Why start with a TEDxBAWomen?

Why not make my first stab at bringing local TED events to my little hometown one that includes men, that isn't focused on women?

Two reasons for starting with TEDxBAWomen come to mind:

• My ideal first would be TED2016.  It's theme - DREAM - is goose bumpy perfect for my interests & purpose.  Alas, it happened back in February.
• It's easier for me to organize a female-centric event.  Start with what's easiest for me to do.  And maybe be the inspiration for others to grow it to an all-inclusive level.

Christina Orthwein's pottery classes are legendary.  More than jaw-dropping clay pieces are formed on her wheel - I keep getting glimpses of what happens when she gathers together her classes & welcomes potters to her open studios.  The pieces are stunning, but it feels like they are means to a deeper end.  At least, that's what her devoted students & open studio artists say.  I want to hear more!   

When Danielle & Erik Odhner introduced a farm market to my little hometown, it had a short 6-week season, which was manageable, gave all of us a taste of their dream, created a desire for more. The next year - & the next & the next - Bryn Athyn Bounty Farm Market went from six weeks to six months.  Today, new possibilities in small-scale agriculture are opening, with Bryn Athyn College taking tiny steps working with Delaware Valley University to possibly develop a program that would richly benefit students at both schools. Small first steps, four years ago & today, can lead to amazing leaps.

I have vivid memories of looking at the half-empty display case at Be Well Bakery & Cafe, thinking, "Someday, this will be filled with fabulous food."  Today it is, the room overflows out to sidewalk seating, the remarkable staff flits all over with platters of food & always present smiles - and work is moving along briskly in the new space they expect to move into next month, just one door down from where they're currently tucked away.  Adriann Glunz is more than a successful entrepreneur - she & husband Ryan are committed to helping their young staff dream pursue achieve BIG goals.  Like Christina's pottery wheel & Bryn Athyn Bounty Farm Market, Be Well is more than a dream realized - it is an open door to much more.

Those are just a few of the women I long to hear share their stories.  There are so many, in my little hometown, next door in Huntingdon Valley.  They need a venue, a microphone, an audience.  They need me.

Start with a small step.  TEDxBrynAthynWomen, held at the same time as TEDWomen in October, out in San Francisco.  Mix streamed events from the West Coast with live presentations here on the East.  

 To build their success, Christina, Danielle & Adriann started took small, manageable steps & showcased exceptional products & experiences.  They are among my dream speakers.  If they aren't available, BA & HV offers a deep well of possibilities.

For years, have dreamed of the Academy schools having their own TEDish talks, featuring students alumni faculty.  Was never able to light a fire, to inspire anyone to take it on.  Now that I've discovered how relatively easy it is to actually put on an actual TEDx event, my own brain is fired up with all the possibilities that I can help make happen!

Why start with TEDxBAWomen instead of TEDxAcademySchools  Because it's within my realm of possibility.

Because it's manageable.  

Because it showcases exceptional speakers on inspiring subjects creating unforgettable moments.  

Because it hooks into an actual mega TED event, one that we can experience real time live stream.  

Because I am committed to spreading ideas about building remarkable moments into everyone's daily life.

Because this seems the best place to start.  

Because it is the most accessible small step that can lead to unimaginable giant leaps.

Because we must dream big to achieve greatly...

 TEDxBAWomen ~ Oct 26-28, 2016