fox). In 2018, House of Anansi Press published his memoir and audiobook, "Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11."

Kevin is founder and president of Pay it Forward 9/11, Inc. He inspires and moves audiences around the world with his talk, “The Ripple Effect of Compassion,” which focuses on kindness to strangers, immigrants and refugees. He explains how compassionate actions stimulate the brain, producing a "helper's high.” With regular practice of kindness and compassion, science says a person can more likely be healthy and happy. Kevin serves as a global ambassador for the Charter for Compassion.

Tuerff offers his expertise as a social entrepreneur and ethical business leader, co-founding and managing two successful companies. He has delivered keynote speeches to trade associations, corporations, charity conventions, theater patrons, college and high school students and houses of worship across the US, Canada and Australia.

Tuerff is a regular guest on news and broadcast programs, appearing on ABC News, Fox News, National Public Radio, CBC, CTV, Washington Post, Ad Week, CNN International, BBC, The Age (Melbourne), Toronto Star, National Geographic Travel, Texas Standard, and Church Times UK.

Working for Environmental Defense Fund on Global Clean Air, Tuerff brings his 25-years of experience in behavior change communications specializing in public health and the environment. As an entrepreneur, he launched several legacy endeavors, including a University of Texas Student-Run Radio, America Recycles Day, EnviroMedia, Green Canary Sustainability Consulting, The Greenwashing Index, and Pay it Forward 9/11.

As Co-founder and President of Austin-based EnviroMedia (a certified B Corporation) for 19 years, Tuerff managed 40 professionals with average revenue of $20 million annually. He inspired employees by motivating them to follow the company's core values, "FATCAT" an acronym for Fun, Accuracy, Teamwork, Creativity, Advocacy and Trust. Tuerff is also a certified instructor in Model-Netics management systems.

Tuerff is an advisory board member to the Brand Responsibility Master's Program at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications in Eugene, Oregon, and is an active volunteer advocating for immigrants, refugees and the LGBT+ communities.

Video conference speaking is available. All speaking engagements requiring travel require purchase of carbon offsets. For each paid speaking engagement in a city, Tuerff will pay it forward with an unpaid talk at a local school.

Bio #2

Presentations

Presentations (2)
The Ripple Effects of Compassion (inspiration, hospitality, diversity)

On 9/11, Kevin Tuerff was on a TransAtlantic flight from Paris to New York City when US airspace was closed due to the terrorist attacks on the United States.

Soon he would find himself in a refugee shelter in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. They took in more than 6,500 stranded airline passengers and crew for five days. They provided food, clothing and shelter for people from 90 countries.

Telling stories from his memoir, Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11, and the hit Broadway musical Come From Away, Tuerff shares beautiful and humorous stories of being the recipient of Gander's compassion.

On September 11, 2002, Tuerff launched Pay it Forward 9/11, a movement to honor the lives lost in the tragedy, by practicing random acts of kindness to strangers. He shares the best of stories from an 18-year tradition which expanded to four countries.

After a spiritual encounter in 2016, Tuerff began cultivating compassion for global refugees, helping an asylum seeker to the U.S.

TEDx Talk: "Compassion is the New Life Hack" (inspiration, culture, diversity)

Scientific research shows performing random acts of kindness is good for your health. Kevin Tuerff started the annual Pay it Forward 9/11 movement in 2002, and this year it expanded from the US and Canada, to the UK and Australia. Tuerff shares heart-warming stories from both recipients and participants from among the best of 19 years of the practice. The basis for this began when he became a stranded airline passenger in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. He explains how kindness and compassion for strangers produces the same brain chemistry as a runner's high, without doing any exercise. With more citizens participating in the movement, cities will reduce human suffering. Tuerff wrote about kindness and refugees in his memoir, “Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11.”

In today's age of deep polarization, Tuerff shares how companies and local governments can lead with compassion.

Workshops (4)
Empathy vs. Compassion
1 hour
(View workshop agenda)
Leading Through the Change Curve
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)
Keys to Successful Entrepreneurship
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)
10 Ways for Individuals to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
1 hour
(View workshop agenda)
Past talks (19)
"Compassion is the New Life Hack"
TedXLakeHeadU
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
November 15, 2019
"Ripple Effects of Compassion at Work & Home"
Dell Headquarters
Round Rock, Texas
February 22, 2020
Compassion Week: Voices from Around the World
Trinity Church Wall Street (virtual presentation)
New York City
February 11, 2021
My True Come From Away Story
CanadaFest: Book Talk and Signing
Hollywood, Florida
February 7, 2020
"How a Company Creates Ripple Effects of Compassion"
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Austin
South Congress Hotel, Austin
February 21, 2020
"The Ripple Effect of Compassion: a Come From Away Story"
Keynote: National Association of Realtors
San Diego, CA
March 16, 2020
"Welcoming the Stranger"
Seafarers International
New York City
June 13, 2019
More stories from 9/11 in Gander
Post Performance Talk-Back: Come From Away Tour
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, Texas
February 19, 2020
"Welcoming the Stranger-a Come From Away story"
Channel of Peace Book Talk
Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, New Jersey
November 13, 2019
Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11
Channel of Peace Book Signing
Chapters bookstore Thunder Bay, Ontario
November 15, 2019
"Compassion, Climate and Communication"
Book talk and signing
Public Relations Society of America- Austin Chapter
February 20, 2020
"Compassion, Climate and Communication"
Guest Lecture (private)
University of Texas -New York program
November 18, 2019
"Welcoming the Stranger--A Come From Away story"
Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11 book talk
St Ignatius Loyola Church-Boston
November 9, 2020
"The Ripple Effects of Compassion––A Come From Away Story"
Book Talk and Signing: Compassionate Ballarat
Federation Univeristy, Ballarat, Australia
July 15, 2019
The Ripple Effect of Compassion: A Come From Away Story
Staff and Volunteer Presentation
National September 11 Memorial Museum, New York, NY
October 22, 2019
Channel of Peace book talk with author Kevin Tuerff and doppelganger Chad Kimball
Backstage Broadway: Come From Away
Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, New York City
November 12, 2018
"The Ripple Effects of Compassion--A Come From Away Story"
Book Talk and Signing: The Epping Hotel
Sydney, Australia
July 27, 2019
"Welcoming the Stranger"
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC
New York
September 6, 2019
International Peace Day Keynote: Channel of Peace with author Kevin Tuerff
Atlantic Canada Regional Rotary Convention
St. John's Conference Center, Newfoundland Canada
May 26, 2018
  • All (3)
  • Videos
  • Photos (1)
  • Slides (1)
  • Press information (1)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any videos yet.
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada
TEDx Talk: Compassion is the New Life Hack (Nov 2019, 9 min)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any one sheet yet.
Twenty Years after 9/11, a Longhorn Reflects on the Unexpected Detour—and the Subsequent Broadway show—that Altered His Life’s Trajectory

Books & Articles (6)

Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11
House of Anansi Press,
2018
Going Deeper with Gratitude and Compassion — A Come From Away Story
Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock, an Inside Look at the Hit Musical (contributor)
St. John's Telegram: Tour brings people to scene of Newfoundland compassion
Jesuits Magazine: "Holding Light in the Darkness: Detention Center Pilgrimage"
My 9/11 Come From Away Experience Taught Me Compassion for Refugees

Expertise (27)

Health & Well-being
Social & Political
Entertainment & Art
Media & Marketing
Leadership
Compassion acts of kindness Kindness Refugees Immigration Travel Canada Newfoundland Musical Theatre Energy and Environment Climate Climate change and sustainability LGBT+ Being an Entrepreneur Agency Business Development Branding for Small Business Renewable Energy Texas New York Broadway Video Social Media

Clients

Zurich Insurance
Dell
Southwest Airlines
Trinity Church Wall Street
The Canadian Real Estate Association/National Association of Realtors
Golden Rule Project
Charter for Compassion
ICECAP Antarctica
Thiel College
Canisius College
University of Oregon
CanadaFest

Awards & certifications (4)

Distinguished Alumnus Award
UT Friar Society
2018
Ethics in Business Award
Samaritan Center & St. Edward's University
2004
Outstanding Leadership Award
University of Texas Environmental Science Institute
2016
Certified Virtual Presenter
eSpeakers
2021

Reviews

Testimonials (9)
  • Kevin brings to life one of the inspirational stories arising out of the horrors of September 11, 2001. He tells his story of being a traveler stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, with thousands of other travelers as they are embraced by their Gander hosts. And then he extends his story's compassionate message of welcoming strangers to our lives today - asking us to pay it forward, engage with others different from ourselves, and knit the community we all desire. HIs talk with our corporate group was particularly impactful as we work to strengthen community across different business teams, with different customers, and with different external stakeholders. And don't forget to see the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, Come From Away (partly inspired by Kevin's story)!
    John Howard
    Verified
  • The American Marketing Association - Houston Chapter hosted Kevin as our monthly luncheon speaker for September 2020. The topic was perfectly aligned with remembering 9/11 while being relevant in current times. Kevin delivered an emotional and moving version, yet with business applications for the marketing audience, of his "The Ripple Effects of Compassion" TEDx Talk. Throughout the logistic process and marketing of the event, Kevin was instrumental and responsive. The event was executed via Zoom Webinar, and Mr. Terff was able to navigate through the technology with ease.
    Edgardo de la Garza
    Verified
  • As the real-life inspiration for one of the characters in Come From Away, Kevin Tuerff was key to the success of our sold out Backstage Broadway event. His personal anecdotes about his experiences in Gander, Newfoundland after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 --communicated with warmth, wit and compassion -- were moving, as was his heartfelt advocacy for greater empathy towards those in need. He was instrumental in helping put the event together, from liaising with talent and planning the run of show, to creating the slides and selecting the songs – all done with professionalism and graciousness.
    David DiCerto Sheen Center
    Verified
  • Kevin has an amazing story of compassion to tell - and tells it in an engaging and compelling way. During his recent trip to Australia, he spoke at a forum and his story strongly resonated with everyone in the audience. It is a global story of humanity - one that nurtures people everywhere in this very fractured world - and Kevin is just the right person to be that most needed global ambassador.
    Lynne
    Verified
  • Kevin was a Keynote speaker at the Rotary International District 7820 Conference held in May 2018 in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. He spoke to over 200 local and international Rotarians. His personal story of his experience as one of the thousands of stranded passengers in Gander, Newfoundland after 9/11 and how it transformed his life and others, touched the hearts of everyone in attendance. We surveyed attendees and he scored almost 4.8 out of 5 in Satisfaction! He has earned our recommendation. Don Sword, Past District Governor, Rotary District 7820 2017-18.
    Don Sword
    Verified
  • The Cathedral of St. John the Divine has ongoing programs in what we call our Dignity Initiative – where we have focused on the intersections between spirituality, contemporary social issues, and human rights and dignity. Dignity of every living being is part of the human experience that is at the heart of Kevin Tuerff’s book, Channel of Peace, Stranded in Gander on 9/11, which is why his speaking at the Cathedral was such a natural fit. Kevin reminds us that 9/11, for all of the tragedy brought into the lives of so many people, that the events of that day started ripples of kindness that continue on. His is a story that needs to be told and shared.
    Kristine Pottinger
    Verified
  • When Kevin tells the story of his 9/11 experience - an experience shared with dozens of other airline passengers who found themselves diverted in 2001 to the small Newfoundland community of Gander when U.S. airspace was abruptly closed after the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon - it is as if you are sitting at your favorite coffee shop, completely captured by a friend's description of an incredible life-changing occurrence. Kevin's warm conversational style, punctuated with his personal and compelling insights into selflessness and compassion, both engage and challenge his audience to consider how these principles of kindness might enhance their own lives. If you are seeking a speaker with the communication credentials to inspire a large or small gathering, I believe you would be well served by engaging Kevin, who delivers his mesmeric message of compassion in a way that doubtless will motivate this innate spirit within us all.
    Larry D Springer
    Verified
  • Kevin was an absolute pleasure to work with and brought so much light to our staff team at Trinity Wall Street. Kevin’s presentation on the Continuum of Compassion, sparked self-reflection, new dialogue among our staff teams, and fueled the desire for all of us to do more work on putting compassion into action.
    Cortnie Yeoman-Vargas
    Director of Community Learning
    Trinity Wall Street
    The Continuum of Compassion
    24/06/2020
    Verified
  • I felt encouraged, engaged within, and thankful; very, very, thankful! This was a wonderful experience for me. Kevin touched my life. He’s definitely rippling his blessings forward.
    Metha Balasquides
    Trinity Church Wall Street
    The Continuum of Compassion
    24/06/2020
Recommendations
Why choose me? 

TEDx speaker Kevin Tuerff's 9/11 story inspired the musical Come From Away, he will inspire you.

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