Meet the Maker: Komal Markan

Collaborative, Community-Based Educator

In today’s spotlight, we are honored to introduce Komal Markan, a brilliant artist, software engineer, and community organizer based in Everett, Massachusetts. Komal’s work caught our eye this past spring after she shared a number of fun, light-up projects with us. Alongside her adolescent children, Komal brings engaging hands-on making to her community!

---

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Komal, and I live with my two children and my mother. I am a software engineer by profession and have a passion for sharing knowledge. Together with my children, I started teaching classes in our community, where we introduce participants to different STEAM activities and projects.

Recently, we had the opportunity to explore Chibitronics materials while preparing a demo for the Everett Art Association, a group of adult artists. Since the audience consisted of artists, I wanted to create something creative and enjoyable for them, so I used the Chibitronics Launchpad LEDs to design interactive cards and artwork combining art with electronics. I personally love both art and electronics, and I enjoy bringing the two together in creative ways.

How would you describe what you do?

What inspires you?

I am inspired by learning, creativity, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community. One of my biggest motivations came from my own experience as a parent. When my children were very young, I had to drive far outside our city so they could participate in STEAM and robotics programs. It was difficult to travel long distances and wait for classes to finish, and I realized that many families may not have access to these kinds of opportunities close to home.

As my children grew older — my daughter is now 17 and my son is 13 — we decided to help create those opportunities in our own community. About three years ago, with the help of both of my children, we started organizing STEAM classes together. My children love exploring new technologies and creative ideas, and they often share what they learn with me. Together, we develop projects and activities that we can bring into our community classes.

My interests include STEAM education, robotics, coding, electronics, art, and creative technology projects. I especially enjoy combining art with technology to create interactive and engaging experiences for all ages.

I am passionate about spreading knowledge, supporting community learning, and making educational opportunities accessible to everyone. I love seeing children and adults become excited, confident, and curious while creating something with their own hands.

What do you most like to create?

I like designing interactive STEAM activities where people can build, explore, and express their creativity at the same time.

I especially enjoy creating experiences that bring families and the community together through learning. Seeing children and adults become excited when they successfully build something on their own is the most rewarding part for me. I also love creating projects that make technology feel fun, approachable, and creative rather than intimidating.

I also dream of opening a creative community space for all ages — from children as young as 5 years old to seniors in their 90s — where everyone can explore art, electronics, and hands-on creativity together. I would love to create a welcoming environment where people can use materials like Chibitronics to make paper circuits, light-up artwork, and interactive creative projects that combine art and technology in simple and enjoyable ways.

One of the most meaningful experiences for me has been watching adults and seniors enjoy learning with the same excitement and curiosity as young children and teenagers. I truly believe creativity and learning have no age limit, and it brings me joy to see people of all generations creating, exploring, and learning together.

What challenges and joys have you encountered during your creative (and/or professional) journey?

One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been balancing life as a single mother while managing my professional career and community work. Raising two children, supporting my family, and continuing to grow as a software engineer while also organizing community classes has required a lot of dedication, time, and perseverance. Another challenge was that when my children were young, I often had to travel far outside our city so they could participate in STEAM and robotics programs. It was difficult and time-consuming, but it also motivated me to help create similar opportunities within our own community.

Starting free STEAM programs was also a learning experience. In the beginning, we had to build trust, organize ideas, create projects, and find support to make the classes possible. Thankfully, with the support of the Everett Recreation Center, Roberto, and the city of Everett, we were given the opportunity, space, and supplies to bring these programs to life for local residents.

The greatest joy has been seeing people of all ages discover confidence and creativity through hands-on learning. Watching children build their first robot, seeing adults create electronic artwork, or watching seniors enjoy paper circuits and light-up art projects has been incredibly rewarding. I especially love seeing my own children grow alongside this journey, helping teach classes, exploring new ideas, and becoming leaders in the community themselves.

For me, the most meaningful part of this journey is creating a space where learning, creativity, art, and technology come together and where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age or experience.

What do you want people to know about your creative process?

I want people to know that my creative process is driven by curiosity, experimentation, and community connection. Many of my ideas come from everyday experiences, from learning alongside my children, teaching community classes, or simply exploring new materials and technologies. I enjoy mixing art, electronics, coding, and hands-on creativity to create projects that feel fun, approachable, and meaningful for people of all ages.

My process is very collaborative and family-centered. My children and I often explore ideas together, test projects, and learn through trial and error. Sometimes we start with a simple idea, like creating a light-up card or combining paper circuits with artwork, and then continue improving it until it becomes something we can share with the community.

I also believe creativity should be accessible to everyone, not just people with technical backgrounds. That is why I focus on creating projects that are simple to understand, interactive, and welcoming for beginners, children, adults, and seniors alike. I love seeing people realize that they can create something beautiful and technical at the same time.

Most importantly, my creative process is about bringing people together through learning, imagination, and shared experiences. Whether it is through STEAM workshops, robotics, art, or Chibitronics projects, my goal is to create an environment where people feel inspired, confident, and excited to explore new ideas.

How are you using light (or Chibitronics) in your creations?

I use light and Chibitronics materials to bring artwork and learning experiences to life by combining creativity with simple electronics. I enjoy creating interactive projects such as light-up greeting cards, paper circuits, illuminated artwork, and STEAM activities that help people explore both art and technology in a fun and approachable way.

Some of my favorite creations include small light-up greeting cards and mixed-media art projects using Chibitronics lights. One project I created involved using a hot glue gun to make textured dots and designs on a canvas while hiding the Chibitronics circuits underneath the glue, blending electronics seamlessly into the artwork. I also created a watercolor painting of a sea scene and illuminated parts of the painting using Chibitronics lights. To make it interactive, I added a button that allows the lights to turn on and off, bringing the artwork to life in a creative and engaging way.

In our community classes, we use Chibitronics materials to teach participants how circuits work through hands-on creative projects. Instead of learning electronics only through technical methods, participants can create something artistic and meaningful while also understanding the basics of electricity, conductivity, and design. I especially enjoy using light to add storytelling, emotion, and interaction to artwork.

Recently, while preparing a demo for the Everett Art Association, I used the Chibitronics Launchpad LEDs to create light-up cards and artistic projects designed especially for adult artists. It was exciting to see adults and seniors enjoy experimenting with paper circuits and interactive art just as much as children and teenagers do.

For me, light is more than just a technical element — it is a creative tool that helps connect art, imagination, and technology while making learning engaging and accessible for all ages.

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

People can learn more about my work and creative projects through our social media platforms where I post projects that combine art, technology, electronics, and creativity.