26-year-old Yara Al Adib’s return to Kuwait after an incredible seven years has been more than eventful. Her to-do list is long and demanding, but is exemplified by her desire to spread the impact of design thinking as problem-solving through innovative approaches. She kicked off her return by organizing several workshops, including the most recent Kuwait Sustainability Jam, which took place at startup hub Sirdab Lab.

After attending the Sustainability Jam several times during her time studying abroad in Europe for her Masters in Service – Social Design in Milan, Yara was inspired by the experience, and wished to share it with people in Kuwait. The Sustainability Jam is an annual event that takes place globally, revolving around sustainability, in terms of the environment, society, and the economy. It aims to bring together professionals and students from various backgrounds to spend a weekend creating sustainable products and services for Kuwait. The event was successful in providing a platform for creatives from different walks of life to share ideas, meet like-minded people and get inspired about instigating change. Yara said, “This sheds a light on the importance of sustainability in order to give birth to citizens who are more socially and environmentally aware.” This social designer also aims to host “The Global Service Jam” in February 2015 and the “Global Government Jam” in June 2015, with the same goal of inspiring and motivating people to come up with innovative services and ideas for a better Kuwait.

It is Yara’s involvement with social and service design that triggered her desire to emulate and spread this method of design thinking to Kuwait. Her ethos is loud and clear, as Yara is after designing the experience, “Simply put, social design is: designing products and/or services for a better society (positive impact). Providing citizens with social services like health, education, culture, security, employment, and transportation are the pillars of any country. Governments and business providers have to cater citizens with flawless services by designing pleasant experiences.” In a world where the economy heavily relies on service industries, and companies are finding it harder and harder to maintain exceptional services, Yara’s design specialty arrives at the perfect time.

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Persistent.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

A fighter.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

“Which place do you call home?” I truly can’t answer that.

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve done?

When I was in kindergarten, I told my friends that my father was the prime minister.

What is your theme song?

Friends, “I’ll be there for you.”

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

“Spring-Avera” a combination of Primavera (meaning spring in Italian) and Spring.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Greece, where you can’t tell the difference between the water and the sky.

What is the first famous quote that comes to mind?

“United we stand, divided we fall.”

What do you miss about your childhood?

Me being wild and carefree.

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

Dog.

Describe your handshake in one word?

Firm.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I love my name, I should thank Fairuz and my dad for that.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I like things my way.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

I truly respect people like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi.

What in the world do you least desire?

When people are dishonest with themselves and those around them.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world better?

Sharing: whether sharing things between one another or exchanging true feelings/thoughts with those around you.

Why do you think most people like you?

Expressive and straight-forward.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

Unity.

For more information about Yara, you can visit be.net/YaraAlAdib, yaradesigntochange.tumblr.com, or Instagram @q8sjam.