Episode 11-Being Jane

In our final episode of 2016, we talk with Alyssa Johnson-Kurts, an energized young activist who took three semesters off from Smith College to work on Zephyr Teachout's gubernatorial bid in New York. Alyssa is also well known for the "interruption" she staged at the Paris climate summit where she confronted Governor Peter Shumlin about the Vermont Gas pipeline during his remarks. If you were looking for something inspiring, this is it!

There are many kind and generous people taking care of Vermont's elderly across our state. In this episode, meet Elizabeth Wathugi, an LNA who cares for elderly patients in a memory care facility in Shelburne. Liz moved to Vermont from Kenya and discusses the differences she sees across cultures in how we view aging. In 2012, Liz cared for Tiff's father and shares with us her spiritual and gentle approach to caregiving.

Meet Brenda Brown, Vermont Low-Income Advocate who sued the City of Barre in 2012 for shutting off the water in her rental unit for two months when her landlord failed to pay the water bill. With the help of Vermont Legal Aid, Brenda successfully helped pass a law ensuring no one in Vermont ever endured the hardship she endured of living without water. Later, in 2015 Brenda helped pass a law regulating Vermont's "rent-to-own" industry as a member of Governor Shumlin's Pathways From Poverty Council. In this episode, Brenda discusses the importance of fighting for what is right.

The Sisters of Mercy have been leaders on many social justice issues throughout the world, and in Vermont. Sr. Janice Ryan has been a leader and mentor throughout her career having been the President of Trinity College, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Corrections, a staff member for Senator Jeffords, and a leader in landmine disarmament around the world. In this episode, Sr. Janice shares her story of her calling to the order of the Sisters of Mercy and her vibrant career in social justice.

Meet "Darin'Erin," Vermont's first woman sports news director for Local Fox 44 and ABC 22. In this episode, Erin Cofiell discusses what it's like being a woman reporting sports in a male dominated field. She shares her experience being in the public eye, her response to harsh criticism, and the importance of being confident.

Ever wonder how Burlington's waterfront came to be? In this episode, we hear from Melinda Moulton, CEO of Main Street Landing Company about her pioneering work with partner Lisa Steele to move the waterfront from vision to reality. In "Breaking Ground," Melinda discusses her history with homesteading, breaking through glass ceilings in the development field, and her new ventures writing about autism inspired by her grandson.

In this episode, our guest discusses her brave public transition from Dave Hallquist to Christine Hallquist as the leader of one of Vermont's largest utilities. Christine shares her story of her transition, how she's a different leader, her new take on gender bias, and the importance of living an authentic life.

In our first episode in partnership with Vermont Public Radio, Jane Lindholm, host of the popular program Vermont Edition discusses her career in radio, her passion for travel, and being a parent. Learn more about this person who is in our homes every day through her popular radio program and what it is like "Being Jane."