KATHERINE Sims
Favorite Part of Job? One of my favorite things that we do at Green Mountain Farm-to-School is garden with kids. I especially enjoy seeing the look on a student’s face when she/he finally taste the fruits of their harvest. It brings a true sense of hope and possibility for the future.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My mom. Kind, thoughtful, and hardworking, she is an inspiration and has always been there for me with advice, support, and great ideas.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I was a pole vaulter in High School.
Favorite Hobby: Definitely gardening. After a long day in the office staring at my computer screen, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than getting my hands dirty and being around plants
Favorite Vermont Escape: The waterfall & swimming hole near my house.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram; it’s a great way to stay connected and I think it encourages everyone to be an artist.
Favorite Website: Youtube.com is now my go-to resource for learning how to do something new. It’s incredible how much information exists in video form on the web.
Vermont Business Person you would like to have lunch with: When I was eight, I had the opportunity to meet Madeleine Kunin during her term as the first female Governor of Vermont. It was so inspiring to meet a woman in a leadership position. I would welcome the opportunity to connect with her again.
Career Highlights: Last year, Green Mountain Farm-to-School celebrated our fifth year as a nonprofit organization. It’s been an honor to have the opportunity to take an idea, launch that idea into a reality, and to support its growth, from one school garden in 2008 to a comprehensive organization serving schools throughout the Northeast Kingdom. I’ve been so lucky to meet and learn from so many people over the years and I feel tremendously grateful for all the support and generosity of our many partners and friends in the community.
Community Involvement: The work we do at GMFTS is mission driven and we strive to make a difference in the lives of kids, farmers, and individuals in our community. I’ve also been active in politics having been an auditor for my town and running for State Representative in 2012. I currently serve on multiple nonprofit boards including Vermont Land Trust, the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and UVM Extension.
