Speakers | VBSR Conference

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Ferene Paris (she/her)

Storyteller Ferene Paris, this year’s keynote speaker, is the founder of All Heart Inspirations where she creates heart-centered spaces through live performance, interactive workshops, and community engagements. Known for living out loud as a Black Haitian femme, she embodies courageous truth telling and vulnerable vibes as an artist.

Aspiring to make a collective difference within her local Vermont community and beyond – one story at a time – Ferene has manifested over 100 storytelling offerings. Highlights include opening up for activist/author Dr. Angela Davis and musician/actress Angélique Kidjo, heartfelt keynotes, storytelling workshops, artist residencies, and guest appearances on a variety of Vermont Public programs such as Brave Little State, Stuck in Vermont, Homegoings, and Vermont Edition.

Ferene's feature on Vermont Public’s Homegoings was nominated for an Emmy in the Best Interview/Discussion category. She believes we all have stories worthy of sharing and will be asking attendees “What's yours?!”

Meet Our Speakers

Stacia Betley (she/her)

Director of Sustainability and Social Impact, Mega Food

Stacia began her sustainability journey at the University of Vermont before starting her career in the outdoor apparel industry. She used a Green MBA from the University of Oregon to pivot to the food industry and spent four years at Amy’s Kitchen, a California-based vegetarian and organic food pioneer. She was named one of the most promising young sustainability professionals as part of Greenbiz's 30 under 30 cohort, and now leads sustainability and social impact at MegaFood, a B Corp and 1% for the Planet certified vitamin company based in New England.

Kathryn Blume (she/her)

Managing Director, Hyperbaric Vermont

Kathryn Blume is a saucy champion of climate communications. A gifted and inspiring public speaker, she's published a collection of essays and speeches called "Dancing to the Beat of the Great Green Heart," and contributed to the books “Greening Vermont: The Search of a Sustainable State,” ”Beautiful Trouble," "MoveOn.org's 50 Ways To Love Your Country," "Code Pink's Stop the Next War Now," "Outcry - American Voices of Conscience Post 9/11," and "365 Ways to Change the World." She has had essays and articles published in the Burlington Free Press, Seven Days, Yes Magazine, and numerous blogs and websites and served as a commentator on Vermont Public Radio.
Kathryn co-founded the award-winning community climate and sustainability game Vermontivate and the Lysistrata Project - the first worldwide theatrical event for peace. She founded Earth on the Air, a nationally-syndicated environmental and social justice radio program, co-founded New Paradigms Personal Coaching Services, and has worked for organizations such as the Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, and Forest Watch.
Kathryn has served on the boards of 350Vermont (Board Chair 2012-2016), The Willowell Foundation, Lewis Creek Association, Vermont Alliance of Conservation Voters, and Transition Town Charlotte.
She received her BA from Yale with a self-designed degree in environmental studies and theater and is currently pursuing her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vermont State University. As a wedding officiant, she’s performed over 400 ceremonies, and has taught yoga, stress-reduction, public speaking, positive-visioning, and Green Up Your Life workshops in venues across the country.

Ken Davids (he/him)
COO of OnLogic

With a diverse background in international operations & technology, Ken joined OnLogic in 2015 as the VP of Operations. In his current role he leverages his expertise to drive innovation throughout the organization in the development of the company's cutting-edge industrial computing solutions. With a passion and focus on global operational effectiveness and efficiencies, Ken is committed to the success and development of the OnLogic team, and empowering them to assist customers in overcoming their most complex technology challenges.

Adam Davidson (He/Him)

CEO, Masterful Storytelling, Inc.

Adam Davidson was a staff writer atThe New Yorker, where he wroteThe Financial Pagecolumn and contributes larger features and web stories.He was the “On Money” columnist and a contributing writer for the New YorkTimes Magazine.Heco-founded and co-hosted National Public Radio’s “Planet Money,” after serving as the international business and economics correspondent for NPR.He has been a frequent contributor to “This American Life,” including co-reporting the episode “The Giant Pool of Money,” which received thePeabody,DuPont-Columbia, andPolkAwards, and was named one of the top works of journalism of the decade by New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.His work has appeared inThe Atlantic,Harper’s,GQ,Rolling Stone, and other publications. He has served as a technical consultant in hollywood, including to Adam McKay, co-writer and director of the Academy Award-winning film “The Big Short.”His 2020 book, The Passion Economy, has been praised: “Adam Davidson is a master storyteller. . . An engaging mix of Michael Lewis-style reporting and a Shark Tank-like focus on how to succeed in business, [The Passion Economyis] an upbeat spin on what’s ahead for us in the new, gig-and-hustle environment.”—Deanna Isaacs,Chicago ReaderHe is one of the admins of the Mastodon server:https://journa.host/

Dr. Lindsey Godwin (she/her)

Stiller Endowed Chair of Management & Academic Director, Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry

A professor, practitioner, and possibilitizer, Dr. Lindsey Godwin has a passion for helping individuals and organizations leverage their potential through strength-based change. She has a master’s degree in conflict resolution from the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, and a PhD in Organizational Behavior from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, where she studied with the founding thought leaders in Appreciative Inquiry. She holds the Robert P. Stiller Endowed Chair of Management in the Stiller School of Business at Champlain College, where she serves as the Academic Director of the Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry. A sought-after international speaker, consultant, and facilitator, Lindsey has worked with individuals and organizations across the globe. Her article on “Earthshot OD” was recently named one of the most impactful articles of all time for the field of Organization Development and her newest book “How Do You Love a Question?” invites learners of all ages to embrace their curious spirit. Learn more about Lindsey’s work at lindseygodwin.com

Kate Harvey (she/her)

Founder and CEO of BirdieBlue

Proud geriatric millennial and Blue Bird Day Adventure Chaser, Kate Harvey is the founder and CEO of BirdieBlue. Founded in Vermont, BirdieBlue is outdoor adventure brand on a mission to save as many clothes from the landfill as possible by upcycling old, discarded ski and snowboard gear into personality filled accessories…think fanny packs, sling bags, and carry all tote bags. All of Birdie’s bags are handmade from upcycled and recycled materials right here in the USA. When Kate isn’t working with her team to save old clothes from the landfill or designing new bags, you can find her on her on her skis or bike chasing her husband, two kids, and two dogs around the Green Mountains.

Zoraya Hightower (she/her)

US Managing Director, Nature for Justice

As an operations, policy, and management professional, Zoraya has worked on environmental and social justice issues across the globe and in her local communities for over ten years. Her experience covers diverse issues and geographies from renewable energy finance in Kosovo and water access in Tanzania to fishery sustainability in the Philippines. In addition to her technical expertise, she supports knowledge and change management initiatives across a variety of organizations. Zoraya works as the US Managing Director for Nature for Justice and as an equity consultant with The Creative Discourse Group. She recently retired from the Burlington Vermont City Council after winning a seat as the first woman of color elected in 2020. She serves on Vermont’s Racial Equity Advisory Board, Environmental Justice Advisory Council as well as the Vermont Environmental Justice Network Steering Committee. Her experience is augmented by a master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Environment and bachelors’ degrees in Economics and Environmental Policy from the University of Tulsa.

Jeffrey Hollender (he/him)
Adjunct Professor, New York University

Hollender is an adjunct professor and an executive in residence at New York University’s Stern Business School, specializing in corporate responsibility, sustainability, strategy, and consumer products.

Hollender is a former Director of the Social Venture Network, a group of socially conscious business executives, as well as a former Director of Verite, a workers rights group, and Healthcare without Harm. He co-founded and was a Director of Community Capital Bank, a New York financial institution that invests in affordable housing and community development. He also served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Hollender was also a member of the Kimberly-Clark Sustainability Advisory Board.

Hollender also co-founded and was the CEO of the American Sustainable Business Network, a progressive alternative to the Chamber of Commerce that currently has over 200,000 business members. Hollender also served on the Board of Directors of Greenpeace US and currently serves on Morgan Stanley’s Sustainability Advisory Board.

Hollender has consulted with some of the nation’s largest businesses — including: Wal-Mart, Nike, Microsoft, and Kimberly Clark — in their efforts to become more sustainable and responsible companies. In 1989, Hollender co-founded Seventh Generation with Alan Newman and in 2010, after over two decades as CEO, he departed from Seventh Generation.

He frequently addresses social and environmental responsibility at regional, national, and international venues. Speaking engagements have included such varied groups as the Harvard Environmental Forum, the National Press Club, Nike Apparel Group, SCJohnson, Microsoft, and Businesses for Social Responsibility.

Crystal L'Hôte (she/her)

Chair and Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Saint Michael’s College

Crystal is a champion of higher education who enjoys bringing big ideas into small spaces. She is a faculty leader at Saint Michael’s College, where she teaches courses in the philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, environmental philosophy, and neuro-ethics. Her research has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mind and Life Institute, and the Center for Neuroscience and Society. Currently, she’s finishing up a writing project on the limits of soft posthumanism.

Hilary Melton (she/her)

Executive Director of Pathways Vermont

Hilary has 20 plus years of experience in managing non-profit programs. She is the founding Executive Director of Pathways Vermont which is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness and providing innovative mental health services to Vermonters.

Christopher Miller (he/him)

Global Social Mission Director, Ben & Jerry’s

Christopher Miller is Global Social Mission Director at Ben & Jerry’s, which has a long history of running campaigns on issues as diverse as support for mandatory GMO labeling, marriage equality, money in politics, and climate change.

His partner-led approach to activism has led to working with some of the most important activists of our time, including Dr. Reverend William Barber, Bill McKibben, Desmond Meade, Heather McGhee, and Rashad Robinson.

Before joining Ben & Jerry’s, Chris led the sustainability work at Seventh Generation, the leader in natural non-toxic household and personal care products. In addition to his for-profit experience, Chris directed Greenpeace USA’s national climate change campaign and served on the staff of then-Congressman Bernie Sanders.

Robert Miller (he/him)
President and Chief Operating Officer for New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU)

NEFCU, a member-owned and not-for-profit financial institution, serves more than 160,000 members with assets exceeding $3 billion. Rob played a key role in NEFCU’s successful merger with VSECU on January 1, 2023, where he previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2014.

Rob graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. His career in financial services began with Citibank in New York and Chicago. Returning to Vermont, he worked for the Vermont Department of Economic Development as a state employee and public servant and served as Commissioner for 3 years. Prior to joining VSECU, Rob held executive roles in the institutional investment management industry with Dwight Asset Management (now Goldman Sachs) and Conning.

Rob actively serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations including Union Mutual Insurance Company, Energy Action Network, Vermont Council on Rural Development, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.

Rob completed the Vermont Leadership Institute, a program offered by the Snelling Center for Government. He holds a Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation through the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES).

Kate Ogden

Head of Advocacy and Movement Building, Seventh Generation

As Head of Advocacy and Movement Building at Seventh Generation, Ogden leads the company’s advocacy work in the US and globally through partnership with movement-leading NGOs. She leads Seventh Generation’s engagement in organizing spaces dedicated to the business community’s advocacy for climate justice, democracy, reproductive freedom, and other issues.

Prior to Seventh Generation, Ogden spent 12 years at the global environmental organization Greenpeace, most recently as Deputy Director of the Grassroots Department. She is passionate about climate and energy justice, but has also developed and implemented advocacy campaigns on toxics regulation, deforestation, protecting our oceans, and protecting the right to protest.

Ogden lives in Richmond, VT, with her husband, John, and two elementary school-aged children. She graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and South Asian Studies.

Libby Parent

President of Vermont’s Original Bag Balm

Libby Parent is the President of Vermont’s Original Bag Balm, a 125-year-old, heritage Vermont brand. A ninth generation Vermonter raised in an entrepreneurial family, Libby is proud to be a part of Vermont’s small business community, and passionate about contributing to sustainable business growth in the Green Mountain State.

Libby started her career in Brand Marketing for Champion Athleticwear, managing national advertising campaign development. She then returned to Vermont where she spent over five years at Keurig Green Mountain (now Keurig Dr. Pepper). Libby held various roles in her tenure, including Global Innovation, Sales Strategy and Brand Management for two purpose driven coffee brands – Newman’s Own Organics and Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man Coffee. Prior to Bag Balm, Libby was the Director of Marketing for Vermont Smoke & Cure.

Libby holds a BS in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University and an MA in Global Marketing from Emerson College.

Gwen Pokalo Hart (she/her)

Director of the Vermont Women’s Business Center at the Center for Women & Enterprise

Gwen is the Director of the Vermont Women’s Business Center at the Center for Women & Enterprise since 2018. She believes that there is an innate entrepreneurial spirit in everybody and that it is possible to build an economy that allows all people to flourish. After years working in economic development and as a business owner, she is impassioned by alternative growth models. She has a pet passion for sustainable textiles and fashion, and currently working on designing a walking tour of women-owned businesses in Burlington. Living in Winooski with her toddler son and husband, she is learning how to embrace this new identity.

Chad Simmons (he/him)

Policy & Engagement Specialist for the Vermont Housing Finance Agency

Chad serves as the Policy & Engagement Specialist for the Vermont Housing Finance Agency where he carries out the housing policy and public engagement priorities of the Agency. Since joining VHFA in 2021, Chad leads the agency’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts and builds relationships with other housing and community partners. Prior to VHFA, Chad spent 15 years as a community organizer and advocate in Windham County working on numerous, but inter-connected issues ranging from early childhood, environmental justice, and community health. Chad lives in Montpelier with his partner Carrie and daughter Ember.

Lindsay Simpson (she/her)

Director of Well-being, The Richards Group

Lindsay is an all-around wellness champion - at the individual and system levels. She is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of wellness initiatives for both The Richards Group clients and for internal staff. She values working from a research-based, holistic perspective; respecting that every group and every individual has unique strengths and passions that interact with family, workplace and community cultures. To this role, Lindsay brings over ten years of public service experience in Vermont school wellness. She is a lifelong learner, having recently earned Wellcoaches certification, plus completed training from WELCOA, Wellness Culture Coaching, and Co-Active Training Institute. She is proud to be certified in Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Behavioral Health. Lindsay has an M.P.H. from UNC Chapel Hill with a focus on leadership and program planning and an B.A. from Middlebury College in neuroscience. Lindsay serves as a board member and coach for Girls on the Run Vermont. In her free time, she can be found running the hills of Vermont with two- and four-legged friends. Learn more about our approach to employee wellness here.

Emiliano Void (he/him)

Founder and CEO of nuwave Equity Corporation

Emiliano Void is the founder and CEO of nuwave Equity Corporation, a DEI technology and consulting firm. He is responsible for the coordination, development, and implementation of systemic solutions that address systemic issues. The approach that Emiliano and the nuwave team leverages has lead to transformational impact in communities, global organizations, as well as entire industries. From the creation of mentorship programs for Black youth, to producing the flagship event for Black History Month for the state of Vermont, to founding a national non profit to tackle systemic racism, his efforts have been recognized through the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility's 2022 Young Changemaker Award as well as the Small Business Administration's Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2024.

Weiwei Wang (she/her)

Co-Executive Director, Community and Policy / Co-Founder, VT PoC

Weiwei Wang is co-Executive Director of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC). Founded in 2019, VT PoC is dedicated to advancing the prosperity of all professionals of color throughout Vermont by "building from within". In both her personal and professional life, Weiwei brings a passion for community connection and development, and redefining accessibility for historically excluded communities, through changing systems of oppression. Learn more about VT PoC at www.vtpoc.net or @vtpoc_network on social media platforms.

Claire Wheeler (she/her)

Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Mercy Connections

Claire Wheeler is the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Mercy Connections, where she teaches classes and designs programs that create access to self-employment and business ownership for Vermonters who are traditionally locked out of the business world. Before joining Mercy Connections, Claire ran a consulting RE:WORK LLC, for 7 years, working with clients to facilitate group process, develop business and strategic plans, and deliver custom business solutions. She earned her MBA from Marlboro College and serves on the Board of Directors for the Haymarket People's Fund. She finds power in prose & splendor in spreadsheets.

Claire Zhu (she/her)

CEO & Co-founder of Hootie Hoo

Claire brings 20 years of expertise in the garment and outdoor industry. With a background encompassing technical product design & development, merchandising, vendor management, and sourcing, she's well-versed in every aspect of the business. In early 2021, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey and founded Hootie Hoo with a vision to inspire children to embrace the great outdoors by offering high-quality, sustainably made technical apparel. Hootie Hoo's products are now available on their website www.hootiehoo.com as well as through leading outdoor retailers like REI and EVO.