Hello Altadena! We are Dr. Brent Musson and Dawn Musson, and we are incredibly excited to be the organizers behind TEDxAltadena. Our journey to bring this event to life is deeply rooted in our love for this community and a shared conviction that ideas change everything.
Since the devastating Eaton Fire, we’ve observed a multitude of conversations taking place across Altadena – some overlapping, some diverging, and many remaining siloed within specific groups. It became clear that there was a pressing need for a safe-space exchange of ideas that could bridge these divides and foster genuine understanding. This is precisely why we decided to organize TEDxAltadena.
Our event, themed “Reclaim. Rebuild. Reimagine.”, is more than just a series of talks; it’s a powerful call to action and healing. It directly addresses the heart of a community profoundly impacted by wildfires and systemic disinvestment. Our goal is to bring together bold thinkers, resilient leaders, policy innovators, creatives, and community members to share transformative ideas on recovery, rebuilding, and redefining Altadena’s future. Together, we aim to explore how to turn crisis into collective opportunity, sparking dialogue, driving change, and sowing the seeds of generational wealth and wellness for years to come.
Do you have an idea worth sharing? We encourage you to submit an application to be a speaker or performer! Visit TEDxAltadena.com for more details on how to apply.
Why TEDx? A Platform for Unfiltered Ideas
TEDx provides a unique and powerful framework for this vision. As independently organized local events, TEDx talks champion the spirit of TED’s mission: “ideas change everything”. The platform is designed to unleash new ideas, inspire, and inform, featuring live speakers and TED Talk videos that spark conversation and connections within the local community.
The TEDx framework, with its comprehensive organizer guide and content guidelines, ensures a structured environment focused on “ideas worth spreading”. This structure, while providing a common standard for all talks, simultaneously creates an unprecedented opportunity to hear ideas from every corner of Altadena’s diverse communities.
An Equalizer for Every Stakeholder Group
We are committed to making TEDxAltadena an equalizer that provides voice to every stakeholder group. Here’s how the TEDx platform facilitates this mission:
• Focus on Ideas: The core principle of “ideas worth spreading” means that the value is placed on the thought itself, not on the speaker’s pre-existing platform or influence. This levels the playing field, ensuring that compelling ideas from any part of our community can take center stage.
• Structured Selection: The TEDx Organizer Guide outlines a process for creating a selection committee and choosing speakers and performers. This structured approach, combined with our commitment to inclusivity, allows us to actively seek out and feature voices that may have been historically marginalized or unheard.
• Amplifying Underserved Voices: As Co-Organizer, Dawn Musson is passionately dedicated to amplifying underserved voices, believing firmly in the responsibility to serve, educate, and inform through various platforms. This personal commitment guides our curation process.
• Community-Centric: Being an independently organized local event, TEDxAltadena is shaped by the unique needs and perspectives of our community. We are prioritizing attendance for those with ties to Altadena, especially wildfire survivors, ensuring that the event directly serves those most impacted. Our team members also reflect this commitment, with individuals focused on equitable access, inclusive learning, and community healing post-wildfires.
• Content Guidelines: TEDx content guidelines and a fact-checking guide ensure that the ideas shared are well-researched and presented respectfully, fostering a safe and constructive environment for dialogue, even on challenging topics.
By adhering to these principles within the TEDx framework, we are creating a platform where diverse experiences and insights from all corners of Altadena can contribute to a collective vision for our future.
We invite you to join us in shaping Altadena’s future. Let’s reclaim our stories, rebuild our community, and reimagine what’s possible—together.
TEDxAltadena: Reclaim. Rebuild. Reimagine. Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Altadena Main Library
There are many ways to get involved and make this event a success:
• Submit an application to be a speaker or performer: Share your voice or talent on the TEDx stage and contribute your “idea worth spreading.” Visit TEDxAltadena.com to apply now.
• Support financially as a donor or sponsor: Your contribution helps us create a powerful and impactful event for our community. Learn more about how to support us at TEDxAltadena.com.
• Sign up to volunteer your time and effort: Be a part of our dedicated team and help bring TEDxAltadena to life! Find volunteer opportunities at TEDxAltadena.com.
• Register for a Seat: Limited to 100 guests, with priority for those with ties to Altadena, especially wildfire survivors. Secure your spot at TEDxAltadena.com.
Find more information and application links at TEDxAltadena.com.