Present
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Join the newly rebranded Beacon Bank, in partnership with the Southwestern Vermont Chamber, for a rich and candid lunch with conversations on careers and leadership as we learn how successful women advanced and built their careers with confidence. Find out what inspires them, the challenges they faced along the way, and how they have played a big role in their businesses, organizations and communities.
The 5th Annual Southwestern Vermont Women In Leadership Luncheon celebrates and encourages the many women leaders in the Southwestern Vermont region, while creating connections, partnerships, and friendships with those in attendance.
Location
Hildene’s Lincoln Hall
1005 Hildene Road
Manchester, Vermont 05254
Schedule of Events
● 12:00pm - 12:30pm: Arrival and networking
● 12:30pm - 1:00pm: Lunch served and Welcome
○ Welcome from the SWVT Chamber, our venue host Hildene, and presenting sponsor Beacon Bank
● 1:00pm - 1:20pm: Co-Keynote by Emily Bush, Director of the Vermont Women’s Fund and Rhoni Basden, Director of Vermont Works for Women
● 1:20pm - 1:45pm: Awards presented
● 2:00pm - 2:30pm: Conclusion and continued networking
Lunch Provided by:
Menu options are served family-style at your table
LUNCH:
Quinoa & Arugula Salad
Caprese - Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, blasamic glaze, olive oil on baguette (vegetarian)
Southwestern Chicken Wrap - Chipotle aoili, black beans, cheddar, romaine on tortilla
Smoked Ham & Swiss - Stone ground mustard, tomato, greens on whole-grain croissant
DESSERT:
Cannoli (V)
Double Chocolate Brownies (GF, DF)
COFFEE | TEA | LEMONADE | ICED TEA
2026 kEYNOTes
Emily Bush - Vermont Women’s Fund
Emily Bush is the Director of the Vermont Women’s Fund, whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, philanthropy, and opportunity for women and girls across Vermont. Since 1994, the Vermont Women’s Fund — a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation — has served as the state’s largest philanthropic resource dedicated exclusively to women and girls, awarding more than $5 million in grants to support economic mobility, equity, and long-term advancement. Bush brings nearly twenty years of experience in development and mission-driven leadership, including work with The Clinton Foundation, Girls Who Code, AI4All, and Moms First.
Rhoni Basden - Vermont Works for Women
Rhoni Basden joined Vermont Works for Women as Executive Director in 2019, bringing extensive leadership experience in advancing social and economic opportunities for underserved populations. Prior to this role, she served for eight years as Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Tennessee Valley, where she led significant regional expansion efforts across East Tennessee. Earlier in her career, Rhoni worked in Seattle supporting Early Head Start program expansion initiatives. She holds a degree in Sociology, Law and Society from the University of San Francisco. Rhoni resides in Monkton, Vermont, with her husband and their two sons.
AWARD NOMINATIONS
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - JOIN US at the luncheon TO find out this year’s recipients!
YOUNG WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to a young woman between the ages of 21 and 40 for outstanding leadership and service and is seen by her peers as a woman on the rise.
Past Recipients:
Kaiya Kirk (2022)
Val Harrington (2023)
Andie Fusco (2024)
Sarah Al Janabi (2025)
WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented to a woman in 2026 for her outstanding leadership and service to her organization, community and career.
Past Recipients:
Susan Plaisance (2022)
Lani DePonte-Disorda (2023)
Kate Bryan (2024)
Erin Kaufman (2025)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented to a woman who, throughout her lifetime, has made outstanding business/nonprofit leadership contributions to her community, while inspiring other women through mentorship and support.
Past Recipients:
Carolyn Blitz (2022)
Lana Hauben (2023)
Sheela Harden (2024)
Janice Corey (2025)
Thank you 2026 additional supporters and sponsors
These businesses and organizations support women in leadership roles, so you should support them!
