Present

Wednesday, May 14 2025

Join Berkshire 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 4th 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 hosts, and Berkshire Bank

●      1:00pm - 1:20pm: Keynote by Deborah Larkin

●      1:20pm - 1:45pm: Awards presented

●      2:00pm - 2:30pm: Conclusion and continued networking

 

Lunch Provided by:

Lunch options served family-style

STARTER

Quinoa & arugula salad with red onion, grape tomato, lemon oil

MAIN

  • Tomato & basil with fresh mozzarella on herbed focaccia

  • Turkey & brie wrap with cranberry mayo on spinach tortilla

  • Hot ham & cheddar panini with red pepper aioli

DESSERT

Fresh fruit tarts

Gluten-free brownies

 

2025 Keynote: Deborah Larkin

Trailblazing Advocate for Title IX and Women's Rights

Deborah Larkin is a distinguished advocate for women's rights, renowned for her unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity in sports, education, and leadership. With over 35 years of executive experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and governmental sectors, Deborah has been a transformative force in promoting civil rights and opportunities for women and girls nationwide.

As the former Executive Director and CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF), Deborah's leadership was pivotal in championing initiatives that have left an indelible mark on women's sports. Notably, she played a crucial role in establishing National Girls and Women in Sports Day in 1987, a celebration that continues to honor female athletes and advocate for gender equality in sports. Her tenure also saw the launch of the Sports 4 Life program in 2014, aimed at increasing sports participation among African-American and Hispanic girls, and the groundbreaking 2016 research report, "Beyond X’s and O’s: Understanding Workplace Gender Bias Among Intercollegiate Women Coaches," which shed light on the challenges faced by female coaches in collegiate sports. ​

Deborah's dedication extends beyond the realm of sports. As a longstanding board member of the National Women's Law Center (NWLC), she was instrumental in creating the MARGARET Fund (May All Resolve, Girls Achieve Real Equity Today), a nonprofit effort that develops and supports programs promoting education about and compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Her advocacy contributed to landmark Supreme Court victories, including Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education and Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, reinforcing protections against discrimination and harassment in educational settings. ​

In recognition of her profound impact, Deborah was honored with the Distinguished Woman of New York award in 2012, acknowledging her significant contributions to civil rights and women's leadership. Her expertise has been sought after on national platforms, leading her to testify before Congress and appear on major media outlets such as NPR, CBS, ABC, USA Today, The New York Times, and ESPN, where she has addressed issues pertaining to Title IX and women's sports.

Beyond her national endeavors, Deborah remains deeply engaged in her local community in Bennington, Vermont. She co-founded the Bennington Sports Foundation, coaches the Mount Anthony High School varsity tennis team, and serves on the Executive Committee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Her commitment to service is further exemplified through her roles on the Board of the Bennington Museum and her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels.​

Her life's work continues to inspire and empower women and girls to strive for equity, excellence, and leadership in all facets of life.

 

Nominate a Woman Leader!

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! Purchase a ticket to see who receives which 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)

Presented to a woman in 2025 for her outstanding leadership and service to her organization, community and career.

Past Recipients:

  • Susan Plaisance (2022)

  • Lani DePonte-Disorda (2023)

  • Kate Bryan (2024)

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)

Learn who will receive these awards at the May 14 Luncheon!

 

Thank you 2025 additional supporters and sponsors

These businesses and organizations support women in leadership roles, so you should support them!