Theme: Make your mark, mark your making!

The TEDxGUST 2018 event has been designed to spark deep conversation and connection through the theme of ‘making a mark’ on one’s society through design. Social design is mindful of the designer's role and responsibility in society and their use of the design process to bring about social change. Through the multi-disciplinary speakers and projects featured during TEDxGUST 2018, the audience will be exposed to a range of community driven examples that feature design thinking as the primary driver for the betterment of society. Six live speakers, two TED Talks and one massive after party!

Gulf University for Science & Technology
Block 5, Building 1
West Mishref, Ḩawallī, 40005
Kuwait

Caroline Flaherty

Mathematician

Hailing from Washington, D.C., Caroline Flaherty is a well seasoned math educator and administrator. Caroline has a M.ED in Overseas and International School Administration and Supervision from the College of New Jersey, a B.S. in Mathematics Education and a B.S. in Civil Engineering both from the University of Maryland. She believes that all students have the abilities to be successful at anything they chose.

Lubna Saif Abbas Dehrab

Entrepreneur

Well known local artisan, beader and caretaker of the Yadawi studio and artisan collective, Lubna Abbas will speak about the origins of her passion for artisanal work and creativity. Kuwait, once renowned in the Gulf and the world for its handcrafted ships and artisanal products has long forsaken the handmade for the branded. Lubna argues that Kuwait needs to build a society of people who are vibrant and active and have the sensibility to not only consume but to be aware of their consumption and also be able to create. Lubna established the artisanal collective Yadawi in 2007, and it is one of a few in the region. Yadawi hosts a variety of workshops throughout the year and promotes the work of its members through markets and a shop located in Souq Al Mubarakiya, which also sells inks, stamps, art supplies and other artisanal items. Thirty to forty art and craft workshops run every year including beading, deco patch, sewing, art clay and calligraphy in both English and Arabic.

Lynn Berry

Fibre Artist

What began as a small personal tribute by two Australian women to honour their fathers who both fought in World War II, has become an international tribute of respect and remembrance to those who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, their families and their communities. Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight set out to crochet a humble 120 poppies to “plant” at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne Australia for Remembrance Day in 2013 in honour of their fathers. Thus the 5000 Poppies project began – a tribute of respect and remembrance. Between 2014 and 2018 Australia is commemorating the Centenary of Anzac, marking 100 years since Australia’s involvement in the First World War. The 5000 Poppies project “planted” a field of nearly 300,000 poppies in heart of Melbourne as a stunning visual tribute to Australian servicemen and women for more than a century of service in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Mohammad Abuhakmeh (aka Mostarr)

Graffiti Artist

Mohammad J. Abuhakmeh A.K.A Mostarr, is a graphic designer and graffiti artist. He is currently known as the top graffiti artist in Kuwait and one of the best in the region. Born in Kuwait and raised in Pennsylvania, he moved back to his birth country after 15 years where he has been working for over a decade on branding and street art. When he isn’t glued to his computer screen planning his next project he is out on the streets implementing creative artwork on walls all over Kuwait city and educating young kids on graffiti art. Mostarr works with multiple mediums to create pieces that are both locally and regionally eye catching. He is well-known locally and in the Middle East region and his recognition is growing fast. He has been in over 30 solo shows showcasing his work from street art, prints and models. He currently resides in Kuwait City. Mostarr is an ambassador for Amaphiko Academy in South Africa where he works with poverty marginalized children.

Ricardo Camacho

Architect

Ricardo Camacho is an architect with offices in Portugal, Kuwait and the USA. He is a professor at Kuwait University and Northeastern University. He received his degrees from the FAULisbon, Politecnico Milano and Masters from HarvardGSD. Ricardo is co-author of the projects “CasaGranturismo” and “Resilient Coastal Environments” for the urban and landscape renewal of Portuguese and Croatian coasts; a survey of Portuguese contemporary architecture “Habitar Portugal 2006/2009” and two volumes on “Modern Architecture Kuwait” published by Niglli. Presently, Ricardo is working on a publication by Actar on "Pan-Arab Architecture". Until June, 2015, Ricardo was the Head of Design Team at Al Shaheed Park Development Project in collaboration with The Associated Engineering Partnership. Architecture Head of Design and Coordination for the scopes of Architecture, Exhibition Content Design and Implementation, Landscape, Structural and Mep design at Al Shaheed Park Development Project in Kuwait.

Shiny M. Verghese

Mathematician

With a humble beginning as a trainee researcher in the Indian Space Research Organisation – Bangalore, India, Shiny’s passion to inspire young minds, steered her to the vocation of teaching. Shiny, pursues her PhD in Human-Computer Interaction to stay actively involved in research. Shiny Verghese imparts education in such a way that she makes her students believe with all their heart that they will do what they were made to do.

Wakim Zeidan

Cultural Activist

Being first and foremost a cultural activist, Wakim co-founded, and is the General Director of Nuqat, an organization for cultural development - a platform in the Middle East for cultural programming and community networking in the region. In addition to his leadership role, he has also developed and delivered a range of skills development workshops and programs focusing on ideation, education, communication and culture. By profession, Wakim is a communications director, specializing in advertising, project management, corporate client communication and creative direction. He has managed many teams including the creative, business and client servicing of BBDO, Y&R, FP7, JWT in Kuwait and Al Mohtaraf Assaudi in KSA. Accumulating an impressive 19 years of experience and counting, Wakim currently serves as the EVP-Corporate Communication at Gatehouse Financial Group handling all communication and marketing on a corporate level, from planning, budgeting, strategic engagement and messaging.