SEASON 9
Episode 3: Olympians
About the Series: Since 2016, VCET’s Female Founders Speaker Series has served as a platform for female identifying entrepreneurs from across the State of Vermont to tell their stories. At VCET, we believe that storytelling is one of the most impactful tools for inspiring the business owners and female founders of tomorrow. Hosted and moderated for 9 seasons by Sam Roach-Gerber who has recently passed the torch to Nicole Eaton, the series is held at Burlington’s beloved Hotel Vermont.
Season 9 of the Female Founders Speaker Series continues on Monday, March 24th from 5:30-7pm at Hotel Vermont. This panel will feature three incredible Olympians! The theme of the night is the “Olympian mindset” and how these women applied this mindset to their entrepreneurial journey after the Games.
Speakers
Carissa Gordon Gump: Carissa is a 2008 Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, an American Record holder, National Champion, Pan American Champion, All-American, World Team member, and USA Weightlifting & New England Weightlifting Hall of Fame member. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the US Olympic and Paralympic Endowment as the Secretary, and on the Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund.
Jennifer Kessy: Jen is a former professional beach volleyball player. She made a mark on the international stage as a silver medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, where she and her partner, April Ross, earned second place in women’s beach volleyball. In 2009, Kessy was also part of the World Championship-winning team, securing her place among the sport’s elite.
After retiring from competitive volleyball, Kessy transitioned into a new venture, embracing a completely different lifestyle as a fish farmer. She now focuses on sustainable aquaculture, using her strong leadership skills and work ethic to manage her farming operations.
Agenda:
5:30-5:40pm Mingle, grab a drink and get settled.
5:40-6:30pm Panel led by Nicole Eaton
6:30-7pm Audience Q&A
7-8pm If you don’t need to head home, grab another beverage, bop over to the lobby, and continue the conversation with fellow attendees and speakers. It will be so fun and laid back you might accidentally network.
If you are unable to attend in person, not to worry! As always, the event will be recorded and available to stream!