Mirella Arapian

COMMUNICATION DESIGN JUROR

Mirella Arapian is an Armenian-Australian design leader and activist. She’s the founder and Executive Creative Director at MEK, an impact-led design partner for brands shaping the future of environment, culture, and technology. With over 20 years’ experience building purpose-led brands, she’s worked with global organisations, national institutions, and mission-driven startups, including WWF Australia, RMIT University, PETA Australia, Sea Shepherd, Revival Projects, and Mavens.

Mirella’s planet-first approach integrates sustainability principles with inclusive and accessible design practices, including pioneering work in low-carbon web design, recognised in the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards for Digital Design.

She’s a D&AD Awards judge for New Brand Identity; board member of Design Declares Australia, part of a global movement of designers declaring a climate emergency; founder of CLIMATES, a mixer for the climate-conscious creative community; founder of Womentor, a mentorship program for women in design; and a mentor with EnergyLab, Australia’s leading climate tech accelerator.

Mirella regularly speaks at industry events and contributes to design discourse on sustainability and design ethics. She’s committed to challenging conventions and the systems that prioritise profit over people, animals, and the planet.