ALLISON Kosakowski Conant
Favorite Part of Job: Agriculture is the heart of Vermont's economy and Working Landscape. I love that the work I do helps preserve Vermont's character and way of life for future generations.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I spent many years working in New York City, and also lived in Copenhagen, before settling down in Vermont.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Our farm is my favorite place in Vermont. I love exploring the fields and forest with my trusty terrier, Moe. I feel so fortunate that six generations of Conants have held on to this land, so we can enjoy it today. And I look forward to sharing it with our children.
Favorite downtime activity: I love gardening. Not crazy about weeding, though.
What is the best career advice you have received? There is a season for everything. You can't do everything, all at once. But if you work hard, you can find a way to experience all the things that are important to you, over the course of your life.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I think women bring an important perspective to public service, and have been inspired by the female leaders I've worked with over the past four years in Montpelier. I am looking forward to continuing on that path.
Career Highlights:
In addition to working full-time at the Agency of Agriculture I play an active role on her family farm in Richmond, Conants Riverside Farms. I am a partner in the business and helped to set the strategic direction and annual goals. Designed and manages the website, www.ConantsRiversideFarms.com as well as the farm’s Facebook page. On the weekends in-season, I help pick sweet corn, work at the farm stand, and helps take care of cows and also grows and sells flowers for weddings.
Community Involvement:
-Advocate for local agriculture, and have been invited to speak about agricultural policy issues across the country, including the USDA’s annual conference in Washington D.C. Regularly gives presentations across the state about the importance of agriculture to Vermont’s economy, landscape, and way of life. Held social media trainings for farmers, providing them with tools to share their perspective and build agricultural awareness.
-Organized and hosted two major fundraising events at our farm in support of Congressman Peter Welch.
-Bryn Mawr College - alumnae executive board
-Master Gardener in-training, working towards forty hours of garden-based community service this year. Staffed the Master Gardener information booth at the Burlington Farmers’ Market and the Champlain Valley Fair
-Respite House in Williston, volunteer, helping to maintain the gardens for guests to enjoy, and deliver fresh bouquets from her garden to help cheer guests and their families.
