Emerge Vermont, the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, announced today that it has selected its 2025 class. This year’s chosen group of 24 future women political leaders hails from all parts of the Green Mountain State and from diverse backgrounds, and spans the spectrum of races, gender, orientation, socioeconomic levels, and professional experiences.
“Emerge Vermont is thrilled to welcome our Class of 2025,” said Elaine Haney, Executive Director. “Once again, we had a robust pool of extremely qualified applicants, and we selected exceptional class members who will seize political opportunities once they have the tools necessary to run an effective campaign. There is still so much progress to be made on increasing women’s representation in government, and now, more than ever, these women’s voices are needed.”
Emerge Vermont’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Cohort members receive 70+ hours of in-depth education over five months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. The program’s trainers are an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors, and staff from Vermont and all over the country who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles. Participants also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become part of Emerge’s supportive network.
“I was thrilled to be accepted into Emerge Vermont’s Signature Training Program this year so I can learn what I need to help other women get into office and tackle the issues that are important to them—and me,” said Beth Esmond of Jericho. “I look forward to the new skills and resources that Emerge and my Emerge classmates will share with me.”
Emerge Vermont has a proven track record for getting Democratic women elected. Founded in 2013 by former Governor Madeleine Kunin, the program has equipped over 250 women with the skills needed to bring change to their communities. Sixty-eight percent of alums have gone on to run for political office or been appointed to local boards or commissions, and of those who have gone on to run for an elected position, 56% have won. Thirty-five Emerge Vermont trained women will serve in the upcoming legislative biennium, and Vermont’s first woman US Representative, Becca Balint, is an Emerge Vermont alum, as are Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Attorney General Charity Clark.
Emerge Vermont’s commitment to diversity also means that the women selected for the program come from a multitude of different backgrounds and all walks of life. In fact, 21% of the Class of 2025 are women of color, 33% are LGBTQ+, and 50% represent the New American Majority—young women, unmarried women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ women.
“I’m excited that Emerge Vermont will provide me with even more tools to help me serve my community,” said Jayme Bauer of Barre. “These tools and the network Emerge Vermont provides will support me as I step into new leadership roles with the Greater Barre Democrats and in my professional work in community development.”
Criteria for selection into the class included evidence of political leadership experience or potential; meaningful involvement in workplace or community; interest in pursuing political office; demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal; ability and desire to build effective networks; ability to articulate a personal political vision; demonstrated ability to inspire others; and commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings. Applicants are required to be registered Democrats. Women of all ages, races, nationalities, marital status, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, and physical abilities were encouraged to apply.
Emerge Vermont’s Class of 2025:
Addie Lentzner, Bennington
Allie Schachter, Burlington
Amanda Headley, St Albans Town
Amy Bielawski-Branch, Burlington
Becky Wigg, Barre
Beth Esmond, Jericho
Cheri Davis, Essex Junction
Edorah Frazer, Charlotte
Helena Raddock, South Burlington
Jackie Matts, Bennington
janet e. dandridge, Warren
Jayme Bauer, Barre
Julie Hays, Burlington
Karen Paul, Burlington
Karina Toy, Middlebury
Kelsey Pasteris, Hinesburg
Kim Gleason, Grand Isle
Krystina Gotsch, Milton
Laura Payne, Bennington
Meacie Fairfax, Burlington
Roz Moffett, Morrisville
Steph Holden, Essex Junction
Tanya Byker, Cornwall
Venessa Luck, Essex Junction