Rose Wall
33 | Emerging Opportunities Manager, VEIC
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I’m most proud of is joining the Emerging Opportunities Team at VEIC. Here, I dive into emerging energy-related technologies in efficiency, greenhouse gas management, agriculture solutions, and new market assessments to help shape VEIC’s strategy. 
My journey—from farming to teaching cooking classes, directing an afterschool program, and earning a Sustainable Innovation MBA at UVM—has been unique and rewarding. As a sculpture major in college, I didn’t predict this path, but I love my job and am grateful for the amazing people who have supported me along the way!
Community Involvement:
My community involvement includes serving as the Treasurer for Village Hydroponics, a nonprofit dedicated to nourishing our community during winter, championing food justice, and promoting environmental sustainability. This summer, we completed the build-out of an efficient hydroponic farm inside a shipping container at the Intervale in Burlington. Throughout the winter, we’ll provide fresh, culturally relevant produce to Burlington’s underserved communities.
Village Hydroponics emerged from the success of The Peoples Farmstand and The Peoples Kitchen, addressing the urgent need for sustainable, year-round food sources. Motivated by the scarcity of fresh produce during Vermont’s harsh winters, we aim to extend the growing season and ensure continuous access to healthy food. I’m proud to be part of this initiative and to celebrate the hard work of those who inspired it.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was motivated to live and work in Vermont because I grew up here, much of my family lives here, and I love the strong sense of community. Plus, the easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, along with a vibrant art and music scene, makes it the perfect place for me, my husband, and our very active dog. After a decade out of state in my twenties, I was delighted to return home.
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is the variety it offers—I get to research and pilot emerging technologies to maximize energy savings and mitigate the climate crisis. Every day brings something new, keeping my work exciting and dynamic.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to treat your career like your personal library. I want mine to be full of great experiences and stories, so I try to take advantage of the unique opportunities that come my way.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I have climbed all 46 peaks in the Adirondacks over 4,000 feet!
What three words best describe you:
Three words that best describe me are adventurous, curious, and caring.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is to the beautiful Mad River Valley, in any season.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is playing pickleball on a lakeside court with a great group of friends, especially at sunset.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is Front Porch Forum.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
If I had unlimited funds, I’d focus on tackling glacial melt, ocean warming, and preserving ocean currents to help protect our planet’s future. Climate change will only worsen the challenges we already face with conflict, disease, housing, food scarcity, and biodiversity extinction.
