SARAH Lang
Company: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Title: Project Manager
Age: 31
Career Highlights: Two career highlights that I am most proud of are the Southern Vermont Economy Summit and receiving a USDA RCDI grant. For the past few years I've been responsible for organizing and running the Southern Vermont Economy Summit with over 250 attendees, 14 workshops, and over 40 presenters. 
Additionally, I am proud of helping to secure the second round of USDA RCDI funding to help our municipalities and small nonprofits increase capacity and complete projects around economic development issues.
Community Involvement: Growing up in an arts family, I wanted to find some way to engage with the arts community here in Brattleboro. I've found the very satisfying role as Vice President of the Vermont Center for Photography board of directors. This organization has been around for 20 years and is now experiencing some amazing growth potential. I am really excited to be a part of that.
Additionally, I have interest in outdoor recreation and a history of studying and working in the environmental science sector. When I was asked to join the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) as a steering member representing Southern Vermont and economic development, I jumped right in. This avenue of community involvement has allowed me to combine some of my passions into one initiative. I have met so many wonderful and passionate people through VOREC.
As I mentioned above, I talk to anyone who will listen about the benefits of living and working in Southern Vermont as a young professional and the engaging and supportive qualities of Southern Vermont communities. I exercise this passion in two ways: I am a member of the Brattleboro Community Marketing Initiative Project Team, which is working to utilize town funds to market the Brattleboro area. Last, and most definitely not least, I coordinate the Southern Vermont Young Professionals which has afforded me the pleasure of meeting and talking with young professionals about Southern Vermont. The main goal of the group is to attract and retain young professionals through providing a social and professional networking group. We currently have over 100 members... and counting!
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I am from Cleveland, OH and was determined to return there after grad school. My partner is from Vermont and wanted to move back after school. I may have said at one point that I didn't feel like Vermont had any community. Boy, was I wrong. I have eaten my humble pie, and now revel in Vermont's communities and promote it to anyone who will listen.
Favorite part of your job? My favorite parts of my job are interacting with all our municipalities, businesses, and organizations doing such awesome work in our communities and the dedicated, supportive BDCC team that I work with.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is Rep. Laura Sibilia because of her passion, resiliency, and tenacity. Laura impresses me on a daily basis with her capacity as a state representative and an economic development professional. On top of all that, she is caring, loyal, and hilarious.
What is the best career advice you have received? Some good career advice that I've received and I share frequently is "Never work for free”.
What three words best describe you? Compassionate. Determined. Reliable.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is the Brattleboro Farmers Market. Every time I go (which is most Saturday mornings) I can't help but think, "This is quintessential Vermont." The vendors selling colorful produce, the delicious smells of prepared foods, the children playing in the sand box, the live music under the big maple-- The people.
