An architect by training, John Cary has devoted his career to expanding the practice of design for the public good.
Why you should listen
When architect-turned-writer John Cary co-authored an oped, with partner Courtney E. Martin, on the design failures of the breast pump, it sparked an MIT Media Lab hackathon and the launch of multiple companies. It's a perfect example of his knack for linking good design and public good. He is the author of two books, most recently Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone, and his writing on design, philanthropy and fatherhood is widely published.
Cary works as a philanthropic advisor to an array of foundations and nonprofits around the world, and he frequently curates and hosts events for the Aspen Institute, TED and other entities. Deeply committed to diversifying the public stage, Cary is also a founding partner in FRESH Speakers, a next-generation speakers bureau that represents young women and people of color.
John Cary’s TED Talk
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TEDWomen
12 books from favorite TEDWomen speakers, for your summer reading list
June 18, 2018
We all have a story to tell. And in my work as curator of the TEDWomen conference, I’ve had the pleasure of providing a platform to some of the best stories and storytellers out there. Beyond their TED Talk, of course, many TEDWomen speakers are also accomplished authors — and if you liked them on the […]
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“This is sacred ground”: a visit to the lynching memorial in Alabama
May 4, 2018
Architect John Cary traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, for the opening of the National Memorial to Peace & Justice, which recognizes the estimated 4,300 lynchings that have occurred in this country. He shares his impressions of the powerful monument to racial violence.
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A glimpse of a bold new future: Notes from Session 2 of TEDWomen 2017: Design
November 2, 2017
Physician and UN High Commissioner Alaa Murabit hosts the second session of TEDWomen 2017, featuring all things design and a rousing performance from writer and activist Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes.
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