Change Makers Inspire At Lamplighter
The Lamplighter School’s Dolores Evans Speaker Series began on Nov. 10 with “Change Makers,” featuring three people who have improved the lives of children through their innovative thinking.
Adam Braun, author and founder of Pencils of Promise, talked about his book, which explains his inspiration and journey to creating the nonprofit. After his semester at sea and his visits to more than 50 countries, he became intrigued with international development. While in India, a little boy begged for his pencil, the defining moment for creating an organization for building schools and giving children in the developing world opportunities to learn.
Next up was the co-founder of Food Tank, Ellen Gustafson. Her passion lies in food as a solution, not only to feed the hungry, but for families to eat dinner together. She has founded multiple organizations and campaigns emphasizing world hunger as well as obesity in the U.S.
Finally, Dr. James McLurkin showed off his “SwarmBots.” The little robots function much like ants, bees, or termites. He discussed the positive impact robots can make, like rescuing people in danger or exploring other planets.
Questions from the audience led to discussions of change and thinking outside of the mainstream mentality. The speakers addressed the parents in the audience, telling them to encourage their children to make their life a story worth telling.
