Vermont Woman Speaker Series Brought the
Community Together to Be Inspired & Informed

From 2004 to 2009, Vermont Woman produced and hosted a lecture series called Vermont Woman Newspaper Annual Speaker Series. The intent wastobring speakers to the region in an effort to inform the community on issues of local, state, and global importance. To that end, Vermont Woman invited outstanding women in politics, government, and the media. Gloria Steinem, legendary feminist, and Helen Thomas, longtime member of the White House press corps, came twice to Vermont to speak. Other lecturers included Jehan Sadat, widow of Egypt’s Anwar Sedat; Texas governor Ann Richards; news commentator Eleanor Clift; and outed CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. Held at both the Sheraton Hotel and the Hilton in Burlington, these events drew up to a thousand attendees, who eagerly listened and asked questions. The lectures often included book signings, as many of the speakers were also authors.

 

Vermont Woman staff poses with outed CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson after she gave a rousing speech at the Sheraton in South Burlington. (L. to R.): Mary Fratini, Jan Doerler, Margaret Michniewicz, VPW, Sue Gillis, Liz Breault, Ellen Biddle, Gracie Engel-Pierce, Hannah Boucher, and Amy Lilly.

 

Sue Gillis joins Helen Thomas at the podium to share a lighthearted moment with the audience. Thomas spoke passionately about the failure of the press to hold President George W. Bush and his administration accountable.

Staff member Kit Antinozzi assists Helen Thomas as she signs copies of her latest book Watchdogs of Democracy? The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Has Failed the Public.

Sen.Bernie Sanders, 2006 gubernatorial candidate Scudder Parker and his wife, former governor Madeleine Kunin and husband, John Hennessey, and former governor Phil Hoff and his wife, Joan, listen raptly to Helen Thomas speak, a testament to this highly regarded speaker series.

 

Publisher Sue Gillis waits for the thunderous applause to die down before introducing feminist icon Gloria Steinem at the Hilton in Burlington. Steinem rallied the crowd and asked if they would like to get a little activism going.

Valerie Plame Wilson, Sue Gillis, and Barbara Cate who was a founder and most enthusiastic supporter of Vermont Woman.

 

Former Texas governor Ann Richards had the audience rolling in the aisles with her irreverent humor, asute political observations, and quick wit. She is pictured here with the staff (L. to R. first row): Jennifer Weinnick, Jan Doerler, Ellen Shapiro, Margaret Michniewicz, Trina Hikel, Gov. Richards, Denise Whittier, Sue Gillis, and Amy Lilly.