Candy Chang

Famously known for the creation of the Before I Die wall, Candy Chang's keynotes reflect on the importance of living and life, providing inspiration and support for those who have someone important to them.

As an artist, designer and urban planner, her projects often fuse her three professions, focusing on utilizing public spaces as a form of expression for the community. Some of her most well known projects include I Wish This Was, which invited neighbors to illustrate on vacant storefronts; Confessions, a private and public booth that lets people openly or secretly share their quirks together; and Before I Die, an inspirational wall that encouraged people to reflect on the value of living, especially in times of grief -- something that Candy Chang's keynotes often emphasize.

After graduating with a B.S. in Architecture and a B.A. in Graphics Design in 2001 from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Urban Planning in 2007 from Columbia University in the City of New York, she now travels internationally to deliver inspirational speeches as well as works at the Civic Center, a design studio she co-founded.