Poultney, VT

For a complete event program with schedule, speaker bios, and alumni panelists, please click here.  For parking directions on campus, please click here.

This event will bring together students, faculty, GMC alumni, and employers to explore the challenges and opportunities of doing meaningful work while earning a living.

College students and recent graduates today want to engage in meaningful work that will bring about positive change in the world.  At the same time, financial pressures lead many to question whether it is possible to follow their passions and still earn a decent enough living. This conference will explore the challenges and opportunities of doing both.  Join us for an inspiring series of TED-style talks from mission-driven entrepreneurs and leaders of change in business, government, and education.  Engage with these and other leaders in stimulating discussions and meet with them informally.  Come make new personal and professional connections and discover how you can make a difference AND make a living.

Schedule:

2:30 – 3:00          Registration/check-in

3:00 – 4:45          Six 12-minute TED-style talks from inspiring speakers, describing their personal paths to “making a difference while making a living.”

• Emcee: Dusty Rood ’00, GMC Alumnus, President, Rodgers Consulting, Inc.

Speakers:

• Mary Powell, CEO, Green Mountain Power*
• Harry L. Chen, M.D., Commissioner of Health, VT Agency of Human Services
• Ted Castle, CEO, Rhino Foods*
• Joe Bossen ’08, Founder, Vermont Bean Crafters, 2014 VT Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Rebecca Haslam, 1^st grade teacher, 2015 VT Teacher of the Year
• Allison Hooper, Co-founder, Vermont Creamery*

5:00 – 6:15          Breakout sessions with GMC alumni panels and discussions.  Each session will focus on a different work sector:  1) Business and entrepreneurship, 2) Natural resources, environmental services, and sustainable agriculture, 3) Government, healthcare, and social services, 4) Education and the arts.  Topics:

i.    How to bring about positive change from within an organization

ii.    Getting established in your purpose-driven career

iii.    How to stay true to your values while earning a paycheck

6:15 – 7:30          Informal networking with tasty appetizers and drinks

*These companies are all certified B Corporations and members of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR)