Who Decides What Gets Built? The People and Power Behind Progress
✨The future is being built all around us, with billions invested in energy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies that are transforming the places many of us call home. But who's driving these changes, and how much power do everyday people have to shape what comes next?
On Election Day, questions about power, representation, and the future of our communities feel especially relevant. But community influence doesn't begin and end at the ballot box.
From renewable energy projects to new transportation systems, enormous investments in infrastructure are transforming the places we live, work, and call home. Who decides which projects are necessary, where they go, and who ultimately benefits?
Join community engagement strategist Kidan Araya for a thought-provoking exploration of how everyday people can influence the decisions shaping their communities, and how public and private sector leaders are being called to reimagine what it looks like to build projects that create real value for people.
Through real-world stories, interactive activities, and audience discussion, Kidan will explore why promising projects sometimes face resistance, how local perspectives can reveal problems that planners and investors overlook, and what changes when communities have a meaningful role in shaping decisions from the beginning.
Kidan Araya is a human geographer and community engagement strategist whose work has taken her from engaging communities in battleground states and sitting alongside residents in the aftermath of oil spills to advising policymakers in the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. For more than a decade, she has worked at the intersection of community engagement, public policy, and emerging technology, helping governments, companies, and nonprofits develop solutions informed by the people and places they affect.
Her experience includes briefing leaders at the U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of State, and international organizations around the world. Today, she leads Pacific Africa, a community engagement advisory practice focused on energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects. She also hosts Remembered Futures, a video series exploring community engagement best practices, and created Chalicity, a responsible technology thinking partner that helps organizations make more informed community engagement decisions.
Beyond her consulting work, Kidan brings people together through public discussion salons focused on climate and energy challenges, as well as Ethiopian coffee ceremonies that combine traditional coffee-making, ceremonial art, and environmental storytelling.
Expect eye-opening stories, lively discussion, and a fresh perspective on how everyday people can help shape what comes next. 🌎✨
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
7:00-7:35 --> arrival & chats
7:35-8:20 --> lecture
8:20-9:00 --> q&a and more chatting
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people come solo to our events, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no designated on-site parking so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
Yes! This lecture is hosted at a bar that requires all occupants to be 21+.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event!
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at sac@bigbrainlectures.com and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about the ticket structure?
Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing sac@bigbrainlectures.com.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
🔔 Stay in the Loop
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Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! → Speaker form 💬
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email sac@bigbrainlectures.com.