November 6, 2025 — In-Person, Hybrid, and Online

Making a Difference and Making a Living Conference

Education Makes a Difference

A man in a blue suit and green tie is speaking at a podium while holding a microphone. He is gesturing with his right hand and appears to be giving a presentation or speech.

Discover the transformative power of earning a degree through inspiring TED-Style presentations delivered by Vermont State Colleges Alumni and prominent Vermont business leaders.

Speakers will share firsthand experiences and insights on how higher education has shaped their careers, opened doors to new opportunities, and contributed to personal growth.

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Speaker Spotlight

Browse through our featured speakers to learn about their professional background, affiliation with the Vermont State Colleges, and what session they’ll be presenting. More speakers will be added as they’re confirmed!

  • A smiling man taking a selfie outside a brick building with a covered entrance, bicycles parked nearby, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

    Kevin Chu | Executive Director, Vermont Futures Project

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  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair with purple highlights, wearing gold earrings, a gold necklace, and a black top, smiling outdoors with a blurred brick wall background.

    Julie Hulburd '00, '24 | Commissioner, Vermont Cannabis Control Board

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  • Smiling man in a suit outdoors in front of a white building with a dome and columns, winter setting with snow on the ground and trees.

    Mike Pieciak | Vermont State Treasurer

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  • Libby Duane Adams '84 | Chief Advocacy Officer, Co-founder at Alteryx

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  • A man with blonde hair, glasses, and a beard wearing a blue suit jacket and light blue shirt smiling against a gray background.

    Dylan Giambatista '13 | Director of Public Affairs, Vermont Gas Systems

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  • Elizabeth Mauch | Chancellor, Vermont State College System

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  • A middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard, smiling in front of a background featuring the seal of the United States Senate and the American flag.

    John Kascenska '82 | Representative

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  • A woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a beige plaid blazer and white shirt, against a dark gray background.

    Kelly Mesler '17 | CEO, Everwell Consulting

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  • Robert McDougall '99 | Vermont Deputy Attorney General

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Our Partners

This event would not be possible without the support of our institutional and community partners.

Vermont State University logo with stylized mountain design in white on a black background.
The logo of Community College of Vermont featuring black background, white text for the college's name, and an orange maple leaf inside the letter 'O' in 'CCV'.
Vermont State Colleges System logo featuring a stylized mountain and crescent moon above the text.
Logo for the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, featuring a mountain graphic and text.