FAB25 Conference - Day 05 Fab Academy Graduation Day

July 07, 2025

FAB25 Conference - Day 05 Fab Academy Graduation Day

I'm updating this post just after lunch, trying to make the best of time in the strange in-between lunch and the next conference activity. I felt really sleepy but after my coffee, I feel much better now. Morning was the usual breakfast and some talks, followed by lunch and a sweet exchange.

Morning/Lunch

Dale Dougherty believes that all of us are makers, and he is a champion of the people and projects that form the Maker Movement. He founded Make: magazine in 2005 and first used the term "makers" to describe people who enjoyed hands-on work and play. Often called the Father of the Maker Movement, he launched Maker Faire in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2006, an event that has since spread worldwide, regularly showcasing and celebrating maker projects. He is the President of Make Community, LLC, which publishes Make: magazine and licenses Maker Faires globally.

Camila Luna is a multidisciplinary designer and educator focused on creative learning experiences. She is the co-founder of MoonMakers, an educational non-profit organization that empowers youth through technology and creativity. Camila has led digital fabrication, design, and technology workshops across Mexico, the United States, collaborating with institutions such as Arduino, Make Community, Science Friday, Fab Foundation and Micro:bti Education Foundation. Her work bridges art, technology, and community, inspiring girls and young people to explore their potential through hands-on projects. She has driving initiatives that combine participatory design, storytelling, and STEAM education to transform learning from the local to the global level.

Camila Luna and Nikodem Bartnik - Young makers sharing their thoughts.

Lunch - Free. So don't complain.

Sweets exchange!

My loot.

Self-reflecting time

AI Workshop at Masaryk University

I attended an AI workshop called Pitch Ready: AI-Assisted Development for Media Projects with MJ Watz. I ended up just staying for this one. I

A view from the university classroom. You can see Spielberk Castle in the background.

MJ Watz is an independent filmmaker, educator, and AI content evaluator passionate about blending storytelling with emerging technologies. She holds a BA in Film Production from UCLA and have written and directed projects across genres, including their feature Leash Leader, music videos, and sketch comedy shorts including for Funny or Die. MJ has taught filmmaking to learners of all ages and worked at Outlier AI, focusing on creative uses of generative tools. Their workshops foster collaboration using open-source AI.

Some prompting tips...

Prompt: Based on this logline: "When a grumpy makerspace manager’s sanctuary is invaded by a relentless wave of glue guns, misplaced wrenches, and existential questions from teenagers, he must decide between shutting it all down or admitting that chaos might just be the cradle of genius (and his own sanity)." help me generate an image of the grumpy makerspace manager.

Apparently, this is Henk, a Fab Academy instructor.

Bageterie Boulevard - I got hungry and decide to get a half-baguette and some soup.

This is some pea soup (I think). It is nice.

The Masaryk University grounds.

Graduation at Fleda Club

This is it! The main reason why I'm here in the Czech Replublic. I collected my cert with my instructor Steven, my Fab Academy buddy Haw Ren, my colleague Bart, and my new friend from Saudi Arabia Abdul joining the moment. I don't like loud spaces and I left after a while. I walked back to the hotel which was a nice evening walk to enjoy the city of Brno one more time before I leave.