2024 Ambassadors
Menno Cramer
Somewhere on the intersection of Human behaviour and design is where Menno thrives. He is focussed on the ability of being able to accurately predict behavioural output of designed services, products and spaces. In his current position as Director of User Experience at OutSystems, Menno leads with vision and creativity, shaping the future of enterprise software with a focus on user-centered design principles. Under his leadership, the user experience team strives to craft intuitive, engaging digital environments that meet the complex needs of businesses and individuals alike.
With Ark Shelter, Menno played a role in the Warm Nest project, an initiative that combines cutting-edge design with sustainability and user well-being. A healing space for recovering cancer patients in Belgium. His unique approach to blend the human side of design by understanding the journey of us humans as a biological species as well as the approach to User Experience Design was part of the reason to be nominated for the Cezaar prize 2023. This work exemplified his commitment to creating environments that nurture and inspire, reflecting his belief in the importance of holistic, empathetic design approaches.
As a speaker, mentor, and thought leader, Menno Cramer continues to inspire and influence, sharing his knowledge and insights to foster innovation and growth in others. Menno is Curator of Technology at SPINN, a former teacher at the International Society of Biourbanism and the founder of BAITT.
Sherryl Muriente
An innovative thinker in urban design and placemaking, Sherryl Muriente focuses on understanding human nature by leveraging action research to transform places. As one of the pioneering Public Realm Directors in the United States, particularly notable in West Palm Beach, Muriente leads downtown areas with creativity and vision.
Her expertise in community engagement and urban planning has resulted in groundbreaking projects. By applying her research in urban acupuncture and the archaeology of local knowledge, Muriente has successfully executed interventions ranging from alleyway restorations to large-scale public art installations. Through her work, she transforms underutilized urban sites and neglected neighborhoods by immersing herself in local culture and collaborating closely with the community. This process strengthens communal bonds and enhances local knowledge, fostering a sense of stewardship over public spaces.
Spearheading innovative approaches to public sphere making is Muriente’s happy place. With degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning, she integrates academic insight with practical experience. Additionally, as the co-founder and creative director of LeJobart, an art collective operating in the United States and France, Muriente's global impact in placemaking initiatives is reshaping communities and cities, enhancing community well-being, and shaping the future of urban environments.
Damiano Cerrone
Damiano Cerrone is an urbanist, researcher, and educator. He co-founded SPIN Unit, an urban research and innovation practice, and UrbanistAI, a participatory design platform aimed at reimagining the future of cities. His work focuses on urban research, policy design, and transformative governance, particularly for the public sector. Cerrone has been involved in numerous international projects across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, developing new urban analytics and performance-based planning policies.
Cerrone is affiliated with several academic institutions in Finland and abroad, where he teaches and conducts research on a project basis. He also serves as a lecturer in innovative applied research practices in Finland and abroad. Additionally, he has served as a consultant at Demos Helsinki, contributing to government innovation projects.
Cerrone is a frequent speaker at international conferences, initiates novel projects and leads a variety of seminars and workshops. His contributions to the field of urban planning and policy design are continuous.