Last week, the VLI Class of 2025 gathered in Grafton for Session 6: Human-Centered Systems in Action. Day 1 began with Ellen Kahler (VLI ‘97) and a wonderful team of economists who led an engaging discussion on Vermont’s economy. The cohort then worked in small groups to envision a wellbeing economy. The session continued with a conversation about the Agency of Human Services, featuring Katie Whitney (VLI ‘20) and Travis Denton (VLI ‘23), focusing on the Department of Corrections. On Day 2, the cohort dove deeper into the corrections system with a facility visit, panel discussion, group work, and journaling. The final day was dedicated to exploring Vermont’s education system, with expert insights from Morgan Crossman (VLI ‘20), Reeva Murphy (VLI ‘12), Megan Grube, Patrick Reen (VSLP ‘18), and Yasmine Ziesler (VLI ‘07). Thank you to the Windham Foundation for welcoming us back to Grafton and for their continued partnership! (fb)

Session 5: Human Centered Systems was another wonderful session for the ECLI Class of 2025. The two-day session at Burke began with an overview of Systems Thinking by Ellen Kahler (VLI ‘97). The cohort then reviewed appreciative inquiry concepts and Kristen Dunne (ECLI ‘24) shared how it works in her program. To wrap up the first day, Jody Fried (VLI ‘12) discussed the importance of the creative economy. On Friday, associates spent time with Bess O’Brien (VLI ‘02) working on storytelling. They worked in small groups to make creative visual representations of the early childhood ecosystem in Vermont. As always, the session included alumni sharing their leadership stories, consultancy groups, and time for the cohort to connect and enjoy the resort. We will see everyone in April for the final session and graduation! (fb)