Esther Charleston
34 | Owner/ Principal Consultant, Conversation Compass LLC
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I'm most proud of is starting my business, Conversation Compass LLC.
Community Involvement:
My community involvement is rooted in a deep commitment to public service and advocacy for equity. I have held leadership roles that span multiple sectors, including her time as Chair of the Vermont Commission on Women, where I have worked to advance policies that support gender equity and create opportunities for women across the state. 
I have also served on the Middlebury Selectboard and have been an active member of several committees aimed at promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. My work with the Middlebury College Anti-Racist Task Force, the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and the Affirmative Action Committee for the Vermont Democratic Party reflect my dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable communities.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was motivated to live and work in Vermont because I felt like Vermont is a place children can be children longer. Happy to say I found that to be true for my children.
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is connecting with individuals all over Vermont.
Most inspiring mentor and why:
My most inspiring mentor is Shirley Chisholm because of her unwavering courage, trailblazing spirit, and dedication to fighting for justice and equality.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is keep going.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I laugh at my own jokes, I start singing and dancing when I am really happy, and being in space with my family allows me to experience peak joy.
What three words best describe you:
Three words that best describe me are resilient, advocate, and empathetic.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is the library.
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont season is the Fall.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is watching a movie with the kiddos.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is women of impact because I get exposed to brilliant women.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is pine/Christmas scents.
Person(s) you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my sisters.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
The cause I would support is to support initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, promote educational equity, and drive environmental sustainability.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend:
The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is we don't talk about bruno.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I'd like to expand my work in strategic consulting through my business, Conversation Compass LLC, continuing to support organizations and policymakers in implementing sustainable, justice-oriented practices.I also aspires to further my role in public service, perhaps seeking higher office or influencing national policy.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
The career goals I'd like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are include advancing her leadership in public service and driving impactful policy changes in Vermont. Plus, expanding my business, Conversation Compass LLC, growing it into a leading consultancy for organizations seeking to implement equitable strategies and policies.
