Vermont is hard to define. On the surface, the state is known for fall foliage, skiing, Phish, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Vermont is also progressive, creative, environmentally friendly, and community-minded.

 

But we have our challenges, too. Vermont is home to a significantly aging population. There are more retirements than high school graduations, a disparity only set to widen. Vermont also remains one of the whitest states in the country. "Vermont's population is one of the oldest in the country and one of the least diverse. This presents unique challenges regarding workforce development and community integration," says Tino Rutanhira, Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT Poc).

 

Vermont Professionals of Color

 

As the state’s largest city, Greater Burlington does look a little different, with many of the state’s New American communities settling here, but work still needs to be done. VT PoC continues to spearhead initiatives to transform the state's demographic landscape by promoting inclusion and bringing vibrant new perspectives to the region. Still, Rutanhira says the solution isn't just to attract people from other states but to ensure that they stay and make Vermont their permanent home. By increasing diversity, particularly among the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community, there is an opportunity to rejuvenate Vermont's socio-economic fabric.

 

One way to accomplish that is through VT PoC's Newcomer Nexus Program, a unique initiative designed to recruit and retain professionals of color.  "It's not enough to bring talented individuals to Vermont. We need to ensure they feel welcomed, valued, and integrated into the community," Rutanhira says. "This program goes beyond standard recruitment processes. We provide ongoing support to newcomers and help them navigate Vermont's cultural and social nuances.”

 

A group skiing in Vermont

 

When professionals of color move to Vermont, for example, VT PoC provides them with a community ambassador. The ambassadors offer a vital local connection, assisting with everything from finding cultural resources to helping negotiate Vermont's harsh winters.  The program also assists newcomers with day-to-day challenges, such as finding winter tires or connecting with local religious communities.  "We've seen cases where individuals move here and struggle with isolation. Our program ensures they have a support network from day one," Rutanhira explains. "The level of personalized support is crucial for making newcomers feel at home. Employers are focused on 9-5, but an individual's sense of belonging is really impacted by what happens between 5pm and 9pm - this is where this isolation really kicks in!" 

 

Even so, the success of such programs doesn't just depend on the efforts of VT PoC. A significant need for systemic support remains, ideally through partnerships with major employers and state subsidies.  "If Vermont truly wants to thrive, we need to back these initiatives financially and culturally," he says. "It's about creating an environment where diversity is not just accepted but embraced." As Vermont continues to navigate its demographic challenges, the work of VT PoC and the Newcomer Nexus Program provides signs of hope. 

 

By fostering an inclusive community, Vermont can help set a precedent for how rural states can successfully integrate and retain a diverse workforce.

 

"Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to transform Vermont into a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish," Rutanhira says. "That's what true community looks like." 

 

Learn more about the Vermont Professionals of Color Network