NAVIGATION
THE MENTAL HEALTH COST OF BEING A PERSON OF COLOR IN WHITE PROFESSIONAL SPACES
by Giselle Palacios
I had recently moved to Vermont and was starting a new job at a local institution. I was the only BIPOC therapist on the clinical team and was one of the few BIPOC employees in the entire workplace. During my first few weeks, I agreed to a lunch date with a new colleague. She was white, around my age, and seemed eager to connect with me.
It felt like it came out of nowhere when she asked me to speak Spanish for her. We were sitting at lunch, talking about our personal lives, when she suddenly asked me to say a few Spanish phrases for her because she “just loved hearing other languages so much.”
I remember the way my body tensed up. My heart began to race, and my thoughts scrambled as I tried to figure out how I would respond. The alarms started to go off in my brain and body. It felt wrong for her to ask me that, but I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. And if I called her out on being inappropriate, would I be “rocking the boat” at my new job? I felt disoriented, exposed, and othered.
I concluded that if this was a white person who didn’t already know that it’s not okay to ask BIPOC people to perform their culture for them, then I couldn’t trust that her ignorance wouldn’t escalate to greater harm. This interaction bled into my general sense of safety in this workplace. I felt that if I was too different from my coworkers, I risked being seen as unprofessional, unfriendly, or “difficult to work with.”
This internal debate and examination of every potential red flag is part of what creates the hypervigilance and chronic stress that so negatively impacts the long-term mental health of BIPOC individuals. This stress is different from usual work-related stress, as it alerts the nervous system to prepare to fight, flee, appease, or shut down in service of protection.
Over time, exposure to this kind of activation can lead to increased anxiety, depression, voicelessness, internalized self-devaluation, and race-based traumatic stress (RBTS). Similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), RBTS can create psychological and somatic symptoms like avoidance of triggers, flashbacks, nightmares, headaches, stomachaches, heart palpitations, and more. These symptoms are the language our body speaks to let us know our environment feels unsafe. They are not a reflection of what is wrong with us, but rather all the ways our nervous system works to offer its protection.
To avoid being othered, BIPOC often go to great lengths to fit in at work. It might look like code-switching or alternating between varieties of language to match the dominant culture. This can include not just the way they speak, but also the way they dress and how they behave in general to meet the “professionalism” standards white colleagues can so easily bypass. BIPOC might also become particularly critical of their work performance, wanting to avoid being subject to racial and cultural stereotypes that say they are lazy, less intelligent, or undeserving of their position.
The added labor of having to avoid being othered to escape potential harm means a BIPOC individual’s nervous system stays more alert throughout the day, staying near its activated state in case it needs to respond to threats. After spending all its energy at work ensuring survival, the system finally crashes by the evening. These extra layers of effort are what lead BIPOC to feel drained and even numb after work, leaving them with little left to give to restore, be present with loved ones, or engage in hobbies.
Ultimately, BIPOC end up developing protective strategies—consciously or unconsciously—that allow them to maintain safety in white-dominated spaces. While this may be a reality of the world many of us navigate, there are ways to resource, build resiliency, and support the nervous system to reduce the feeling of threat these interactions represent. Having insight into what’s happening in the body is a step toward honoring the experience of marginalization and finding the right support to grieve, resist, and rest.
About the Author
Giselle Palacios (she/they) is a queer Cuban and Colombian second-generation American originally from Miami, FL. Giselle is a poet, an educator, an archivist, and a mental health therapist. Since moving to Vermont about a year ago, Giselle has opened their private practice dedicated to providing mental health services to communities of Color, LGBTQIA+ communities, and allies. AQUÍ Counseling provides bilingual, culturally-centered, and somatic-based care for folks living in the margins. You can learn more about Giselle and their work at aquicounseling.com.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Jacqueline Thomas (she/her)!
Jacqueline has been a proud resident of Vermont for 10 years and is based in Winooski. She works in the hospitality and tourism industry as the owner of Country Roads Jamaican Flair Catering Service & Jamaican Flair Event Space.
news FROM THE NETWORK
Vermont Travel Survey
The Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM) has launched an important research study to more deeply understand what travelers, both in and out of the country, think about Vermont. An important part of this research is ensuring we have a diverse cross section of people that live in the state that represent a variety of backgrounds. To achieve this, we are seeking your input as a resident of Vermont to have a complete picture of how we can best talk about the attractions and activities in our state.
Below is a link to the brief, 15-minute survey where you can share your perspective and experience as someone who has made Vermont their home. The survey is being conducted by Heart+Mind Strategies, an independent market research company that will keep your feedback confidential and anonymous. All participants will receive a $10 e-gift card.
Join the VT PoCket Club: An Exclusive Facebook Group!
What’s a network without networking? We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook group: The VT PoCket Club!
We created this group after hearing from members who wanted more ways to connect with one another. Since Facebook is a common platform for many, we thought it’d be a great space to build community, share resources, and support each other.
Our hope is to continue growing this group and bring in as many VT PoC members as possible!
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!
The VT PoC 2024 Annual Report is Out!
2024 was a year of remarkable growth and connection for VT PoC, and we’re excited to share our work with you.
Find the full report at the link below.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Nominations Due May 14: 2025 Juneteenth Celebration Awards | We are seeking nominations for the 2025 Juneteenth Awards, which will honor local leaders whose work strengthens our community, promotes equity, and drives meaningful change. |
| Applications Open Now: Salisbury Square Village Homeownership | Salisbury Square Village is a new, permanently affordable housing community developed by the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation. Located mere moments from Randolph’s historic downtown, Salisbury Square Village offers residents comfort, convenience, and climate resilience in a close-knit village setting. |
| Apply by June 1: Camp Free to Be Counselor | The Education Justice Coalition is excited to host our third annual Camp Free to Be in western central Vermont. We believe BIPOC youth deserve a space to connect, heal, build, and have fun together. |
| Conscious Homestead’s BIPOC Resource Table | If you have a handful of promotional materials (business cards, flyers, brochures, stickers etc.), feel free to mail them our way! |
| Policy for The People: Legislative Updates in Five Languages | Free, ad free, and non partisan legislative updates in Swahili, Nepali, French, Spanish, and English. |
EVENTS
Let’s Talk: RSVPs, Attendance & Sustainability
VT PoC is proud to host events that bring our community together, and that’s something we’re committed to. But lately, we’ve noticed a gap: while our events often sell out quickly, actual attendance rates are much lower than the number of RSVPs.
This impacts more than just headcounts. It affects how we spend our limited budget, how we plan future programming, and how we make space for those who are waiting to participate. We want to be intentional about where our dollars go, especially now, when funding is precarious and every cent counts.
As a first step, we’re going to start adding small registration fees to some events. You might see sliding scale costs, flat rates, or events that remain completely free. Our upcoming Ride & Thrive with Color the Valley on May 24 will be the first event where we pilot this change. This helps ensure that RSVPs reflect true intent to attend, and supports the real costs behind making these gatherings possible.
We know life happens, plans change—and that’s okay! All we ask is:
- RSVP if you’re sure you can make it.
- Cancel as soon as you know you can’t.
We appreciate your continued support as we grow and evolve. Together, we can keep building intentional, vibrant spaces for our community to connect and thrive.
Thank you! We love y’all!
XOXO,
— Raheemah, Krystal, Jasmine, Mimi
Your VT PoC Event Team
May 15 — VT PoC Co-Work & Chill: Parkside Cafe
Join VT PoC for co-working sessions around the state—an informal space for chatting, co-working, etc. Come through and hang out with us at Parkside Cafe in Hinesburg.
Limited refreshments will be provided to the first 8 attendees!
May 19 — NEK BIPOC Meet & Greet
Join us for an informal VT PoC Meet & Greet at Downstreet Bar and Grill in St. Johnsbury!
This event is designed to bring together folks in the NEK for an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Learn how VT PoC can offer support and resources for both personal and professional growth, as well as business development. The event is free to attend, so bring along friends, family, and anyone who could benefit from this gathering!
May 29 — VT PoC x Color The Valley: Ride and Thrive
VT PoC is thrilled to announce an upcoming BIPOC Bike Ride on Saturday, May 25th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The ride will begin and end at Local Motion, conveniently located on the Burlington bike path.
The event will feature a bike lead provided in collaboration with Color The Valley. Bring your bike or take advantage of our bike rental discount from Local Motion. We strive to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Until May 30 | Exhibit: Arantza Peña Popo’s Visual Journalism | White River Junction | |
| May 6 | Spring Bird Walk at Whetstone Woods | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Brattleboro |
| May 7 | Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Zoom | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual |
| March 7 | Argentine Tango Classes ($$) | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | South Burlington |
| May 8 | Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Burlington | 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Burlington |
| May 10 | Onion River Outdoors Bike Swap | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Montpelier |
| May 10 | Vermont Jazz Center Presents: Endea Owens and the Cookout ($$) | 7:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| May 10 | 4th Annual Kingman Fest – Block Party | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saint Albans |
| May 12, 19 | BIPOC Makers Night at Hatchspace | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| May 13 | The Flynn Presents: Trekking Mexico ($$) | 5:30 PM | Burlington |
| May 14 | Bike & Gear Repair Fair | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Burlington |
| May 14 | Summer Farm Tour: Sunrise Orchards | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Cornwall |
| May 18 | BIPOC Adoptee Picnic | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Montpelier |
| May 18 | Soul Shine Project: Soul Food & Self Care at The Campfire | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | St. Johnsbury |
| May 18 | The Root: Dungeons & Dragons | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| May 21 | Vermont Wild Kitchen – Spring Pizza | 5:30 PM | Northfield |
| May 23, 24, 25, 26 | Scenic Lift Rides Opening Weekend ($$) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Stratton |
| May 23 | May Community Dinner & Conversation | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Burlington |
| May 29 | Zack Fox at Higher Ground ($$) | 9:00 PM | South Burlington |
| May 31 | Shelburne Vineyard: Old Fashioned Crawfish Boil ($$) | 6:00 PM | Shelburne |
trainings & professional development
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | It Gets Better: Changemakers | Funding for LGBTQ+ youth projects. |
| 5/8 | Funding to Support Arts and Social Cohesion Projects in Vermont | For projects and events in the visual, performing, musical, and literary arts that create opportunities for positive social interaction, engagement, and collaboration. |
| 5/15 | Vermont State Employees Workplace Giving Campaign | Offers employees with the state the opportunity to designate payroll deduction donations to nonprofit organizations serving Vermonters. |
| 5/20 | Vermont Arts Council Arts Project Grants | For nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in projects that provide equal and abundant access to the arts. |
| 5/26 | Black Prosperity Initiative | Monthly stipends to 20 marginalized Vermont residents across the state to help cover housing costs. |
| 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. Grants can cover as much as 70% of the project cost with the business cost-share component at 30%. For more info, contact Annie McLean at amclean@nvda.net. |
| Rolling | Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board | Individuals that have been determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible to receive a beneficiary payment from this program. |
NEWS
VT Food News: Thai Phat Moves; Local Restaurant Groups Expand
A venerable BTV Asian market moves. Oakes & Evelyn, Cookie Love, Scale Poke Bar and Folino’s Pizza plan outposts in Woodstock, Middlebury and South Burlington.
2025 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Announced
The mostly free fest again features big names at Waterfront Park, including Talib Kweli, Rakim, the Soul Rebels and a tribute to the Meters with founding member George Porter, Jr.
Vietnamese Pho Ly Opens in South Burlington
The family-owned restaurant has taken over the former home of the Fish & Chip, which closed in October. It serves lunch and dinner daily.
Geeta Anand named editor-in-chief of VTDigger
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author is returning to Vermont to lead the nonprofit news organization’s next era of investigative journalism.
