Stories

Dr. Jolivette Anderson Douoning

Educational Leader | Equity Strategist | Scholar-Practitioner

Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning is an educational leader and equity strategist whose work advances inclusive excellence and culturally responsive systems. With a doctorate in education and extensive experience in institutional leadership, she partners with educators and communities to dismantle systemic barriers and cultivate belonging. Her mentorship and policy-aligned practice reflect a disciplined commitment to justice, opportunity, and transformative learning.

Aden Haji

Social Entrepreneur | Education Advocate | Former School Commissioner

Aden Haji is a Burlington-based entrepreneur and public servant committed to mobility, youth empowerment, and New American access. Founder of Haji Driving Academy and Minds in Motion, he creates culturally responsive pathways to education, employment, and independence. A former Burlington School Commissioner, his leadership reflects resilience, representation, and generational opportunity.

Dr. Denise H. Dunbar

Educational Leader | Scholar of Equity | Community Advocate

Dr. Denise Dunbar is a scholar and academic leader whose work centers culturally responsive education, inclusive pedagogy, and systemic equity. With decades of experience in educational leadership and mentorship, she bridges research and practice to cultivate learning environments grounded in belonging and intellectual rigor. Her work across Vermont reflects a steadfast commitment to dismantling barriers in education while uplifting collaborative, justice-centered models that affirm the humanity of every student.

Marlon Fisher

Devoted Father and Dad Guild's Development Director

Marlon Fisher is a devoted father and community leader in Vermont. Inspired by his experience as a primary caregiver, he co-founded Dad Guild, an organization fostering connection and belonging among fathers and families.

Christine Longmore Hughes

Community Leader and Advocate

Christine Longmore Hughes is a prominent community figure in Burlington, Vermont, known for her work in employment, reentry services, and criminal justice reform, advocating for individuals with barriers to employment and victims of the opioid crisis.

Anna Capelle

Youth Poet Laureate | Spoken Word Artist | Scholar

Anna Capelle is a nationally recognized poet and Connecticut Youth Poet Laureate whose work blends lyrical precision with community leadership. A University of Vermont student studying English and Psychology, she has represented Connecticut at Brave New Voices and performed widely across Vermont and beyond. Through workshops, slams, and intergenerational literary spaces, she uplifts emerging voices while honoring the legacy of Black storytelling traditions.

Aquilas Lokossou

School Counselor | Educational Equity Advocate | Former School Commissioner | Art Preparator | Exhibition Designer

Aquilas Lokossou is a Vermont school counselor and equity-centered leader dedicated to belonging and systemic accountability in education. Serving students at South Burlington High School and previously elected as a Burlington School Commissioner, he champions restorative practice and culturally responsive support. His journey from immigrant student to scholar and counselor reflects the transformative power of mentorship and representation.

Carole Yvonne Johnson

Dancer | Choreographer | Founder of NAISDA

Carole Yvonne Johnson (b. 1940) is an African American dancer and choreographer whose visionary leadership profoundly shaped contemporary Indigenous dance in Australia. A former lead artist with the Eleo Pomare Dance Company, she carried forward a commitment to politically engaged modern dance and cultural affirmation. After touring Australia in 1972, Johnson worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and went on to found the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) in 1976—the first professional performing arts training institution for Indigenous Australians. Her leadership also contributed to the emergence of Bangarra Dance Theatre, helping establish enduring pathways for Indigenous artists to train, create, and perform work grounded in cultural sovereignty and innovation. Her legacy reflects a powerful transnational solidarity and a lifelong dedication to dance as a force for justice and liberation.

Thierry Uwilingiyimana

Educator | Technologist | Anti-Racist Education Advocate

Thierry Uwilingiyimana is an educator and technologist whose work integrates equity, curriculum innovation, and digital learning design. Formerly a classroom teacher and now a software engineer with Desmos Classroom, he builds tools that support student voice and culturally responsive education. His leadership reflects a commitment to systemic transformation through both pedagogy and technology.

Irene KeruBo Webster

Afro-Jazz Artist | Social Worker | Cultural Bridge Builder

Irene KeruBo Webster is a Kenyan-American Afro-jazz singer-songwriter and community advocate whose artistry blends African folk traditions with jazz and gospel influences. Alongside her music career, she serves African and refugee families in Vermont as a social worker and cultural broker. Her life and work harmonize creativity, resilience, and community care.

Mohamedou Diop

Education Administrator | State Board of Education Member | Global Leader

Mohamedou Diop is Director of Multilingual Learner Programs for the Winooski School District and a member of the Vermont State Board of Education. Originally from Mauritania, he brings international leadership experience to advancing equitable access for multilingual students. His work bridges global perspective and local policy, affirming that linguistic and cultural diversity are central to Vermont’s educational future.

Emiliano Void

Equity Consultant | Cultural Organizer | Co-Founder, Black Experience VT

Emiliano Void is a Burlington-based racial equity consultant and civic advocate dedicated to advancing systemic change and cultural empowerment. As Founder of Nuwave Equity Corporation and Co-Founder of Black Experience VT, he builds platforms that elevate Black voices and expand inclusive practices across Vermont. His leadership centers sustainable community building, institutional accountability, and equity in action.

Dr. Margaret Bass

Higher Education Leader | Equity Strategist | Community Advocate

Dr. Margaret Bass is a Vermont-based academic leader and equity strategist whose career spans higher education, restorative justice, and civic service. As Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion at St. Michael’s College and formerly a professor and senior administrator at St. Lawrence University, she has advanced inclusive excellence and student-centered leadership across institutions. Her service on the Winooski School Board, with restorative justice initiatives, and on the board of Clemmons Family Farm reflects her enduring commitment to educational access, dignity, and community transformation.

Reverend Mark Hughes

Racial Justice Leader | Founder, Vermont Racial Justice Alliance | Veteran

Reverend Mark Hughes is a Vermont-based civil rights advocate and Founder of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, where he has led landmark policy reforms addressing systemic inequities. A retired U.S. Army officer, he applies strategic insight to justice-centered legislation, including efforts that amended the Vermont Constitution to abolish slavery. His work bridges faith, policy, and community mobilization in pursuit of structural change.

Roy V. Hill

Civic Leader | Public Servant | Community Elder

Roy V. Hill is a respected Vermont civic leader whose lifelong dedication to public service and equity has strengthened institutions and empowered generations. Known for his principled leadership and commitment to democratic participation, he has expanded access and amplified underrepresented voices across community spaces. A mentor and bridge builder, Hill’s work reflects deep reverence for legacy, dignity, and intergenerational collaboration in shaping a more inclusive Vermont.

Interview Team

Amina Adesina Frances Rhoads Eddins

Youth Poet | Student Leader | Cultural Ambassador

Amina Rhoads Eddins is a Vermont youth poet and emerging leader who represents the next generation of creative and civic engagement. Through public dialogue, poetry, and intergenerational initiatives, she brings clarity and courage to conversations about identity and justice. Her voice reflects both legacy and forward vision.

Dahlia Michoma

Student Leader | Musician | Youth Advocate

Dahlia Michoma is a Winooski student leader whose talents span music, athletics, and equity advocacy. A choral performer, guitarist, and track athlete, she also serves on her district’s antiracism steering committee. Her leadership reflects creativity, courage, and commitment to a more just school community.

Nadia Frazier

Student Leader | Athlete | Spoken Word Artist

Nadia Frazier is a Montpelier-based student, varsity athlete, and spoken word artist whose work spans academics, performance, and civic participation. A National Technical Honor Society inductee, she balances discipline and creativity while engaging in public dialogue and youth advocacy. She embodies the dynamic energy of emerging leadership.