Conference Agenda
7:30 – 7:50 am
WAKE UP TO WELLNESS: A Stretch and Strength Warm-Up for Your Body and Mind
Join Molly Lauridsen, Wellness Coordinator at The Alchemist, for a 20-minute Stretch and Strength session. We will be performing a variety of light stretching exercises designed to wake you up and get your blood flowing, as well as some gentle strengthening exercises that will energize you for the day ahead! All fitness levels are welcome and encouraged.
- No special attire or shoes needed.
- No equipment required, but you will have the option to be on the floor for a moment if you choose, so a mat/comfortable space would be ideal.
– Molly Lauridsen – Wellness Coordinator, The Alchemist
7:50 – 8:00 am
10 minute break
8:00 – 9:00 am
MaryAnne Howland
“First and foremost, I am a storyteller for social change, creating stories that reflect human value. Culturally sensitive communications and inclusive outreach helps to build bridges and spark relationships and energize communities that can inspire truly transformative change that improves the lives and wellbeing of all of us. My mission is to be a transformative changemaker.”
– MaryAnne Howland – President and CEO, Ibis Communications; Founder and CEO, Global Diversity Leadership Exchange; Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, American Sustainable Business Council.
Thank you to our Keynote Underwriter:
9:00 – 9:15 am
15 minute break
9:15 – 10:30 am
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS – SESSION A:
1. Anti-Racist Practices in the Workplace
It is not enough for employers to say that they are not racist. We must actively and purposefully develop practices that support diversity, identify the ways that systemic racism influences our operations, and practice how we respond when we reveal it. This workshop will give participants information about how to identify racism in the workplace, explain the difference between being not-racist and being anti-racist, and begin to set goals for your business.
- – Tabitha Moore – Training Coordinator, Child Welfare Training Partnership at the University of Vermont; President, Rutland-Area NAACP
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
2. The Climate Crisis – What Your Business Can Do About It
If you are deeply concerned about the effects of the climate crisis, and seek to use the power of your business for good, come join this workshop. Learn what your business can do in the fight against climate change. Folks in the know will share tools, habits and resources that your business can use to decrease your carbon foot print, so you can do your bit in the fight to protect our climate.
– Darren Springer – General Manager, Burlington Electric Department
– Duane Peterson – Co-President & Founder, Suncommon
– Emily Eckert – Energy Transformation Team, Green Mountain Power
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
3. Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others
As COVID19 shifted our work into our homes many employers have realized the caretaking demands placed on employees. This workshop will address the caretaking demands of child care and K-12 school age children, as well as how you can support your employees to maximize their workday and decrease their overwhelm at home.
– Emily Blistein – Director of Business Strategy, Lets Grow Kids
– Sherry Carlson – Senior Director of Programs, Let’s Grow Kids
– Holly Morehouse – Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool
– Karen Blumberg – Management Consultant, Employee Counselor & Trainer, Adaptiva HR
– Angela Earle Gray – Human Resource Consultant, Adaptiva HR
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
10:30 – 10:45 am
15 minute break
10:45 – 12:00 pm
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS – SESSION B:
1. Change for Good: How Harnessing the Power of DEI Can Help Your Business Thrive
When people think of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within their business, they usually think about being color-blind towards people of color, or paying women the same as men for the same job. These are important facets of DEI in the workplace, but DEI is about much, much more than race, ethnicity, gender and equal pay. DEI is also about how we think; how we contribute to the important conversations around running the business; who is making those decisions; how reflective the company is of the community at large; and how we behave towards one another regardless of our assumptions about who they are.
– Dr. Jude Smith Rachele – Co-founder & CEO, Abundant Sun
– Caro Lee – Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Abundant Sun
Thank you to our workshop sponsor:
2. Businesses Leading Public Policy Change
Business leaders lend valuable expertise to the legislative conversations in Vermont’s State House, influencing state policy decisions that value sustainable economic development, environmental protection, workplace quality and healthy communities. This workshop will include an overview of the Vermont legislature’s policymaking process, the latest policy issues impacting Vermont’s business community, and future opportunities for engagement followed by a facilitated Q&A with a panel of business leaders on their experiences engaging in advocacy through collaboration and effective communication with policymakers and continued opportunities for influencing policy change.
– Jordan Giaconia – Public Policy Manager, VBSR
– Charlie Gliserman – Public Engagement Director, Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance
– Mark Curran – Co-owner, Vermont Family Farms
– Kate Ogden – Advocacy and Movement Building Manager, Seventh Generation
– Jenn Wood – Public Affairs & Community Affairs Manager, Green Mountain Transit
– Kelly Klein – Owner, Founder and CEO, Groennfell Meadery and Havoc Meadery
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
3. The Future of Vermont: Toward a Regenerative Economy
Amidst so much uncertainty, it’s impossible to know what the future holds. Yet in this moment of rapid and irreversible change – “The Great Adaptation” – we have an opportunity and a responsibility to work collectively toward a future that advances people, the planet, prosperity, and parity. What could a regenerative economy look like in Vermont? How can businesses contribute to an equitable, resilient, and sustainable economy? Join three Vermont visionaries for a lively discussion on the future of Vermont.
– Michael Jager – Founding Partner/Chief Creative Officer, Solidarity of Unbridled Labour
– Curtiss Reed, Jr. – Executive Director, Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity
– Gwen Pokalo – Director, Center for Women & Enterprise
– Moderated by Roxanne Vought – Executive Director, VBSR
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
12:00 – 12:30 pm
30 minute lunch break
12:00 – 12:20 pm
INFORMAL NETWORKING LUNCH – MEET OUR EXHIBITORS
Catch up with colleagues and our conference exhibitors informally over lunch!
12:30 – 1:45 pm
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS – SESSION C:
1. Businesses Taking Action Against Racism
Businesses across Vermont are taking a stand against racism and white supremacy, in support of equity, justice, and inclusivity. In this panel you’ll hear guidance on how to get started developing actionable steps to address racism and promote equity at all levels of your organization and learn from some of the businesses who are championing this work in Vermont.
– Paul Suk-Hyun Yoon – Partner, CQ Strategies
– Jabari Paul – US Activism Manager, Ben & Jerry’s
– Jen Kimmich – Co-founder & CEO, The Alchemist
– Molly Betournay – Director of Social Research & Advocacy, Clean Yield Asset Management
Thank you to our workshop sponsors:
2. Strategies and Solutions for Vermont Food Waste to Landfill Ban Compliance
This panel will address strategies for compliance with the Vermont Universal Recycling & Composting Law which was effective July 1. Speakers will provide perspective on the ban and strategies they are using to comply; plus tips and tools for Vermont food businesses. We welcome any questions to be submitted in advance. Please send to: jforbes@vanguardrenewables.com.
– Jed Davis – Director of Sustainability, Cabot Creamery Co-operative
– James Kirkpatrick – Director of Facilities and Environmental Services, King Arthur Baking Company
– Sarah Reeves – Executive Director, Chittenden Solid Waste District
– Moderated by: John Hanselman – CEO, Vanguard Renewables
Thank you to our workshop sponsor:
3. Communicating with Integrity and Empathy, Inside and Out
Particularly in times of upheaval, communicating effectively, and with empathy, is critical. In this session, team members from Mamava, the category creator of freestanding lactation pods, discuss how strong brand values and a keen attention to cultural context set the foundation for a healthy internal culture, a robust customer base, and a vibrant community united in a shared purpose. This session will cover content strategy and engagement, community building, product development, and best HR practices—including building and supporting teams that work and evolve together.
– Nicci Micco – VP of Marketing, Mamava
– Rebecca Roose – Director of Digital Products, Mamava
– Brittany LaValley – Company Care Manager, Mamava
1:45 – 2:00 pm
15 minute break
2:00 – 3:00 pm
THE INTERSECTION OF RACIAL JUSTICE AND CLIMATE ACTION
A Discussion with the Vermont Federal Delegation
Join VBSR for a discussion and Q&A with the offices of Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Patrick Leahy, and Congressman Peter Welch on the intersection of race and climate. Led by accomplished equity strategist and racial justice advocate, Sarika Tandon, we will discuss patterns of structural racism and climate change and how Vermont’s response to the climate crisis can protect our environment, address systemic racism, and improve the lives of communities facing the most risk.
– Moderated by: Sarika Tandon – Equity Consultant, Race Equity & Environment
3:00 – 3:15 pm
15 minute break
3:15 –4:00 pm
VIRTUAL NETWORKING
Four ten-minute rounds of small group networking to debrief the day, discuss highlights, and connect with the VBSR community!
Meet Our Workshop Presenters:
(listed in Alphabetical order by last name)
Director of Social Research and Advocacy, Clean Yield Asset Management
Panelist on: Businesses Taking Action Against Racism (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
With over 15 years of experience in socially responsible investing, Molly leads Clean Yield’s social research and shareholder engagement efforts. She specializes in incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment processes and is an ardent advocate for socially responsible investing and leveraging the rights of shareholders to make positive change. She has experience working on a range of environmental and social topics but has a particular interest in promoting equity and inclusion.
Director of Business Strategy, Let’s Grow Kids
Presenting: Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Emily has worked as an attorney, advocate, and policy advisor on behalf of low income families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Most recently she was a small business owner and consultant. At Let’s Grow Kids works to elevate the voices of employers as they champion high quality child care as a crucial support for their workforce and the future of Vermont. She co-developed an HR Pilot to help employers shape benefits and practices to meet their employees child care needs and improve their ability to attract and retain a vibrant workforce.
Management Consultant, Employee Counselor & Trainer, Adaptiva HR
Presenting: Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Karen holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and is licensed as a psychotherapist. In addition to her clinical work, Karen has a significant background in training and development. She organizes and leads most of Adaptiva HR’s workshops, and also provides management coaching on topics related to the systems and support for people at work. Karen really enjoys helping managers become stronger leaders.
Sr Director of Programs, Let’s Grow Kids
Presenting: Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
With an “advocacy by doing” philosophy, Sherry has been an effective driver of universal prekindergarten, school/community partnerships, and early childhood workforce initiatives. She spent over 20 years as the director of the Greater Burlington (VT) YMCA Early Childhood and Family Programs and worked to facilitate change in the early childhood field through the Early Learning Partnership of Chittenden County, and the Northern Lights Career Development Center for Early Childhood Professionals. She currently leads the Quality Program Expansion and Workforce Development Initiatives at Let’s Grow Kids.
Co-Owner, Vermont Family Farms
Panelist on: Businesses Leading Public Policy Change (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Mark Curran co-founded Black River Produce In 1978 and was the active CEO and an early promoter of local food production. More recently he continues to work on the Ag economy with a focus on meat production. The goal of Vermont Family Farms is to keep Vermont’s working landscape productive and viable for the farmer.
Director of Sustainability, Cabot Creamery Co-operative
Panelist on: Strategies and Solutions for Vermont Food Waste to Landfill Ban Compliance (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Jed Davis is Director of Sustainability for Cabot Creamery, Vermont’s historic, award-winning, century-old dairy farmer cooperative. Jed has a life-long involvement in food and agriculture and cooperatives. Born and raised on a six-generation family farm, Jed joined Cabot in 1991 and, in 2008, was named Cabot’s first Director of Sustainability. His efforts now center on helping Cabot achieve its own understanding of “Sustainability” from cow-to-creamery-to-customer: “Living within our means and ensuring the means to live.” Cabot Creamery is owned by the dairy farm families of the Agri-Mark cooperative and, since 2012, is especially proud to be a certified B Corporation.
August 2020
Human Resource Consultant, Adaptiva HR
Presenting: Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Angela is an accomplished Human Resource consultant who came into the profession by necessity at one of her first jobs. As with many nonprofits, there was no one in an HR role so she had to fill in all the gaps. She realized this was something she had an affinity and capacity for, and went on to a robust career in Human Resources at several other companies. Angela’s combination of HR expertise, business acumen, and original studies in social sciences make her well-suited to provide critical support to small businesses.
Energy Transformation Team, Green Mountain Power
Presenting: The Climate Crisis – What Your Business Can Do About It (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Emily came to Green Mountain Power after living the life of an Energy Advisor for Tesla where she dove into the electric vehicle and solar market. Through this adventure Emily connected with several GMP members resulting in her joining the Energy Transformation team in February 2019. As a member of the Energy Transformation team, Emily translates her passion for the environment into tangible transformation projects helping both customers and our environment, by integrating cost efficiencies with carbon cutting technologies.
Public Policy Manager, VBSR
Presenting: Businesses Leading Public Policy Change (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
An accomplished advocate and campaigner, Jordan joined VBSR as their Public Policy Manager in December 2019. He brings several years of experience shaping policy at the local, state, and national levels, most recently serving as Associate Director for Federal and Administrative Policy at the Sierra Club in Washington, DC. Jordan is committed to protecting the natural, economic, and human landscapes of the Green Mountain State and elevating the voices of Vermont’s leading businesses in Montpelier. When he’s not at the office, Jordan can be found hiking, kayaking, fishing, or cooking up new recipes in the kitchen.
Public Engagement Director, Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance
Presenting: Businesses Leading Public Policy Change (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Charlie Gliserman supports Vermont’s diverse network of advocates in promoting the early childhood agenda through skill development, organizing, and lobbying assistance. Since 2014, Charlie has been deeply engaged in Vermont’s legislative advocacy and community organizing spheres, through coordinating local electoral and issue campaigns and supporting progressive lobbying groups in Montpelier. She has also contributed to women’s and LGBTQ+ programming and policy initiatives at the national and international levels through her work with the Victory Fund & Institute, Human Rights First, and U.S. Congress. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from the University of Vermont.
Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vanguard Renewables
Moderating: Strategies and Solutions for Vermont Food Waste to Landfill Ban Compliance (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
John Hanselman has 30-years of environmental innovation experience and is Vanguard Renewables Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO. Vanguard’s Farm Powered Anaerobic Digesters produce renewable energy using co-digestion of organics and manure or manure-only. The company is the largest recycler of food waste in the Northeast and was named the National Waste & Recycling Association 2018 Organics Recycler of the Year.
Hanselman’s experience also includes a role as Managing Principal/Founder of Brightfields, solar brownfields solutions, and Managing Principal of Renova Partners, a brownfields investment and development company.
Vanguard’s Salisbury, Vermont AD won the 2019 American Biogas Council Up-and-Coming Project award for its Rutland, Mass. Ad won ABC’s 2019 Longevity Award. The Company is expanding the Farm Powered® Anaerobic Digester program nationwide.
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Address (from 8:00 am – 9:00 am)
“First and foremost, I am a storyteller for social change, creating stories that reflect human value. Culturally sensitive communications and inclusive outreach helps to build bridges and spark relationships and energize communities that can inspire truly transformative change that improves the lives and wellbeing of all of us. My mission is to be a transformative changemaker.”
As President and CEO of Ibis Communications, MaryAnne leads a team of consultants and creative professionals to connect brands to diverse communities through the integration of inclusive messaging and communications, branding, advertising, PR, direct, social and digital marketing, and strategic partnerships to deliver authentic social impact
As Founder and CEO of the Global Diversity Leadership Exchange, MaryAnne leads a forum designed to facilitate an on-going dialogue with thought leaders, influencers and C-Suite executives who are at the nexus of inclusion and sustainability in the US, BRICS nations, and other emerging markets. The annual summits have been held at the New York Stock Exchange and in the ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters.
MaryAnne currently serves as Vice Chair on the board of the American Sustainable Business Council. The mission of American Sustainable Business Council is to advance public policies that ensure a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy. She is a past chair of Social Venture Network, the premiere organization of mission-driven social entrepreneurs who are transforming the way the world does business.
Founding Partner/Chief Creative Officer, Solidarity of Unbridled Labour (formerly JDK Design)
Panelist on: The Future of Vermont: Toward a Regenerative Economy (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
For more than twenty-five years, Michael Jager, Vermont’s first awarded AIGA Design Fellow, has been creating and collaborating with brands, driven by the idea that design distinction matters most. His groundbreaking work with JDK Design continues with Solidarity of Unbridled Labour, a studio that conceptualizes and realizes ideas that help guide and create culture and positive change within it. Guided by Ezra Pound’s simply but elegantly stated principle, “Make it new,” his collaborative output for a multitude of today’s most recognizable and relevant brands—including Burton Snowboards, Microsoft’s Xbox, Nike, Levi’s, Phish, MTV, Virgin, Lululemon, Yara, Seventh Generation, MasterClass, and Patagonia—is recognized worldwide. Through Solidarity’s own brand-design incubation platform, Michael has helped create unique brands, including Mamava. He is also the cofounder of the Karma Bird House, a creative-economy co-working space now home to more than 60 inspiring entrepreneurial entities.
Co-Founder and CEO, The Alchemist
Panelist on: Businesses Taking Action Against Racism (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Jen Kimmich is co-founder and CEO of the Alchemist Brewery, a certified B Corporation. With her husband John, she founded The Alchemist as a Waterbury brewpub in 2003. Building on the wild success of the pub and their beers, the team began canning Heady Topper in Waterbury in 2011, and opened their Stowe brewery in 2016, where it serves as a model of sustainable water use in brewing. In July, 2020, The Alchemist released their action plan to dismantle systemic racism in their business and community [https://alchemistbeer.com/#inclusivity]
Jen founded and serves as board chair of the Alchemist Foundation, which is a place-based nonprofit focused on expanding economic and educational opportunity for young Vermonters.
Jen is extremely active in public policy and a passionate advocate for working Vermonters and the environment. She has frequently testified in Montpelier and on Capitol Hill. She has served on a wide variety of boards and committees, including VBSR’s Public Policy Committee & Clean Water Advisory Council, Vermont’s Workforce Development Board, the Vermont Council on Rural Development, VPIRG and Main Street Alliance Vermont. She and John live in Stowe with their son Charlie.
Director of Facilities and Environmental Services, King Arthur Baking Company
Panelist on: Strategies and Solutions for Vermont Food Waste to Landfill Ban Compliance (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
James joined King Arthur Baking in 2012. In his role as Director of Facilities and Environmental Services, he leads the facilities team which oversees multiple operations across six locations in the Upper Valley. James is instrumental in our on-campus sustainability initiatives including composting, waste management, recycling, water/waste-water management, and energy management. In 2020, he finalized an agreement for the installation of a 500-kW solar array, which generates 55% of the overall electrical demand for the King Arthur Baking Upper Valley locations.
James lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. A general contractor by trade, in his free time he can be found taking on home repair projects, in addition to gardening and coaching local youth sports teams.
Owner, Founder and CEO, Groennfell Meadery and Havoc Meadery
Presenting: Businesses Leading Public Policy Change (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Kelly Klein is the founder and CEO of Groennfell Meadery and Havoc Mead, a certified B Corp located in St. Albans, Vermont. Kelly has worked since the company’s founding to use the business as a force for good and to create a healthy, supportive environment for their growing team of employees.
Wellness Coordinator, The Alchemist
Presenting: Wake Up To Wellness: A Stretch and Strength Warm-Up for Your Body and Mind (from 7:30 am – 7:50 am)
Molly Lauridsen is the Wellness Coordinator at The Alchemist. Since starting her role in 2016, Molly has developed programs for employees that help them stay healthy, strong, and engaged. Alchemist wellness programs include nutritious food in staff kitchens, fitness and yoga classes on site as well as virtually, and 15-minute mid-shift stretch sessions for canning line and brewers designed to prevent injury and encourage staff camaraderie. Molly also designs incentivized health challenges within the company, continued CPR/AED certifications, and works with a special needs employee on a weekly staff newsletter that covers sports, company news, and health and wellness. Before joining The Alchemist, Molly had deep experience working in fitness centers and one-on-one with individual clients; she is certified as a personal fitness trainer and group exercise instructor. Molly, a NH native, attended college at the University of Colorado at Boulder and has lived in Stowe since 2005. She is an avid runner, mountain biker, skier and lover of all things physical and outdoors. She also has a small jewelry design business on the side, a husband, and a puggle named Bo.
Company Care Manager, Mamava
Presenting: Communicating with Integrity and Empathy, Inside and Out (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Brittany LaValley, Company Care Manager at Mamava, is a multi-faceted professional with broad industry experience ranging from operations to sustainability. She is passionate about creating well-run and well-supported systems that lead to a happy work environment. Her work ethic is paralleled only by her ability to provide levity in most any situation. She considers herself an eternal learn-it-all.
Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Abundant Sun
Presenting: Change for Good: How Harnessing the Power of DEI Can Help Your Business Thrive (10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Caro is an experienced, imaginative and resourceful diversity and inclusion consultant with an established track record of effecting change. With over fifteen years in the sector, she has experience working within a range of organizations offering training, thought leadership, and practical skills in managing equalities, diversity and inclusion issues. As the former Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Herbert Smith Freehills, she created the Firm’s EDI strategy, working with a range of in-house and external practitioners to design, develop and implement it effectively.
Caro is a great communicator, working well with and engaging staff at all levels within an organization. She offers experience of collaborative working on presentations, articles and essays on EDI, enabling organizations to showcase their commitment and expertise both internally, and within their industry sectors and wider afield. She is also a qualified psychotherapist (MSc Counseling and Psychotherapy) specializing in diversity and inclusion issues.
Vice President of Marketing, Mamava
Presenting: Communicating with Integrity and Empathy, Inside and Out (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Nicci Micco is the Vice President of Marketing at Mamava, the women-owned company on a mission to transform the culture of breastfeeding, while supporting and inspiring new moms every step of the way. Nicci spent a large part of her career as health and lifestyle journalist, has a master’s degree in nutrition, and is a yoga teacher. She is passionate about creating content and digital experiences that drive business and empower positive personal and societal change.
Training Coordinator, Child Welfare Training Partnership at the University of Vermont; President, Rutland-Area NAACP
Presenting: Anti-Racist Practices in the Workplace (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Tabitha Moore is a consultant, educator, activist and small business owner. She specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion in systems of government. She is a PhD candidate in the field of Transformative Social Change and spends her free time hiking with her three children and dogs.
Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool
Presenting: Caretaking and The Workday: How to Support Your Employees Who Are Caring for Others (from 9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Holly Morehouse brings 20 years’ experience in positive youth development, community-based decision making, collaboration processes, and leadership to her role as Executive Director of Vermont Afterschool. Dr. Morehouse earned her doctorate from Clark University and her research and publications include work on afterschool programs and school culture change, shared vision models for community-based decision making, and the spatial mapping of indicators for risk and vulnerability. Recipient of the 2017 Con Hogan Award for Creative, Entrepreneurial, Community Leadership, Holly’s work focuses on leadership at multiple levels: supporting community-wide strategic planning efforts; building statewide partnership coalitions working together to strengthen supports for children and youth across Vermont; and developing youth voice initiatives that put young people at the center of decision making.
Advocacy and Movement Building Manager, Seventh Generation
Presenting: Businesses Leading Public Policy Change (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Kate Ogden is the Advocacy and Movement Building Manager at Seventh Generation. She leads the company’s advocacy work through partnership with movement-leading NGOs. Prior to Seventh Generation, Kate spent 12 years at the global environmental organization Greenpeace. Primarily a climate justice activist, Kate has also developed and implemented advocacy campaigns on toxics regulation, deforestation, protecting our oceans, and protecting the right to protest.
U.S. Activism Manager, Ben & Jerry’s
Panelist on: Businesses Taking Action Against Racism (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Jabari Paul is a passionate champion for social justice who leads the US activism work on the Social Mission team at Ben & Jerry’s. He has more than 10 years of professional and volunteer experience working in advocacy, campaigns, and the nonprofit sector. He is also an ordained minister and a graduate of Florida A&M University and Northwestern University.
Prior to his time at Ben & Jerry’s, Paul worked as a program director at 50+1 Strategies, a consulting firm where he led a coalition-building effort to identify and support solutions that help Black, Hispanic, low-income and other underrepresented students succeed in school and beyond. Paul has also been a lobbyist and the political director of the nonprofit Faith in Florida, where he led campaigns to expand Medicaid; include healthy food financing in the state budget; and pass legislation to end predatory, payday lending practices.
Paul has a long track record of providing volunteer leadership to support social justice work. He has held several leadership positions in the NAACP, including serving as a member of its national board of directors from 2005-2009. He has also served on boards and committees of other organizations, including Common Cause Florida, People for the American Way Foundation and the American Heart Association Greater Southeast Affiliate, to name a few.
Paul married Joy Dixon-Paul in 2018. While not at work, he and Joy love international travel and have visited four of the seven continents. As vegans, they also love Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy flavors, especially Chocolate Caramel Cluster.
Co-President and Founder, SunCommon
Presenting: The Climate Crisis – What Your Business Can Do About It (9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Duane and his beloved co-founder James Moore launched SunCommon 9 years ago as a market-solution to climate change. Organized as a Benefit Corporation, certified as a BCorp — SunCommon grew into the Green Mountain State’s largest provider of residential, community and commercial solar power by guiding thousands of Vermonters on their clean energy journey.
Executive Director, Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity
Panelist on: The Future of Vermont: Toward a Regenerative Economy (from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Curtiss Reed, Jr. has spent his life advancing institutional and governmental structures that recognize, value, support, nurture and provide justice for all community members. His journey began as a child in St. Louis fighting Jim Crow racism followed by two decades of social and economic justice work in international arenas. For the past nineteen years his work has focused on Vermont where his 40-year Vermont Vision for a Multicultural Future Initiative begins its eighteenth year in November 2020. He has a reputation of being humble, gracious, compassionate, and skilful in the use of inquiry as a subversive activity. Inclusion and equity have become both the means and the end in his practice of applied social justice. His body of work has produced substantive changes in Vermont law enforcement, education, commerce, and human services delivery as well as state and municipal government use of inclusive and equitable practices in Vermont’s increasingly diverse cultural landscape.
Executive Director, Chittenden Solid Waste District
Panelist on: Strategies and Solutions for Vermont Food Waste to Landfill Ban Compliance (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Sarah Reeves is the Executive Director of the Chittenden Solid Waste District and has served CSWD in this capacity for four years. CSWD is responsible for managing the solid waste generated in Chittenden County, which comprises 25% of the population of the state of Vermont. Prior to coming to VT, Sarah spent 15 years working on behalf of the environment: she managed the Recycling Department for Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, where she oversaw both operations and programming, was the Recycling Coordinator for the Town of Smithfield, RI, and worked for the Sierra Club as an environmental advocate and community organizer. Sarah holds certifications in Recycling Systems Management and Landfill Operations from the Solid Waste Association of North America and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Recycling Council for nine years.
Director of Digital Products, Mamava
Presenting: Communicating with Integrity and Empathy, Inside and Out (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Rebecca Roose leads Mamava’s Digital Products team, focusing on technical infrastructure for IoT products and providing the best, most comprehensive lactation room finder app with all the bells and whistles to support people who breastfeed. Prior to Mamava, Rebecca and her team at MWG developed a mobile platform that powered 58% of U.S. grocery retailers. Rebecca thrives on breaking down complex challenges to deliver creative, effective results with users at the heart. As a result of spending her career in male-dominated fields, she is determined to not let another mom pump breast milk in a bathroom.
Co-founder & CEO, Abundant Sun
Presenting: Change for Good: How Harnessing the Power of DEI Can Help Your Business Thrive (10:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Jude is a highly charismatic, dynamic, and insightful trainer and presenter. Originally from the USA, she has lived and worked internationally across the UK, Europe and the Americas, and currently resides in Vermont, USA.
Jude has worked in the area of diversity, unconscious bias, inclusive leadership and cultural competence for the past 25 years. She has designed numerous programs to help professionals display inclusive behaviors and to understand and respond respectfully to various cultural traditions, behaviors and values.
Her work also emphasizes the responsibility that professionals must understand differences in order that they don’t discriminate and that they treat people fairly or sensitively. The objective is to get the best out of people by understanding them as individuals, within the context of their different visible and non-visible identities.
Jude has been an Adjunct Professor at Marlboro College, Vermont, where she designed an MBA course in Data Analytics, Decision-making and Performance Management. Previously she has also been an Adjunct Professor in Cross-Cultural Psychology, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, and Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey.
Working globally, Jude introduces best practice from the private and public sectors of many territories ensuring clients receive leading-edge learning solutions. Jude holds a BA in Psychology and a PhD in Business. She is also the author of many articles including her own recent book “Dismantling Diversity Management: Introducing an Ethical Performance Improvement Campaign.” Jude was also a regular commentator on Vermont Public Radio delivering several powerful and insightful commentaries on contemporary issues.
General Manager, Burlington Electric Department
Presenting: The Climate Crisis – What Your Business Can Do About It (9:15 am – 10:30 am)
Darren Springer was appointed and confirmed as General Manager in October 2018. Formerly, Darren served as Burlington Electric Department’s Chief Operating Officer and led the Center for Innovation team which includes the Policy & Planning, Finance, Information Technology and Energy Services divisions. Prior to joining BED, Darren served as Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Peter Shumlin, Deputy Commissioner at the Vermont Public Service Department, and as a Senior Policy Advisor and Chief Counsel for U.S. Senator Bernard Sanders.
Partner, CQ Strategies
Presenting: Businesses Taking Action Against Racism (from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
Paul (he/him/his) is a Partner with CQ Strategies, a Vermont-based consultancy that helps organizations become more culturally proficient and equity literate through education, resources, and on-going support. In addition to his work with CQ, Paul also serves as Senior Advisor for Strategic Diversity, Assessment, and Research in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Vermont.
Equity Consultant, Race Equity & Environment
Moderating: The Intersection of Racial Justice and Climate Action: A Discussion with the Vermont Federal Delegation (from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Sarika is an equity strategist and racial justice advocate. She consults, teaches, writes, researches, and collaborates at the intersection of race, equity, and environmental issues. Sarika is deeply committed to working within the environmental movement to address issues of racial and environmental injustice and to support the inherent power, brilliance, and well-being of communities of color.