Cultivating An Overlooked Constituency
Discover how to engage an often-overlook audience- your district staff and teachers- to support your Education Foundation. We'll share practical tips, useful tools, and a clear action plan to help you make a compelling pitch to this vital group.
Featured Speakers
Teresa Benden
Executive Director of The College Station ISD Education Foundation
Teresa is in her 16th year as Executive Director of the College Station ISD Education Foundation, where she channels her deep passion for excellence in public education. A proud product of public schools herself, Teresa earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M University and holds the esteemed Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. Her diverse professional background spans communications, public relations, graphic design and sales.
Under Teresa's visionary leadership, the Foundation has raised over $11 million for College Station ISD students and established an endowment exceeding $2.5 million. Her dedication to expanding the Foundation's impact has led to the development of eight annual educational programs, enriching countless lives.
Teresa's achievements have earned her recognition as a 2015 Texas A&M College of Education Dean's Roundtable honoree, along with numerous accolades from the Texas School Public Relations Association and the Texas Education Foundation Network. A committed community volunteer, she has served as a member and chair of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program. Alongside her husband, she mentors engaged couples through their church.
Christy Tarkington
Assistant Director of the Humble ISD Education Foundation and Humble ISD Community Engagement
Christy serves as the Assistant Director for both the Humble ISD Education Foundation and Humble ISD Community Engagement. She joined Humble ISD in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous role as Director of Advancement for a private school in Houston.
Building on a career in fundraising that began in 1999, she brings extensive experience in annual giving campaigns, major gift programs, and donor relations. In her current role, she excels at nurturing strong relationships with Foundation supporters and community partners, directly creating enhanced learning opportunities for educators and students.
Christy holds a B.S. in Health Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Sam Houston State University
Registration
Member - $35
Non-member - $65
