Emily Bennett

Artist, Brainstormer, Change Agent, Event planner, Marketer, Parent, Project manager, Promoter

Ashbrook Independent School is built on the belief that children thrive when they are both challenged and nurtured, academically, socially, and emotionally. Serving preschool through 8th grade, Ashbrook’s mission is “to challenge and nurture academically capable students.” This mission is brought to life through exceptional teaching, small class sizes, clearly defined expectations, and a comprehensive arts-and-sciences curriculum. Our vision extends beyond academic achievement. We are committed to cultivating strong character traits, courtesy, integrity, foresight, resourcefulness, and self-mastery, within a learning environment enriched by world languages, visual and performing arts, and robust physical education programming. These elements together create a joyful, rigorous, and well-rounded educational experience. Ashbrook is not only a cornerstone of Preschool–8th grade education in the Corvallis community; it is a community resource and gathering place. We believe learning should continue beyond childhood, and we strive to create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, grow, and contribute. Throughout the year, we host a variety of family-friendly events that strengthen community bonds, and we are preparing to launch free educational opportunities and discussion panels for adults as well. These initiatives reflect our commitment to lifelong learning and to serving the broader community in meaningful, accessible ways.

I’m passionate about investing in today for a brighter tomorrow. For more than 30 years, I’ve volunteered in community initiatives, and that lifelong commitment to service has shaped both my identity and my career. I’ve seen how showing up, consistently and wholeheartedly, can strengthen families, organizations, and entire communities. Today, I work for a nonprofit school where I get to live out that passion every day. Whether I’m organizing fundraisers, creating family-friendly events, or building partnerships that expand opportunities, I’m driven by the belief that helping others creates lasting impact. I’m energized by being part of something bigger than myself; something that truly matters today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.

Strong communities are built with kind, passionate people. They don’t simply emerge on their own, they are created intentionally by individuals who choose to invest in them. Whether that investment comes through volunteerism, mentorship, or financial support, the act of showing up for one another is one of the most powerful forces for shaping a thriving, resilient society. In a time when many people feel disconnected or overwhelmed, it’s easy to assume that community is something managed by organizations, governments, or “someone else.” But in every meaningful community, schools, credit unions, youth sports, local nonprofits, workplace teams, or neighborhood networks, the same truth rings clear: communities grow stronger when individuals decide to participate. Small actions, repeated consistently, create impact far greater than the effort it takes to begin. In this TEDx Corvallis talk, I will explore the power of investing in your community and how “people helping people” is more than a motto, it is the foundation of every strong, compassionate place we call home. This idea encourages a mindset shift: from asking, “What is my community doing for me?” to asking, “What can I contribute to the community I want to live in?” When people act on that question, through their time, their skills, or their resources, communities become safer, kinder, more vibrant, and more resilient. My call to action is bold yet deeply attainable: If each of us chooses even one small way to invest in our community, we ignite a chain reaction of connection, generosity, and possibility. Community is not a passive experience; it is a collaborative creation. And every individual has the power to begin building the kind of community we all hope to belong to.

Art, Early Childhood Development, Education, Music, Theatre

I’m not applying because I want to stand on the TEDx stage, I’m applying because I want to build the stage for others. One of my greatest strengths is turning ideas into organized plans, and those plans into realities. I’ve spent years bringing people together through community events, fundraisers, and nonprofit work, and I’ve seen how powerful it is when people gather to learn, connect, and grow. What excites me about organizing a TEDx event is the opportunity to create a platform for voices our community needs to hear: experts, storytellers, innovators, and everyday people doing extraordinary work. I want to make space for people who are passionate, talented, and confident speakers to share ideas that spark curiosity and bring hope. My goal is to design a free community event where adults can learn something new, explore big ideas, and be inspired by perspectives they may not encounter otherwise. I believe deeply that strong communities are built through shared learning and connection. By organizing TEDx, I hope to lift up others, amplify their ideas, and create something meaningful for the entire community. I may not want the microphone, but I’m passionate about building the opportunity for someone else to step up and use it.

People don’t always realize that I’m good at the behind-the-scenes work: writing meaningful thank-you messages, preparing thoroughly, and turning ideas into organized plans. I naturally see the big picture, stay calm in tense situations, and help others feel heard and supported, even when the moment is challenging.