HEATHER Neuwirth Lovejoy
36 | Middlebury College | Director, Innovation Hub
Residence: Weybridge
Career highlight(s): The career highlight I'm most proud of isWorking with students in the areas of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact means that I learn something new every single day at work. Helping students take their projects and ideas to the next level guarantees constant exposure to different geographies and industries, and their corresponding challenges. 
Some highlights for me have been: fostering meaningful connections within the Vermont Innovation ecosystem, when students carry their projects into full-time work after graduation, when our alumni program participants come back to work with current students as mentors, and working with students on successful pitch 
competitions, crowdfunding campaigns or accessing resources beyond the college.
Community Involvement: I have been engaging with organizations working on climate solutions, the climate economy, and sustainability. Vermont is a beacon of people and ideas working in this space, and provides models for the rest of our country. I look forward to our Weybridge Energy Committee meeting each month as we consider local solutions for our town, and I love working on the board of VSECU, a statewide credit union. It’s wonderful to see a financial institution that is so invested in improving the lives of all Vermonters.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Vermont’s beauty hooked me as a college student and I came back to Vermont for a job, but have continued to live here because I am surrounded by people that are committed to bettering their communities. Working in education allows me to connect community and campus and it's incredible to see so many people excited to engage with the next generation.
Favorite part of your job: I am always eager to go on our Vermont Ventures Trips, a monthly trip to businesses and start-ups. These trips allow students to see the world of work, hear stories from founders, and explore Vermont. I will never again take for granted the beauty of curating connection spaces as a part of our residential liberal arts experience.
What is the best career advice you have received? Assume positive intent.
Favorite Vermont escape: The outer loop at Rikert Nordic Center.
Favorite downtime activity: We bought a canoe during the pandemic and have been exploring different rivers, lakes and ponds with our almost 2-year-old son, Theo. If you have a recommendation, please let me know!