UToledo Alum Rebecca Bennett Is Building a Stronger Oregon
When Rebecca Bennett ’12 reflects on her years at The University of Toledo, one word comes to mind: resilient.
“I worked two jobs to pay my way through school, spent late nights in Carlson Library and showed up early for group projects in Stranahan Hall with classmates who are still friends today,” she recalls. “Those years taught me how to balance hard work, real relationships and ambition – everything that still defines how I lead today.”
Bennet currently serves as the executive director of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation (OEDF), where she’s transforming and leading her community.
“We’ve restructured, reenergized and refocused as a team and you can feel the momentum in Oregon right now,” she says. “Neighborhoods are filling with families again, and people believe in what’s ahead.”
Bennett credits UToledo for instilling the communication and adaptability skills that continue to guide her.
“UToledo gave me more than a degree, it gave me mentors who let me job shadow, professors who pushed me to lead and classmates who became lifelong friends. It taught me to always give back, stay humble and remember where I started.
But her journey has not been without challenges. “I moved out on my own my senior year of high school and somehow made it through college on sheer determination,” she says. “There were moments I didn’t know how I’d make it, but I did and that taught me that nothing is impossible if you keep going.”
At the OEDF, Bennett is proud of the visible transformation happening around her as industrial projects break ground, a new Town Center development is underway, and welcomes new residents into growing neighborhoods. Yet, what means the most to her are the human connections.
“It’s the nonprofits we’ve partnered with, the relationships we’ve built and the opportunities we’re creating for students through Oregon’s career tech programs,” she says.
Her leadership philosophy is simple: show up and keep showing up.
“Every opportunity I’ve had, comes from staying genuine, working hard and letting my actions speak louder than anything else,” Bennett says. “Just because the sale isn’t right doesn’t mean the relationship isn’t.”
For Bennett, it always comes back to people. “At the end of the day, it’s not about positions or power. It’s about people,” she says. “The more we collaborate, the stronger our community becomes.”
Her advice for fellow Rockets who want to make a difference: “Go for it,” she says with a smile. “You don’t need a title or a plan, just start. Pick up the phone, go to the event, introduce yourself and have the conversations that matter. Once you show up, doors open and you realize how much difference one person really can make.”
