Zoe Kaslow
29 | Associate Director of Campaign Giving, Let's Grow Kids
Residence: Vergennes
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Supporting my students getting into and graduating from college. Before I transitioned to nonprofit leadership, I served for two years as an AmeriCorps member at a college access nonprofit. I had a cohort of 36 students who were low-income and almost entirely first-generation college students and students of color, and we worked 
together from day one of their junior year until they graduated as seniors. Watching these students work tirelessly for their future was a gift, and many of them are now college graduates!
Your community involvement:
I serve on the Vergennes City Council. I was elected in March 2022, and it’s been an exciting moment to be a part of local city government. I am chair of the Addison County Democratic Committee and serve on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes. I have also been a member of the Vermont Women’s Fund Council. There’s no lack of amazing ways to be involved in the community.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
The beauty of the landscape, the ability to live in close community and the opportunity to make an impact.
Favorite part of your job:
Connecting every day with folks who are passionate and excited to support children and families in Vermont.
Most inspiring mentor:
Julie Mancini, the late executive director at College Possible Oregon, a college access nonprofit where I did two years of AmeriCorps service before moving back to Vermont. Julie pulled no punches, and she brought her fullest self to all things. Everyone gravitated toward Julie, and the Portland, OR, community is deeply mourning her recent passing.
Best career advice you have received:
Don’t say no on behalf on someone else; always make the ask.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I’ve never eaten a hamburger.
Three words that best describe you:
Engaging, bright and committed.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Buck Mountain, a beautiful little hike just down the road with a view to rival Mount Philo. I feel so lucky to have that as a sanctuary nearby.
Favorite Vermont season:
Summer. Gardening, late dinners on the porch, endless walks and hiking. It’s magical here all year, but particularly in the summer!
Favorite downtime activities:
When I’m not chasing after my 5-month-old son, my favorite downtime activity is going on a walk with a friend, listening to music or hosting dinner with our neighbors.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
State Senator Becca Balint. She brings so much joy, energy and smarts to everything she does.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
Building the state’s best parks and recreation program and related outdoor facilities for Vergennes. We have incredible volunteers, and I would love to see us build more parks, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
I believe there’s no such thing as guilty pleasures. I love belting along to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as much as Weezer’s “Pork and Beans.” I’m definitely a classical millennial who is a big fan of the ’90s.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Making a pivot to the private sector to learn more about how for-profits businesses work. I’ve spent my career in the nonprofit world and much of my free time in local politics, so I’d love to keep expanding my knowledge.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
I’ve focused my energy more locally here in Vergennes. It’s been a joy to connect with neighbors and feel the impact as I walk around town.w
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
I learned to navigate building relationships with supporters over Zoom. It’s amazing what you can achieve online.