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. 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 and representation feel especially relevant. But community influence doesn't begin and end at the ballot box.

From renewable energy projects to new transportation systems, major investments are transforming our communities. Who decides what gets built, where it goes, and who benefits?

Join community engagement strategist Kidan Araya for an interactive exploration of how everyday people can influence these decisions. Through real-world stories and audience discussion, we'll explore why promising projects face resistance, how local knowledge reveals overlooked problems, and what changes when communities help shape decisions from the beginning.

Kidan Araya is a human geographer and community engagement strategist with more than a decade of experience working across public policy, emerging technology, and community engagement. From engaging communities in battleground states and supporting residents after oil spills to advising policymakers in Congress, she has helped governments, companies, and international organizations develop solutions informed by the people they affect.

Today, she leads Pacific Africa, an advisory practice focused on energy, infrastructure, and transportation. She also hosts Remembered Futures, created Chalicity, and brings people together through public discussion salons and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.

​🕰 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

​​​​​​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

​​​​​​​​​​I can't make it to this event. How do I stay updated for future events?

Join our mailing list 📩

Follow us on Instagram 📸

​​​​​​​​​​How do I become a speaker?

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 [email protected].