About the event
In recognition of International Women's Day, the Vermont Council on World Affairs invites you to join us for our 2026 Networking Breakfast. This event celebrates women's leadership and lasting contributions to business and community life, while bringing together professionals from all backgrounds to learn, connect, and grow.
The morning will feature leaders from across sectors sharing perspectives on leadership, mentorship, and navigating professional pathways that strengthen organizations and contribute to long-term economic growth and civic vitality. Through discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical insights, learn from shared experiences, and build meaningful connections to support continued leadership within their organizations and communities.
Speakers
Claire Zhu
Founder, Hootie Hoo
Claire Zhu was born and raised in China and came to the United States for graduate school after college. She is a seasoned outdoor and apparel leader with 20+ years of industry experience. Motivated by a simple belief that outdoor play helps kids grow into happy, resilient humans, Claire founded Hootie Hoo, a technical outdoor apparel brand built specifically for kids. Over the past five years, Hootie Hoo has earned support from families nationwide and built partnerships with leading outdoor retailers such as REI and EVO.
Chelsea Bardot Lewis
Executive Director, VBSR
Chelsea Bardot Lewis is the Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, where she champions business as a force for good. With a deep commitment to Vermont's business community, she brings expertise in social enterprise, impact investing, and public policy.
Before joining VBSR, Chelsea served as COO of Working Fields, leading the company through a period of significant growth and impact. She was instrumental in scaling operations, securing $3 million in impact capital, and doubling revenue within three years. Prior to that, she managed an integrated investment and grantmaking portfolio at the Vermont Community Foundation and led business development efforts at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, supporting Vermont businesses and nonprofits to grow and thrive.
Chelsea lives in Waterbury with her husband Nate and their two energetic and curious boys, Jack and Will.
Sipha Lam
Founder, Wilder Wines
Sipha Lam is the founder and owner of Wilder Wines, a natural wine shop and bar in downtown Burlington, Vermont. Raised in Vermont, she first fell in love with natural wine while working at Boston's Eastern Standard restaurant, and brought that passion home after years of experience in the service industry, including roles at Honey Road and Penny Cluse Café.
She opened Wilder Wines in 2021 with a vision to create a curated wine shop where learning about wine was approachable and un-intimidating, focusing on small-production wines made by people who farm organic grapes with minimal intervention.
Join us to:
Connect with business and community members dedicated to advancing women’s leadership.
Engage in conversations on mentorship, leadership, and collective empowerment.
Be inspired by speakers championing the next generation of leaders.
VCWA members receive discounted tickets - please email elizabeth@vcwa.org to learn more.
Tickets include: admission to the event, exclusive networking opportunities, access to influential leaders, and a light breakfast with coffee and tea.
We aim to balance accessibility with the real costs of delivering high-quality programming.
Ticket purchases help fund our work, and members receive discounted rates. If cost is a barrier for you, please reach out to elizabeth@vcwa.org. We want you to be able to join us for this and all of our events, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
If you are able, we invite you to consider an additional donation at checkout. Contributions beyond the ticket price directly support our programs and help expand access for others.
Why Your Support Matters
By attending this event, you’re not just celebrating women - you’re also supporting the vital work of the Vermont Council on World Affairs. Proceeds from the event go directly toward funding VCWA’s programming, which includes global leadership development, mentorship for emerging leaders, and community outreach to elevate women in fields like technology.
Your participation is helping us empower the next generation of women leaders, provide educational opportunities, and build international connections.