WEOC featured remarks from stand-up comedian Tina Friml, Rep. Becca Balint, and Sen. Peter Welch, followed by interactive skills-building workshops 

RANDOLPH, VT – Saturday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted the annual Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, which included interactive workshops on growing economic opportunity, cultivating new audiences, and improving skills. The conference, held in Randolph, opened with remarks from Vermont-born stand-up comedian Tina Friml, Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) and Senator Welch.

The Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference was created by Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle and has been a Vermont tradition for decades. Senator Welch and his wife Margaret Cheney are pleased to continue this tradition of bringing Vermonters together to learn, network, and build economic opportunity for women in Vermont and across the country. This event was held in partnership with the Vermont Women’s Fund and the Vermont Community Foundation.   

“Women-led businesses and initiatives are crucial to Vermont’s economy and communities, generating billions of dollars and providing good jobs in our state. There is tremendous opportunity for the women of Vermont to play a greater role in our state, and it’s crucial we tap into that potential. It’s an honor to continue the tradition of the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, championed for over two decades by Senator Leahy, and help connect Vermonters to career, networking, and economic opportunities,” said Senator Welch.   

Interactive Workshops at WEOC included: Building power skills for life, business and success; Managing bookkeeping and business finances; Cultivating new audiences; Improving digital marketing skills; Finding power with power tools; Leveling up on time and money management; Creating business resiliency plans; Implementing easy marketing plans; Negotiating fees and salaries; Fostering financial independence and resilience; Creating peer support groups and mentorships; Writing targeted resumes; and Starting a business. See the full list here.  

Workshop leaders included: Ashley L. Arnold, Kaela Coble, Sara Munro, Nancy Shuttleworth, Andrea E. Bacchi, Missy Mackin, Tammy Ellis, Claire Wheeler, Gwen Pokalo Hart, Debra Boudrieau, Brittany Winfield, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Liz Scharf, Rosie Manning Gray, Dorien Morin van Dam, Lisa Danforth, Sue Schlom, Dr. Kylie King, Anne-Lena LaFountain, and Kayla Chabot. See detailed workshop descriptions here.    

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