NAVIGATION
It’s Okay If You Don’t Know What You’re Doing
by Kim Soukone
My name is Kim, and I want to share my experience & my story. Hopefully, it will inspire you in some way.
I have lived in Vermont all my life. I’m half Vietnamese and Lao. As a second-generation Asian American, I want to make my parents proud of me by studying hard, getting a good education, and a stable job. I put a lot of expectation and pressure on myself to the point where I feel so overwhelmed. I don’t want to burden my parents with my education and finances, especially since I rarely saw them as a kid because they were always working. I put my needs last because I don’t want to bother them.
I went to Community College for two years to get my associate degree and transferred to University of Vermont (UVM) for psychology for my bachelor degree. Unfortunately, I found out psychology was not for me while working part-time and doing a few clubs at UVM. I remember feeling burnout and having a lot of things on my plate, so I decided it wasn’t worth the money and dropped out to rediscover myself and take care of my mental health.
Then I went to Vermont Work for Women and took a program called Trailbrazer, where you learn the basics of trade like electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and welding. The main goal is to build confidence and become familiar with the tools. I was able to get my certification and got my OSHA 10 card, which was one of my proudest accomplishments. It turns out it’s not for me as a career. I like learning how to use the tools, feeling like a badass and confident to do projects at home, but I didn’t see myself working in that as a career.
At the end of the day, I feel like I wasn’t able to find a career that makes me happy or something I want to pursue. I feel like I’m not making progress, like I’m going backward and forward and starting over again. Sometimes I feel like I should know what I should be doing or at least have a direction.
Right now, I’m in my mid to late 20’s and I’m still unsure what I’m doing. I work a full-time job which is a 12-hour night shift. I’m also taking a business class called START UP at Mercy Connections, where I’m learning how to start a business and write a business plan. I’ve always wanted to start a business, more like a side hustle or hobby for fun. I enjoy making candles and want to sell them at the local farmers market. I hope one day someone will want to buy my candles. I’m excited that the course is over in mid May and see where my entrepreneur journey will take me!
I want to try to compete in Miss Vermont, but I’m hesitant, scared and intimidated. I remember asking the director what it’s like to compete, the cost to register, the cost for fitness clothes, fundraising for American Heart Association, doing social media, and being a local guest. One of my mottos in life is having no regrets. You fail if you don’t try. The director suggested watching the annual competition at Spruce Peak Arts in Stowe and luckily I can watch it online on April 26, since it’s a far drive. I have one more year to sign up and compete Miss Vermont.
I’m a shy person, and I want to get out of my comfort zone and become the best version of myself. I want to focus on myself and do things I want to do that I wasn’t able to do as a kid. I want people who are reading this to know that it’s okay if you don’t know what you are doing, as long as you are experiencing life, whether it’s a good or bad experience. You can turn any experience into a negative or positive. It’s all about perspective. It’s never too late to try new things and learn new things about yourself, where you don’t regret your decision and be like “I wish I could have done it differently in the past.” It is okay to make mistakes and start all over again. That is part of being a better version of yourself!
About the Author
Hello, my name is Kim Soukone. I have a lot of dreams and goals that I want to pursue one day, like becoming a streamer or starting a podcast. I also want to make a song and perform. I want to model as well. I’d like to learn how to snowboard and be able to go to more Unlikely Riders events. I am currently learning pole and lyra. I used to do martial arts and want to get back into doing Muay Thai or learn a different martial art. I also want to get back and roller skating and meet new people at Vermont Skate Society and Joy Riders VT. I like to post pictures of food on Instagram (@kimheartfood). There are a lot of things I want to do, and life is too short, and we only live once. This is my life, and I decide what I want to do and enjoy. The important part is doing what makes me happy and what feels right for me. At the end of day, I create the chapter of my life and see where it will go. To be continued.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Luisana (Luisa) Rodríguez (she/her)!
Luisa works across community building, research, and communications, with a focus on bridging the gap between research, policy, and the communities they’re meant to serve. She also co-leads Hermanas Vermont, organizing social events that connect Latinas across the state.
news FROM THE NETWORK
We’re looking for a A VT PoC Events Intern!
This is your calling to come work with the coolest nonprofit in the state!
Open for applications until the position is filled.
We’re looking for August Kickback Caterers!
Our goal is to highlight and support emerging BIPOC caterers within our community!
If you’re interested in catering, please submit your inquiry to raheemah@vtpoc.net by June 8.
RPF: Technical Assistance & Resource Navigation
VT PoC is seeking a contractor to provide Technical Assistance & Educational Workshop Services supporting BIPOC Vermonters in business, career, and professional development! This is a remote position.
Proposal deadline: June 14, 2026.
Looking for 2026 Writers & Spotlights!
VT PoC is looking to spotlight BIPOC community members in Vermont through our Saturday social media features and monthly newsletter! Slots for newsletter writers have also reopened, but are limited – don’t wait to toss your hat in the ring!
Social Media Spotlights: Please email mimi@vtpoc.net or DM us on Instagram!
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!
| Other Resources | |
|---|---|
| Rowland Foundation New Teacher Co-Teaching Residency with Kia’Rae Hanron | An expert educator of color comes to your school and teaches alongside you for a full week — completely free. This free professional development opportunity is for full-time Vermont public school teachers with 4 years or less of experience, in any subject area and at any grade level. |
| Office Space Available for BIPOC Clinicians or Wellness Providers | Email Linda Lai Nga Li at linda@cattbyll.com or call 802-233-1527 to learn more! |
| The Latiné Immigration and Health Study (LIHS) | An opportunity to participate in a longitudinal study that follows Latine immigrants living across the United States who arrived on or after January 1, 2019 to investigate two questions: 1) Are there differences in health related to perceived stress associated with the current political climate? And 2) How does variation in access to structural and informal systems of support relate to differences in mental health and biological aging between baseline and follow-up? |
| 50% Off Slope Space Membership for VT PoC Members! | Slope Space is a coworking community at Mountain Green Resort in Killington — the only dedicated coworking space at a major East Coast ski resort. We offer flexible workspace solutions for freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses, including hourly drop-ins, shared desks, and dedicated desks, all backed by 1 Gbps business fiber. Check the newsletter in your email for the code! |
| BIPOC Pregnancy Support Group Interest Form | A pilot program for a BIPOC pregnancy support group. |
| Application Launching July 31: Braiding Seeds Fellowship | For beginning BIPOC farmers and land stewards, 18 years of age and older, who are cultivating community and more resilient food futures! |
EVENTS
June 8 — VT PoC‘s Co-Work & Chill: Hula Lakeside
Join us for VT PoC’s co-working sessions! ✨ Co-Work & Chill is a super informal space for chatting, getting out of the house, co-working, etc. Find us at Hula Lakeside in Burlington on Monday, June 8, from 12:00 to 2:30 pm! Please meet at the front desk in the lobby.
Walk-ins are welcome, but feel free to let us know you’re coming by RSVPing.
Please note that this is a BIPOC affinity gathering. Thank you! 😊
[SCHEDULING MISTAKE] June 16’s VT PoC Pop-Up: BIPOC Yoga with BYEP
We weren’t able to mark this in the Mailchimp newsletter before it went out, but BYEP’s BIPOC yoga hasn’t started yet! We plan to attend once they start back up – stay tuned!
June 18 — VT PoC’s Lakeside Link-Up: A BIPOC Networking Mixer at Hula
Join VT PoC after work for a relaxed and casual BIPOC Networking Mixer at Hula Lakeside on June 18, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Preppi space!
BIPOC professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and newcomers welcomed – no pressure, no awkward networking energy 😎
Free to attend! Food and drinks available for purchase, paid parking available.
June 27 — VT PoC x Lawson’s Finest Liquids: BIPOC Networking Mixer
VT PoC and Lawson’s Finest Liquids warmly invite you to a special BIPOC networking mixer! Join us on Saturday, June 27, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield.
This is a FREE event, each ticket includes one (1) FREE voucher for a beverage. Food is available on a first-come first-served basis, so please plan to arrive at the start of the event.
July 2 — 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!
July 7 — VT PoC‘s Co-Work & Chill: South Burlington Library
Join us for VT PoC’s co-working sessions! ✨ Co-Work & Chill is a super informal space for chatting, getting out of the house, co-working, etc. Find us at the South Burlington Public Library on Tuesday, July 7, from 11:30 to 1:30 pm! Please meet at the front desk in the lobby.
Walk-ins are welcome, but feel free to let us know you’re coming by RSVPing.
Please note that this is a BIPOC affinity gathering. Thank you! 😊
August 2 — VT PoC’s 6th Annual August Kickback
Join us for our 6th Annual August Kickback, a vibrant celebration centered on this year’s theme: “Rooted & Rising: Rooted in Community and Rising Together” ✊
We invite ALL to come together for a wonderful afternoon of connection and joy. Save the date for this free event on Sunday, August 2nd, from 12 PM to 4 PM in South Burlington.
Exact location will be shared once your RSVP is confirmed!
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 16 | The Rooted Capoeria Collective: Capoeira Sessions | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 2, 16 | Expressive Arts Burlington: Open Studio ($$) | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Burlington |
| June 4, 21 | Outright Vermont: Tween Group | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 4 | Meetup for Women, Trans & Nonbinary Tradespeople & Designers | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 4, 18 | The Root Social Justice Center: BIPOC Writers Group | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 4 | PechaKucha Night Burlington | Volume 43 ($$) | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 4 | My Heart Sings: Jason Moran plays Duke Ellington with the Vermont Youth Orchestra ($$) | 7:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 5 | Montpelier Art Walk | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Montpelier |
| June 5 | The Root Social Justice Center Tabling at Gallery Walk | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Burlington |
| June 5 | Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: Ruthie Foster | 8:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 5 | Higher Ground: Meet Me @ the Altar ($$) | 8:00 PM | South Burlington |
| June 5 | Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: Tank & The Bangas | 9:20 PM | Burlington |
| June 6, 13, 20, 27 | St. Johnsbury Farmers Markets | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | St. Johnsbury |
| June 6, 13, 20, 27 | Burlington Farmers Market | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 6 | New England’s Odd and Unusual Show | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Essex Junction |
| June 6 | 2nd Annual Sister Sankofa Annual Celebration | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Montpelier |
| June 6, 20 | Berlin Contra Dance ($$) | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Berlin |
| June 7 | Out in the Open: Pride Family Potluck with The Root and SUSU | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Newfane |
| June 7, 21, 28 | The Root Social Justice Center: Youth & Adult D&D | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 9 | Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Brattleboro | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Brattleboro |
| June 10 | Introduction to Fly Fishing | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Vergennes |
| June 10, 17, 24 | Danville Farmers Market | 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Danville |
| June 11 | Billings After Hours Charcuterie Workshop ($$) | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Woodstock |
| June 12, 14 | Sparrow Plein Air Festival ($$) | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Middlebury |
| June 12 | Higher Ground: Father, Tommy Genesis, DJ Lucas | 8:00 PM | South Burlington |
| June 13, 14 | Abenaki Heritage Weekend & Native Arts Market | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Vergennes |
| June 13 | The Poetry Experience with Rajnii Eddins | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 13 thru Oct 18 | The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting ($$) | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 13 | Juneteenth Roller Disco ($$) | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 13 | The Flynn: The Magic Of Motown ($$) | 7:30 PM | Burlington |
| June 14 | Conscious Homestead @ Winooski Farmers Market | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Winooski |
| June 14 | The Root Social Justice Center: Soul Food Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 14 | Juneteenth 2026: Celebrating Freedom, Cultivating Community | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | South Burlington |
| June 15 | Youth 4 Change | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 17 | Juneteenth Winooski | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Winooski |
| June 18 | Black Dad Hang | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Burlington, Virtual |
| June 19-21 | Quechee Balloon Festival ($$) | Quechee | |
| June 21 | Burlington Juneteenth | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Burlington |
| June 26 | Strawberry Festival | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | West Burke |
| June 26 | St. J Final Fridays | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | St. Johnsbury |
| June 26 | Youth 4 Change: Game Nights | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 27 | The Root Social Justice Center: BIPOC Hair Shop | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Brattleboro |
| June 27, 28 | Vermont Renaissance Faire ($$) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Essex Junction |
| June 27 | Rainbowpalooza: A Pride & Vegfest | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Springfield |
| June 27, 28 | West Windsor, VT Music Festival ($$) | Multiple | West Windsor |
| July 5 | Highland Center for the Arts: Ocean Vuong | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Greensboro |
| July 11 | 2026 BIPOC Outdoor Fest | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Craftsbury Common |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| June 9 | Walter Cerf Community Fund | Grants focused on education, historic preservation, and social services in Addison County, the Town of Brandon, and to organizations serving a statewide constituency. |
| June 30 | Dr. Charlotte “Perry” Coffield Scholarship | For BIPOC interested in becoming an ASL interpreter. |
| November 1 | Nonprofit Development and Support Grant Program | Supports projects that strengthen organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability, helping nonprofits better serve their communities. |
| Rolling | Charity Bridge Fund | Supports nonprofits facing federal funding cuts. |
| Rolling | UVM Medical Center Community Health Investment Fund | For federally recognized nonprofit or government organizations, must primarily support community members living in the UVM Medical Center’s primary health service areas and align with one or more of the 2025 top community health priorities. |
| Rolling | Green Mountain Home Repair | Offering grants up for home health & safety repairs for income eligible homeowners in the following towns: Andover, Jamaica, Londonderry, Weston, and Windham. Income limits are based on household size. |
| Rolling | Haymarket People’s Fund: Urgent Response Grants | Up to $5,000 to help grassroots social change organizations respond quickly to unforeseen crises or opportunities that critically affect your organization and constituency. Includes unexpected events, political crises, or organizing opportunities. Grants are NOT to be used for ongoing program work (including expenses the organization should have anticipated), for financial crises, a projected funding shortfall, or because the group missed a funding deadline. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Enhanced Rebate | For eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits to purchase qualifying equipment or complete a custom project. |
| 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
Dumpling Café to Replace Asiana House in Burlington
Gary Ma, longtime owner of the shuttered downtown sushi spot, said he needed a change. His new restaurant at 191 Pearl Street will offer housemade dim sum.
La Casa del Sabor Serves Ecuadorian Menu in Former Pauline’s Café in South Burlington
The family-run eatery also serves dishes from Peru and Colombia. Homestyle plates include cheese-stuffed potato pancakes and beef rib stew with fried plantains.
Kismayo Kitchen in Burlington Has Been Sold to New Owners
Anisa Mohamed, widow of the restaurant’s chef-founder, Ahmed Omar, has passed the baton to Abbas Mohamed and his wife, Mashaer Ebaid, who plan no major changes.
Sabah’s House to Take Over Burlington’s Church Street Kiosk
The family-run Middle Eastern catering business previously ran a cart on the same downtown corner. The kiosk menu will combine its popular shawarma with American classics.
Offbeat Creemee to Close Plant-Based Ice Cream Biz
Aisha and Danny Bassett started at a poolside stand in Winooski in 2021 and moved into Essex’s Uncommon Coffee last year. They’ll close at the end of May.
With Nippon Naturals, Paul Travers Brings Japanese Wine to Vermont
After a career in financial services, Travers found an unexpected retirement project that’s making natural wine from Japan a thing in the Green Mountain State.
