STEPHANIE Dion
Favorite Part of Job? I love the people that I work with at the University. There is a true commitment to make the world a better place and to be a community that embodies the values set forth in 
UVM’s “Our Common Ground” which are Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice and Responsibility. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by people with this mindset that inspire me to succeed 
each day.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Professionally, Linda Tarr-Whelan, former UN Ambassador is an inspiration and role model for me. Her book “Women Lead the Way” is my go to for most professional situations. She has always made time for my questions, shown a genuine interest in my success and future, and has cleared a path for women like myself. Personally, my inspiration is my mom. She is an eternal optimist who has taught me there will always be better days, to strive for the best, and to always believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love spending time at any of Vermont’s beautiful ponds or lakes. We used to spend summers on Joe’s Pond and explored many others. I love the crystal clear waters, loon sightings and beautiful surroundings. It reminds me of my childhood and it makes me happy to create the same memories with own family.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I enjoy running to clear my head and to think. I also love sitting down at the lake with a good book and watching my girls play. There is nothing like hearing the waves to relax and knowing that my kids are happy.
Favorite Social Media: use Twitter for news updates and to keep abreast of what is going on locally and throughout the world. I like Facebook to stay in contact with friends and family that I don’t get to see as much as I’d like.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? My goal is to continue learning, remain curious, be adaptive and always be prepared for the next step in my career. This can lead to a non-linear path which I find to be exciting. It would be wonderful to be in senior administration at UVM so that I continue to contribute to the success of my alma mater.
Career Highlights: The moments I am most proud of are when I’ve been able to inspire change and mediate two different perspectives. Richard Cate, Vice President of Finance at UVM (another great mentor) provided me with the opportunity as Interim Co-Director of Administrative Business Services at UVM. This was a “start-up” center that centralized various HR and finance functions. It required strategic thinking, teamwork, diplomacy and collaboration. I worked countless hours (with a toddler and newborn baby at home), did extensive research, and formed many partnerships by active listening and leading change. I was offered the Director position and continued to grow the center. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of people who I will always stay in contact with.
A second accomplishment that will always stand out for me was being asked by President Sullivan to serve as the only staff person on the Budget Advisory Committee led by the Financial & Physical Planning Committee (Faculty Senate Committee). This was a short term project to assess the budget model at UVM. We collaborated, challenged each other, and produced a great product. Due to the success of working together, members of the committee made a recommendation to the Chair for me to continue attending meetings after the project was submitted. I was truly honored and it was a great example of faculty and staff working together to ensure success at the University.
Community Involvement: I am currently a school board member at Christ the King School. I also volunteer for many Christ the King events and school initiatives. I do work a lot so I think it’s important that my girls also see me as an active participant in their school. It allows me to give back to a community of people that are playing a role in shaping the lives of my children. Also, my girls are so happy to think that I help at their school.
I serve on the steering committee for Women’s United which is a council of United Way of Northwest Vermont. Our goal is to promote women’s financial stability through engagement, education and empowerment. This has been an amazing opportunity for me to impact change and meet brilliant and talented women throughout Vermont.