Amber Lessard
33 | Director of Construction & Asset Management, Encore Renewable Energy
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I'm most proud of is having advocated for and implemented a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all new parents at Encore, regardless of gender or status as a carrying parent or not. 
I had the benefit of using the new policy myself, but the greatest joy for me has been seeing the positive impact that the policy has had on my fellow colleagues who were also able to spend valuable time with their families.
Community Involvement:
My community involvement includes extensive work with the nonprofit Vermont Works for Women. Vermont Works for Women promotes economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth at every stage of their career journeys. I have worked with VWW in a variety of ways since 2017. I have been an instructor and developed curriculum for many of their programs geared at middle school, high school, and adult pre-apprenticeship education. Most recently, I joined their Board of Directors.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by the incredible community and natural landscape. My wife and I moved here in 2015 for her doctoral program at UVM, and we never left! We have built an incredible network of friends and colleagues, fallen in love with the mountains and trails, and feel safe in the welcoming VT community.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is that it is okay if your career journey is non-linear. Sometimes you need to take a few steps back before you can move forward again. There are always bumps in the road to navigate.
What three words best describe you:
Three words that best describe me are integrity, collaboration, and empathy.
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont escape is the forest. I love being on any trail, but one of my favorite hikes is Mount Hunger.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is gardening and doing yard work. I love the satisfaction of building or growing something with my own two hands, and being outside.
