This month’s member spotlight is a double feature on Catherine Turyamureeba (she/her) & Hannington Kasagga (he/him)—the visionary owners behind Burlington Trolley Tours! Catherine and Hannington have been in Vermont for six years and currently reside in Burlington.
Learn more about their tours at burlingtontrolley.com or email them at tours@burlingtontrolley.com.
Tell us a bit about your background before arriving in VT and what brought you to the state!
Catherine: I moved here with my three daughters looking for a place to call home, everything about Vermont seemed like back home in Uganda except for the 6 months of winter of course.
Why are you a member of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network?
Catherine: I love the idea of professional of color, I appreciate that we can get recognized for what we are truly able to bring to the table.
What aspects of life in VT do you find most fulfilling? What about your professional life here stands out to you?
Catherine: Vermont has allowed me to dream and put to reality. We are given an opportunity to grow and explore.
Looking back, what advice would you have appreciated receiving about being a professional of color in VT before you arrived?
Catherine: That it does not look as easy as it is made, people are so loving and welcoming but when it gets to the professional scene like every other place we still need to prove ourselves even harder to maintain a sit on the table.
What are some challenges that you’ve faced on a professional level since living in VT?
Catherine: Communication (the accent). I have constantly been told in most places of work that people cannot understand what I am saying or talking about. Often find it hard to believe.
Can you share any strategies or resources that have helped you overcome these challenges?
Catherine: Socializing, marketing and networking has allowed me to learn how people speak here.
Tell us about the work you’re currently doing and what drives you in your profession!
Catherine: We are currently running a trolley business in Burlington, Vermont. We are driven but the continued support we get from the different people we meet. Everything from knowledge of history to grants that have kept this business afloat.
What future opportunities do you see for your industry, particularly in the context of the state?
Catherine: We hope to grow the business to fleet of trolley and spread out into some other historical cities in Vermont like Stowe and Montpelier.
In your opinion, how can VT better support its BIPOC residents, both professionally and personally?
Catherine: Vermont can continue to avail more opportunities and funding for new small businesses like ours especially as people of color but mostly with the potential to give back to the community like we do.
Are there other things (events/opportunities/jobs/etc) you’d like to share with the VT BIPOC community?
Catherine: Yes, we encourage the VT BIPOC community to come out and support businesses like out that are run by the VT PoC. Charity begins at home.
Have you had any mentors or support networks in VT? How have they impacted your journey?
Catherine: Yes, we have greatly been supported by many people both individual and organizations like SBA, VT Community Loan Fund, Main Street Landing, City of Burlington, CWE, CVOEO and VT PoC.
What role does community play in your life here, and how have you engaged with the local BIPOC community?
Catherine: I love the many BIPOC events are created to continue to encourage networking and socializing. I always attend and engage in them as a feel for communityship.
What aspects of your culture do you see reflected in the Vermont community, and what aspects do you feel are missing?
Catherine: Togetherness and looking out for one another, especially for community development and making sure lives are changed and impacted.
What advice would you give to young BIPOC professionals starting their careers in Vermont?
Catherine: Young professionals should be opened minded, eager to learn and hungry for new opportunities to dream big.
How do you balance your professional life with personal interests and self-care?
Catherine: Now that’s tough, a business in its starting stage is tougher than a baby. No time for self care though I would love it a lot.
