ADITI Datta
29 | VtSBDC | Special Projects Manager
Residence: Burlington
Career highlight(s): The career highlight I'm most proud of is really experiencing the startup life, from start to finish. I was employee number two at the Vermont Innovation Commons and am so proud of the work we accomplished in 1.5 years. Though our building ultimately didn't come to fruition, we made an impact on the community and stressed the importance of collaboration across the state. I believe the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vermont is buzzing now more than ever because of my community building efforts.
I'm also extremely proud of the work I've done with the Vermont Small Business Development Center over the last few months. VtSBDC pivoted quickly and has been in contact with over 1700 businesses that were impacted by COVID. It was often heartbreaking to hear the challenges these business owners were experiencing but I am grateful for the opportunity to help, even if all I could offer was empathy.
Community Involvement: My community involvement is primarily focused in the business/private sector and is rooted in connectivity and accessibility. From the Leadership Team of the Greater Burlington Women's Forum to the Vermont Futures Project YP Council, I'm dedicated to providing a fresh perspective, connecting interesting people and lowering barriers to accessibility.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I moved to Vermont for the Sustainable Innovation MBA at UVM and never left! I couldn't think of a better place to be surrounded by some of the most innovative, sustainable brands in the world.
Favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is getting to know local business owners. Recently, I've had the pleasure of interviewing a number of VtSBDC clients and there is nothing I love more than hearing their stories and 'seeing' the spark that drives them to be an entrepreneur.
What is the best career advice you have received? Great leadership requires a love affair with the truth, always seek out feedback.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I went to Shakespeare camp when I was 10-14 years old.
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are Thoughtful, Curious, Fun-loving.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Mt. Philo. It's short and sweet, but my favorite place to clear my head and appreciate the beauty of the Green Mountain State.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is cooking at home (I mostly enjoy the eating part) with my partner.
Favorite Social Media and why: I use Instagram the most but I love Twitter because of Bette Middler.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Anthony Bourdain.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is access to education for all.
How has your community service changed since the pandemic? I am much more vocal around taking action (voting) in order change the narrative of our country. I am not usually one to ruffle feathers but the events that have transpired in the last 6-7 months have pushed me to speak up and to have hard conversations with peers.
How has your job changed since this pandemic? My previous company, Vermont Innovation Commons, actually decided to cease operations pre-COVID. So I started with VtSBDC during the pandemic (April 1). The biggest change has been needing to 'find my light' during afternoon Zoom meetings.