WEOC featured keynote remarks from best-selling author Mirna Valerio and Senator Welch, followed by interactive skills-building workshops 

RANDOLPH, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted the 2025 Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, which included interactive workshops on growing economic opportunity, cultivating new audiences, and improving skills. The conference opened with remarks from author and athlete Mirna Valerio and Senator Welch and was held at Vermont State University in Randolph. 

“What makes WEOC so inspiring is that it’s not just about following professional aspirations–it’s also about building community. Women-led businesses and initiatives are at the heart of Vermont’s economy and communities, which is why we must do everything in our power to expand opportunities for them. Margaret and I are honored to continue the tradition of the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, which plays such a vital role in giving Vermonters the tools they need to achieve their goals and aspirations,” said Senator Welch.   

View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website: 

The Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference was created by Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle and has been a Vermont tradition for decades. Senator Welch and his wife, Margaret Cheney, are pleased to continue this tradition of bringing Vermonters together to learn, network, and build economic opportunity for Vermonters. The event was held in partnership with the Vermont Women’s Fund and the Vermont Community Foundation.   

Interactive workshops included: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing; Everyday Philanthropy; Benefits of a Custom ChatGPT; Building Resilience in Changing Markets; Financial Foundations for Women in Business; Start-Up Business Advice; Debt, Credit, and Financial Literacy; Power Tools; Grants and Alternative Funding Guidance; Values Bridge Assessment Tool; Building and Refining Pricing Models; and Thriving in the AI-Powered Digital Landscape. Learn more and read the full list here. 

Workshop leaders included: Julie Kelley; Mimi Damm; Kathleen Burns Kingsbury; Emily Bush; Dorien Morin-van Dam; Mary Capparuccini; Brittany LeClair; Anastasia Surmava; Sarah Kearns; Kate Kauffman; Sue Schlabach; Susan Palmer; Alicia Martin; Daphnee Cardella; Danielle Desir Corbett; Sue Schlom; Gwen Pokalo Hart; Tamie-Jo Dickinson; and Emmy Hilliard. 

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