KIMBERLY Rupe
Company: Rutland Economic Development Corporation
Title: Assistant Director
Age: 26
Career Highlights: Working for an organization that allows me to enrich the lives of individuals, businesses, and surrounding towns has been the greatest highlight I could ever imagine. Being able to feel as 
though I am making a positive impact in the community around me is a feeling you can’t describe. The most specific highlight is anytime I get to work with students around Rutland County and encourage them to build a career and a life here. 
These times I’m able to spend with our next generation, I’m overwhelmed with excitement to see the amazing skills they’re going to bring to the table throughout their lives.
Community Involvement: I spend quite a bit of time giving back to my community and being part of positive change has always been a passion of mine. However, the Rutland Young Professionals (RYP) will always be one of my favorites. I have been heavily involved with RYP as a Co-Chair of their Events Committee and Chair of the 2018 and 2019 Gala Committee. In 2017, I was elected to their Board of Directors and now serve as their President Elect. When I graduated College of St. Joseph in 2016, I was incredibly grateful for the instant professional network that RYP was able to provide me which I’m now able to help provide to others. The amazing and lifelong friendships I’ve gained through RYP was an added bonus.
In addition to RYP, I am a member of the Poultney Selectboard, a reading mentor for Everybody Wins! Vermont, an Executive Committee member for the Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee, and on the Poultney Rotary Club.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? The people and the Green Mountains that surround them. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to different parts of the world and I’ve never been able to find anything close to the community we have here and the beauty around us.
Favorite part of your job? The positive energy that I get to experience every day. The Rutland Region is an amazing place with such incredible momentum going on around us and to be a part of something so positive, uplifting, and life changing is truly an incredible feeling.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My late grandmother, Sally. The strongest, most compassionate, and fun-loving person I’ve ever met.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: On a far too regular basis, I’m found listening to DMX to pump myself up.
Favorite Vermont escape: The D&H Rail Trail in Poultney with my camera and my Plott Hound, Tess.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: Bono. Who taught me the importance of giving back to those in need and to be passionate for what we believe in the most. He also made me appreciate the sweetest things, the most beautiful days, and sunglasses.
