Mental health advocate to speak Nov. 1
Ashley Bendiksen
Ashley Bendiksen, a nationally-recognized speaker and activist who will come to Meridian Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 1, knows first-hand about abuse.
She graduated as valedictorian from Salve Regina University with a bachelor of arts in administration seven years after once dropping out after abuse.
With the overall topic of Advocating Strong Mental Health and Healthy Relationships, Bendiksen will share her story on self-empowerment and overcoming trauma to reach self-goals. The Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College at Meridian Community College and Nu Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa are co-hosting Bendiksen's talks which will all be held in the McCain Theater.
Beginning at 8:15 a.m., Bendiksen will speak on "Dating, Love and What No One's Told You." At 1:30 p.m., she will talk about "Bystander Intervention: Your Power as a Difference Maker," and at 3 p.m., her specific topic will be "Mental Health and Resilience: How Life Gets Great."
Staff members from community agencies Care Lodge and Weems will be on hand for all three sessions.