The Board of Directors has named Wendy Rice, of Burlington, as executive director of Vermont Works for Women (VWW), effective August 1st. Rice will provide strategic leadership and management of the nonprofit organization celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017, which helps women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue, and excel in work that leads to economic independence.
Rice holds 16 years of professional experience managing multi-million-dollar community development projects in Africa, regions of the U.S., and Vermont. Her work has involved providing vision, leveraging strategic relationships and partnerships, and program development. Cornerstones of her work have included creating opportunities for women and girls in education and training, job skills development, entrepreneurship, gender equity, and poverty reduction.
From 2011-2015, she oversaw flood recovery efforts for the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the State of Vermont, responding to flooding events in Vermont (Lake Champlain and Tropical Storm Irene), New Jersey (Hurricane Sandy), and Colorado (Boulder Floods).
“We are thrilled to have Wendy join us,” said Carolyn Cooke, chair of the VWW Board of Directors. “This is an exciting time for the organization as we are well-positioned to grow the programs and services we provide to women and girls. Wendy’s demonstrated leadership, capacity building, problem-solving, and fiscal management experience will ensure long-term growth and success for VWW in executing its mission.”
“I am excited to work with VWW and its partners,” said Wendy Rice, executive director. “This organization understands the value to whole communities when women are empowered, well-educated and gainfully employed. Creating economic opportunities for women and girls increases personal dignity, but ultimately builds a more just society where individuals, families and communities can flourish.”
Prior to her work with FEMA, Rice completed numerous assignments in underserved parts of Africa, including the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Gabon and Madagascar, providing administrative, financial and technical oversight for various USAID/U.S. State Department contracts. From 2000-2003, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon.
Rice earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College, Waterville, Maine; she holds a master’s in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School in South Royalton; and completed the Vermont Leadership Institute, Snelling Center for Government in Shelburne in 2016. She currently serves as president of the Green Mountain Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association; and is a dedicated member of a competitive, year-round dragon boat team in Burlington.
Vermont Works for Women helps women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue, and excel in work that leads to economic independence. Its three strategic areas include: moving women into employment success; investing in girls, the next generation; and advocating for large-scale culture change for women & girls. Learn more at http://vtworksforwomen.org.