Kaci Viado

37 | Director of Restorative Justice Programs, Interaction
Residence: Windham

Career highlight: The career highlight I’m most proud of is my work developing systems and supporting people to approach accountability and justice differently.

Community involvement: For me, community involvement means being willing to show up, build relationships, and contribute to the place I call home. Through my work, I have been part of expanding restorative practices in the broader community through trainings, facilitated conversations, and partnerships with organizations and community members. In my personal life, you can find me volunteering with the Downtown Business Alliance, Boys and Girls Club, community clean up days, or anywhere else a helping hand is needed!

Motivation for living and working in Vermont: My mom’s family has called Vermont home for generations, and although I grew up moving around as part of a military family, we always came back to Vermont in the summers. My favorite childhood memories were made here, and I knew it was where I wanted to put down my roots.

Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is that confidence isn’t about “feeling good”, it’s about building trust in yourself.

Favorite Vermont season: As a typical Vermonter, I love fall. However, I think spring, when the bare trees start to show their early growth, is beautiful and invites us to dream of possibility.

If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: If I had unlimited funds, I would invest in collaborative art projects that foster opportunities for people to share stories, build relationship, and see each other differently, particularly between people who are incarcerated and their communities. I believe people thrive when they have the chance to by supported by, and accountable to, their community.

Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Start where you are and give what you can. When we pour into each other, we all rise up.