Bio

At 17, I joined the military to learn what it means to serve something bigger than myself. In college, I studied psychology and sociology to understand why people act the way they do. I ran an addiction research lab, making smokers quit cold turkey in the name of science. Then I spent a year DJ’ing and backpacking through Latin America with a crate of vinyl records—chasing a beat, maybe chasing myself.

When I returned, I found a new calling: advertising. I was invited to use creativity to market science and technology. That spark grew into a career built on integrated campaigns that still deliver results today. But it wasn’t until I remembered the value of service that I found my true creative edge: empathy.

It’s why I bring together people, ideas, and passion to use creativity to connect technology and humanity—making complex things simple, meaningful, and accessible. Visit www.gilkuruneri.com to see work that moves—refugee stories, social experiments, Apple’s values, and more.

Expertise

Social Impact - Interactive Writing+Design - Concept Copywriting - Campaign Development - Cultural Marketing - UX Writing - Brand Development - Creative Direction - Multi-channel Marketing - Keynote & Pitch Presentations - Team Building & Leadership - Agency+Vendor Management - Music Production & Supervision - Licensing & Partnerships - IP Creation - Advertising

Education

MBA / Berlin School of Creative Leadership / 2021 / Completed thesis on artificial intelligence and artiststic reputation.

BA / University of Connecticut / 2000 / Completed thesis on the impact of birth order on extroversion.

Patents

Apple Design Patent > D1055917 / Wearable device with graphical user interface

Apple Design Patent > D1030751 / Wearable device with graphical user interface

Awards

PRIVACY > D&AD Shortlist Digital Writing / One Show Shortlist Website / Webby’s Shortlist Digital Design

REFUGEE NATION > Cannes Lions Bronze / Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Good / Cannes Lions Titanium / Cannes Lions Gold, Silver, Bronze / One Show Gold Pencil Design / One Show Gold Pencil Cross Platform / D&AD Yellow Pencil Outdoor / D&AD Wood Pencil Integrated / D&AD Wood Pencil PR / NY Festivals Grand Prize Design / NY Festivals First Prize Design / NY Festivals First Prize PR / One Show Best of Show  / One Show Best of Category Cross Platform / One Show Best of Category Design

FREEDOM VOICES > Webby Winner in Native Advertising / Webby People's Voice Winner in Native Advertising / Webby People's Voice Winner in Experimental & Innovation / Cannes Lions Shortlist in Promo & Activation / Clio Awards Finalist in Best Social Media

Guest Lectures

Harvard University / Indiana University / Wenzhou Kean University (China)