Jordan Hughes
29 | Director of Development & Communications, Umbrella Inc
Residence: Caledonia
Career highlight: I am incredibly proud of the work I have been fortunate enough to do at Umbrella. I have had the opportunity to be part of work that creates real change in the lives of people and families across the Northeast Kingdom, while also helping secure the financial support that makes that work possible. Through fundraising, donor relationships, events, grants, and development work, I help bring in the resources Umbrella needs to continue providing its essential programs and services to our community. Knowing that the dollars I help raise directly support advocacy, education, prevention, safety, and resources for people who need them makes this work incredibly meaningful to me. I am especially proud to be part of an organization whose mission is to cultivate a Northeast Kingdom where all people thrive free from abuse and oppression. That mission is at the heart of everything we do, and I feel incredibly grateful that my work in development allows me to help make that mission possible.
Community involvement: I am incredibly proud of the ways I have been able to give back to and be involved in my community. I founded the Sullycat Foundation as a young adult, turning a deeply personal experience into an organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and families throughout our community. Watching Sullycat grow over the years and knowing that something I started has been able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is one of the things I am most proud of. Beyond Sullycat, I have always believed in showing up for my community in whatever ways I can, whether that means serving on boards, participating on community panels, helping with town event committees, volunteering at local events, or simply lending my time, voice, and skills when they are needed. St. Johnsbury is home, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to contribute to the community that has given me so much.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I was born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom, and St. Johnsbury helped shape me into the person I am today, so after moving away for a few years after college, I quickly realized how much I missed Vermont, its people, my community, and my now-husband back home. Moving back was an easy decision, and I am proud to live and work in the place I have always called home.
Best career advice: Life is too short to spend your days somewhere that doesn’t inspire you, challenge you, or fill your cup, find work that gives you purpose and reminds you why you do it.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have traveled to almost 20 countries with my husband.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?What three words best describe you: Kind, funny and a lifelong learner
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season has always been fall, the crisp air, changing leaves, apple cider, cozy days, and everything that makes Vermont feel especially magical. But fall has become even more meaningful to me over the years; I got married in the fall, and now my son’s birthday is in the fall too, making it a season filled with some of the most beautiful and meaningful moments of my life.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite way to unwind is cozying up for a movie with my husband, our dog, and our two-month-old son.