Stephanie Loscalzo
37 | Learning and Development Specialist, VSECU
Residence: Montpelier
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to work in both Italy and Australia. It took a lot of time and persistence to secure working visas, and working and living abroad challenged me in ways that I couldn’t have imagined or planned. I am proud of the fact that I have tried positions that scare me or that I am not automatically good at. 
While working at UVM, I served on Staff Council. Through that committee, I was able to work with an amazing group of individuals to bring a Mamava pod to an area of campus that really needed it. It was not only rewarding but inspiring to meet other women who made time in their busy lives to help others.
Your community involvement:
Through City Market, VSECU, UVM, Old Spokes and the Intervale Center, I participated in events that directly impact the community, such as providing food to food shelves or supporting nonprofits in their programming efforts. I also have worked for many different nonprofit organizations that not only served their client base but also had further connections in the community; therefore, I was able to take advantage of those possibilities as well.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
The focus on community. From my experience, there is a commitment to supporting one another and a recognition that we all play a role in creating a healthy and supportive place to live and work.
Favorite part of your job:
Connecting with colleagues and community members who join us for trainings and workshops, the ability to be creative and create learning opportunities for staff, and having access to resources that I had not had access to before.
Most inspiring mentor:
My mother. As cliché as it sounds, she always challenged me to be the best I could be, which required being honest with yourself about areas of growth. This has helped me remain open to opportunities as I recognize there is always something to learn.
Best career advice you have received:
Tess Weinisch, a leadership development and executive coaching professional, helped me understand what values I needed to be my best self and then to make sure those were part of the organization and position I choose.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I participated in an alligator survey in Florida and snagged a 3-foot gator from the side of the airboat with my bare hands. The gator biologist was very clear on the very few ways for partaking in that endeavor successfully.
Three words that best describe you:
Outgoing, passionate and team player.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Any dirt or gravel road that I can rip down on my bike, fields and trails for cross-country skiing, and any mountain welcoming a climb. During really cold weather, any cozy tea shop where continuous refills of hot tea are offered as I settle in with a good book.
Favorite Vermont season:
I truly love all of them, even mud season (the anticipation of all the fun to come). But you can’t beat a Vermont summer.
Favorite downtime activities:
Listening to podcasts while creating something tasty (baking) or fun (sewing, embroidery).
Favorite social media:
Pinterest, for housing a lot of inspiration in one place and connecting the user to other creative platforms.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
Majora Carter. I have been inspired by her work as an environmental activist. Research shows the importance of having a connection to nature and being surrounded by its beauty. Majora Carter has found ways to bring this beauty to spaces and people that traditionally have not had access.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
There are a variety of environmental organizations that educate communities about ways to cut down on waste, promote sustainability and work to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. I would also donate to a variety of organizations seeking ways to bring mental health and support to individuals who can’t afford or don’t have access to it.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
I probably should be embarrassed about all of them.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
Working for both my current organization and with a consultant to continue receiving varied experience around training and opportunities for individuals in our community on leadership growth.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
I am challenging myself to be a stronger facilitator, especially around tough conversation and truly hearing someone else’s perspective. I would like to also lead my own leadership training series, integrating my previous work in outdoor education and recreation and leisure.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
I was several months pregnant, moving out to Jericho and formally changing careers when the pandemic hit. All of that made volunteering in the community more difficult. I am fortunate that my place of work offers the opportunity to volunteer and that I am part of many cooperatives that allow me to get involved in a variety of ways.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
I was interested in learning and development for the opportunity to connect with people in person, but the pandemic pushed us out of the classroom and into a virtual space. As much as instructing virtually has been a learning curve — and has its own limitations — it has also shown us that virtual presenting, meeting and teaching are all possible and, in some cases, more accessible.
