Launched at the end of 2020, Catalyst Leadership was created to develop and support a new generation of policy makers from the most impacted communities across New Hampshire and Vermont, who are committed to a bold agenda for economic, racial and climate justice.
This year, participants will be joining us at the Netroots Nation Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA from August 18-20.
Our cohort includes an intersection of womyn from all walks of life who are interested in becoming leaders in their communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities.
Clockwise: Michelle Bos-Lun (She/Her), Dana Decker (She/Her), Shanda Williams (She/Her), Alex Hilliard (They/Them), Esther Charlestin (She/Her).
Michelle Bos-Lun (She/Her)
I am a mother, grandmother, teacher, youth program director and state representative.
What are you most excited about for the conference?
I am excited to meet progressive leaders from around Vermont and around the US and attend interesting workshops.
Dana Decker (She/Her)
Vermont educator for 20-plus years. Mother of three, advocate for racial equity and dedicated to our youth and our community.
What are you most excited about for the conference?
I am most excited to connect with others and strategize on how to make our communities a better place for all. I hope to get inspired so that I can continue this much-needed work in our state.
Shanda Williams (She/Her)
I am currently building accessible programs to help educate women and BIPOC families about Financial Wellness and helping people to learn about resilience.
What are you most excited about for the conference?
I am excited to learn more about building grassroots systems and taking back my power while passing on knowledge and the gift of hope to others.
Alex Hilliard (They/Them)
I am a personal trainer operating a boutique personal training studio, VT AthletaFit, which guides clients on how to optimize work-life balance.
What are you most excited about for the conference?
The conference is a great opportunity to learn to leverage my peers’ experiences as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to impact our community and drive change.
Esther Charlestin (She/Her)
First-generation Haitian-American born to immigrant parents. I’ve decided to serve my community as an elected board member while working for our public school.
What are you most excited about for the conference?
I am most excited about learning and meeting like-minded people who have a mission to make this world better.