Vermont Business Magazine Emerge Vermont, the state’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office, announced today that former Vermont Speaker of the House Gaye Symington is the recipient of the 2021 Governor Madeleine M. Kunin Achievement Award.

The award, bestowed in honor of Governor Kunin, is given annually to a Democratic woman in Vermont with significant political achievements. Recipients must meet criteria including maintaining a consistent focus on mentoring and supporting women in their political, professional, and educational pursuits; focusing on policy work that expands opportunities for others; and evidence of her work having an impact on the lives of other Vermonters.

Gaye Symington, VBM file.

"From her role in the Vermont Legislature to serving as Vermont's second of only four female Speakers of the House to her gubernatorial run, Gaye has been a brave, forward-thinking, and effective leader, inspiring and mentoring so many women. We are proud she is the recipient of the 2021 Madeleine Kunin Achievement Award," stated Emerge Vermont Board Chair Joan Lenes.

The award will be presented to Speaker Symington at Emerge Vermont’s upcoming Annual Celebration of Women in Politics on Saturday, October 16th at 7 pm. The event will take place online and tickets are now available: https://secure.everyaction.com/lx0fRy03V06pfqQOJjGggQ2

Speaker Symington is the fifth recipient of the award. Past recipients include Sallie Soule, former state legislator and Commissioner of Employment and Training (2017); Vermont Treasurer Beth Pearce (2018); Jane Stetson, former Democratic National Committee Chair (2019); and Mary Sullivan, former state legislator and Democratic National Committeewoman (2020).

“We are so excited to honor Speaker Symington at our upcoming Annual Celebration,” said Elaine Haney, Executive Director of Emerge Vermont. “Her hard work and leadership in service to the state of Vermont are an enormous inspiration to women currently in office and thinking about running. She is truly a role model.”

About Emerge Vermont

Emerge Vermont has a proven track record for getting Democratic women elected, offering training programs that deliver the skills, tools, and network necessary to run and win. Since the organization launched in 2013, Emerge Vermont has equipped 149 Vermont women with the skills needed to bring change to their communities. Over a third of alumnae have gone on to run for political office or been appointed to local boards or commissions. Currently 44 alumnae serve in elected office throughout the state, 25 of whom serve in the Legislature or statewide office.

Burlington, VT—For more information, please visit https://vt.emergeamerica.org.