NAVIGATION
CONVERSATION WITH LESLIE WELLS – FARMER, FOOD SYSTEMS LEADER AND RESTAURATEUR
by Lynn Ellen Schimoler
In the mid-sixties, Leslie Well’s father was offered a job at the University of Vermont, so he moved his family from a midwestern city to live at the end of a beautiful dirt road in Charlotte, VT. Well’s father was one of just two Black faculty on campus and is remembered for his forthright voice, spotlighting multicultural issues. Well’s siblings tended to their individual piece of the large garden plot that her mother nurtured, though it would be years later that Wells would root her focus within food systems – as a business leader, board chair of a thriving agriculture non-profit, and emerging sheep farmer.
I first met Leslie picking up a catering order for my husband, past coach of the Saint Michael’s Men’s Lacrosse team, at the former Purple Knights Pizzaria, conveniently perched across from the college’s entryway. She emerged smiling from the kitchen, intentionally making warm eye contact with every customer as she headed out the door. Later, I remember Paul and I enjoying a very late and graciously prepared dinner with Rick and Leslie on the cafe porch after a home game. It was one of those meals that you remember for days after. Her skill with fresh greens and pasta with well-balanced flavors are what keep me returning to the restaurants Trattoria Delia, Sotto Enoteca and Pizza Veritas – Burlington eateries that Leslie co-owns with John Rao. We both come from families of color that moved from urban to rural settings; both of us women whose career pathways are dedicated to positively impacting Vermont agricultural infrastructure and strategies, professionally and through board service, which for Leslie included Governor Scott’s Commission on the Future of Vermont Agriculture.
This summer, I was excited to visit Leslie and talk about our love of the practices and art of food production, eating and cooking. I was curious about her business choices centered in supporting local agriculture economies (Maplebrook Burrata currently on the Sotto Enoteca brunch menu), crafting seasonal healthy menus and building an equitable space for women/family-owned, and black vintners. Although there are more than 8,000 wineries in the U.S., only one-tenth of one percent of its winemakers and brand owners are Black¹. Leslie endeavors to procure wine from these businesses also focusing on those implementing fair-minded workforce principles and biodynamic agriculture practices. Buying decisions for her restaurants’ wine programs are designed around how grapes are grown and how the wine is made. Questions such as, “Is there any chemical intervention?’ or ‘Are the people working for the vineyard treated and paid fairly?’ support the restaurants’ mission committed to be an employee-centered workplace that minimizes environmental impacts.
Leslie relayed that as an owner in the restaurant food ecosystem, she has a responsibility to be influenced and care for the community she lives in. She seeks to impact organic food access, climate resiliency, community building and effectively contribute to the economic development of Vermont. My observation is that she is doing just that – whether as a continuous learner traveling to wine regions, dreaming of a future micro dairy, tirelessly volunteering her skill to food-systems sustainability or advocating for fellow business owners at City Hall in Burlington. Leslie is an example of Vermont agricultural exceptionalism, and we are all better off.
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¹ Association of African American Vintners
About the Author
Schimoler brings strategic leadership and operational expertise to food systems through board service and professional engagement. She has worked across non-profit, public and private sectors including the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, Vermont Land Trust, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and City Market. Her work supports mission driven enterprises by aligning data, governance, infrastructure and revenue to design systems and collaboratively sustain operations. Schimoler serves on the Hanover Co-op, Vermont Foodbank, Intervale Center and UVM’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture boards. Schimoler enjoys a part-time Dance Lecturer position at the UVM’s School of the Arts, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Alysia Straw (she/her)!
Originally from the Bronx, New York, Alysia has built a meaningful career in the nonprofit sector and now serves as Acting Program Director for Southern Vermont AHEC. She is passionate about guiding students toward healthcare careers and supporting BIPOC professionals through mentorship and representation.
news FROM THE NETWORK
OPEN NOW: VT PoC 2026 Newsletter Interest Forms!
We’re looking for writers and community members to spotlight for our 2026 newsletter! Fill out the forms and we’ll get back to you.
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of VT PoC’s Resources!
Looking for new opportunities or ways to get involved?
We offer a variety of resources to support you—personally and professionally!
We want your feedback!
We want every new VT PoC member to feel informed, connected, and supported from day one. Currently, new members receive a detailed welcome email and are invited to join a brief (30-minute) virtual Welcome Orientation each month. We’re seeking your feedback:
Is the welcome email too long? Does a Member Welcome Orientation interest you? Do you have suggestions for the onboarding process?
Share your thoughts in our short poll! Your feedback will help us ensure our welcome process reflects our community’s needs.
VT PoC’s The Things in Between: Full Playlist
Explore key topics like life insurance, personal credit, financial planning, and business entity basics to gain valuable insights to support your financial journey.
VT PoC x VSBLC Legal Webinars: Past Recordings
Missed a webinar? Catch up with our past recordings and stay informed on key legal topics! Learn about starting a nonprofit, liabilities & torts, legal contracts, hiring your first employee, and more!
| Other Resources | |
|---|---|
| Vermont Local News & Information Survey | The Vermont Community Foundation is asking community members to share how they get local news and information. Your input will guide how local media serves our state. |
| Winooski, Rutland, NEK: VTRC Public Truth-Telling Sessions | The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC) is holding in-person public sessions. These are spaces where Vermonters from communities named in Act 128 can share how state laws or systems have caused them harm. |
| Applications Open Now: Green Mountain Job and Retention Program | $5000 loan repayment program to incentivize new graduates from Vermont colleges and universities to live and work full time in Vermont. Any student who graduates from a Vermont college or university between July 2024 and June 2025 with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply. |
EVENTS
October 25 — VT PoC x The Safety Team x Media Factory: Self Defense Workshop
This event was made possible thanks to the generous donations of The Safety Team and the Media Factory. We kindly ask that you honor your RSVP by attending. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining, please cancel your reservation to make space for others to attend. Thank you!
Join VT PoC in collaboration with The Safety Team (TST) and the Media Factory for a FREE empowering self defense workshop rooted in community strength and safety.
November 2 — VT PoC’s Ride the Riddim with Align Cycling
Join VT PoC for a cycling class with Align Cycling featuring a live DJ set by King Crouch! For reasonable accommodations, please contact thefam@vtpoc.net.
- Event Check-In: 2:30pm – 2:55pm
- Ride Start Time: 3:00-4:00pm
- No experience required!
*if you are not present by 2:55pm, you will automatically forfeit your registration*
November 4 — VT PoC’s State of the Network
Join VT PoC for our bi-annual State of the Network where we will discuss our mission, past projects, and future endeavors. Let’s reconnect!
November 6 — VT PoC Membership Orientation: Welcome to The Fam!
New to VT PoC? Or maybe you have been following us for a while but still aren’t sure about all of our resources? Join us on the first Thursday of every month for our VT PoC Member Orientation: Welcome to The Fam!
We are excited to connect and help you get the most out of being part of the Fam!
trainings & professional development
| Date | Workshop | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Month | Vermont Joblink: Interview Skills, Career Guidance, Resume Prep, Etc. | Multiple | |
| Oct 9 | Upper Valley Job Fair | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | White River Junction |
| Oct 21 | ClimateReadyVT Workshop for Small Businesses | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Richmond |
| Nov 4 | Vermont Nonprofit Summit ($$) | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | South Burlington |
| Nov 13 | 7th Annual VOBA Outdoor Economy Summit and Membership Meeting ($$) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Burke |
FUNDING & GRANTS
Thank you to everyone who applied for VT PoC’s Community Impact Grant!
Applications are closed—we hope to reopen this opportunity in the future. If you’d like to learn more or contribute, click the link below!
| Due Date | Grant | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling | Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program 2025 | Addresses needs that have arisen as a direct result of federal actions and policies. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Enhanced Rebate | For eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits to purchase qualifying equipment or complete a custom project. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Capacity Building | Supports consultant fees for nonprofit organizational capacity building work. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Grow Grants | For groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. |
| Rolling | Vermont Humanities Rapid Response Grants | Quick turn-around small grants for humanities-focused community projects. Awards up to $1,000. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Seed Grants | Support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders. |
| Rolling | New England Presenter Travel Fund | Supports travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England. |
| Rolling | Community Action Team | Offers general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. |
| Rolling | USDA Small Business Cost Share Program | Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and gross profit under $1,000,000 are eligible. |
| Rolling | Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board | Individuals determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible. |
NEWS
Vermont Green FC claim national title over Seattle’s Ballard FC
The Green cap off an undefeated season and a dramatic playoff run. The team came from behind to win the first three matches of the tournament.
What to know about Vermont’s air quality concerns
As Vermont encounters its third day of poor air quality, state officials say that dealing with wildfire smoke pollution is “going to be a part of our future.”
