Carole Bennett came to the Buck Institute in 2010 as a volunteer, to help develop the North Bay Science Discovery Day. In 2011, the first North Bay Science Discovery Day was held at Infineon Raceway. With perhaps 1,000 visitors expected, the 4,000 children and their families who showed up proved the community valued such an event. Needing more space, the event moved to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, starting in a single exhibit hall. By 2018, the event filled five buildings and two outdoor fields, with over 15,000 attending.
Carole provided leadership to the North Bay Science Discovery Day for years, maintaining the core values of providing meaningful hands-on science exploration. Along the way, the North Bay Science Discovery Day received national recognition for its inclusive participants and diversity of attendees. Carole’s leadership shaped the growth and success of the public youth science festival. She made it happen through her dedication to purpose, interpersonal skills, creativity, and attention to detail. Carole’s vision and values are woven into the fabric of the event. Most of all, Carole created partnerships and collaborations with sponsors, businesses, organizations, and schools.
