Behind the Red Dot: How TEDx Salons Are Building Heroes in Seattle

There’s a special kind of magic in TEDx. I first felt it when I was the emcee's right hand and backstage speaker support volunteer many years ago. I listened to TEDx and TED Talks as my dose of podcasts for years. It was a go to for new ideas and answers. Many years later, I made great connections at the annual TEDxVancouver event. They know how to throw a party and feature some of the most electric voices on stage.  The community and connection behind it are why I wanted to bring that local-to-global stage opportunity to the Seattle area. If I could bring community reach and open up new ways for people to speak and fulfill a long-time dream, then I was going to help open those doors. 

But this isn’t just about polished talks and bright lights. It’s about stories we need to hear—the ones from parents, entrepreneurs, sideline heroes, and hidden voices. We call it Our Heroes’ Journey: a journey of truth, courage, and human connection.

When we think of heroes, we often picture the red cape, the invincible figure soaring through the sky — Superman, Wonder Woman, a larger-than-life force who swoops in to save the day.

But what if the real heroes don’t wear capes at all?

What if the true acts of heroism happen in the quiet moments, in the unseen effort, and in the persistent voice that refuses to be silenced?

At TEDxBelltown Women, we ask: what about the parent juggling three jobs and still showing up for school plays? What about the founder rebuilding after failure, not once but five times? What about the mental health advocate who turns their pain into purpose, creating safe space for others? What about the teacher who stays late for the one student falling behind, the climate leader who risks everything to challenge broken systems, or the community organizer who reminds us that activism starts on our own block?

What if the person sitting right next to you — or the one quietly cheering you on from the sidelines — is the real hero?

The truth is, heroes are all around us.

That journey will continue with our 2025 annual event on November 8th, and showcase other women led businesses at our TEDx Salon Socials—intimate gatherings where women meet to share real stories, messy, professional, and bursting with wisdom.

These moments aren’t random—they’re intentional. Each salon is curated, drawing inspiration from TED.com’s own mission: to ignite conversation that matters, locally and globally.

It’s also personal. As a parent, a business owner, and curator, it all informs my lens. I’ve seen parents lean into vulnerability on stage. I’ve watched small business owners own their power. And I’ve watched sideline heroes—those under-recognized champions—step into their voice and claim their message.

1. Heroes aren’t born—they’re revealed.

2. Community fuels bravery.

3. Local roots give opportunity to global impact.

We are inviting you to join the community, and we thank our partners and media allies. KOMO’s interest in “This Bridge We Build” our 2025 anthem song is a bonus to share what we are doing in the community. The song is now a symbol of our collective journey and connection.

While our 2025 event theme is Our Heroes Journey, the cape was never the point. Your voice is!