Michele Karode
36 | Manager of Outreach Operations, University of Vermont
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight: The career highlight I’m most proud of is the work I get to do through the UVM Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, where I have the opportunity to help create meaningful change across Vermont through programming, connections, and grant partnerships. We work to identify and support solutions to challenges facing our communities while bringing University resources, expertise, and the right people to the table. While I am grateful to be invited to those tables, what I value most is being able to listen to the people closest to the work, understand the gaps they are experiencing, and then help provide the funding, relationships, and resources needed to move their ideas forward. There is nothing more rewarding than supporting people who are already creating change in their communities and then helping elevate their work to new partners, funding opportunities, and platforms where it can have an even greater impact.
Community involvement: My community involvement has always been an important part of how I live and lead. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Leadership Champlain Advisory Board, where I have the opportunity to support and learn alongside emerging leaders from across the region. I have also served as an advisor to the UVM Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Iota chapter since 2017, supporting students through mentorship, leadership development, and their college experience, and I have served on the Vermont Saves Board, contributing to work focused on helping Vermonters build greater financial security. These roles allow me to give back in different ways while continuing to learn from the people and organizations making Vermont stronger.
My professional work has also provided opportunities to contribute beyond my day-to-day role. Through the Leahy Institute, I am regularly invited into conversations with community leaders, nonprofits, educators, businesses, and policymakers about the challenges facing Vermont communities. I have had the privilege of testifying before the Vermont Legislature and bringing forward perspectives and barriers I hear directly from communities across the state. I value being a trusted thought partner and using my relationships and platform to make sure the voices of people doing the work on the ground are part of larger conversations about Vermont’s future.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: First and foremost, my friends. I came to Vermont from my hometown in Ohio to attend UVM, and after graduation I moved to Boston, where I had a wonderful life and career. Ultimately, the friends who had stayed in Vermont and were building their lives here pulled me back, and today I am a proud “auntie” to many of their children and incredibly grateful to be part of their everyday lives. Over time, Vermont has also given me a professional community I deeply value, and I feel fortunate to call a place with such incredible people, communities, and natural beauty home. And getting to live on Lake Champlain certainly doesn’t hurt!
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is getting to meet incredible people doing really incredible work from Vermont to communities and organizations across the country. As a trained educator, lifelong learning is one of my core values, and this job constantly introduces me to people and ideas that expand how I see the world. I love building those relationships, learning from the people doing the work, and then helping elevate their stories and connect them to the people, resources, and opportunities that can help their work go even further.
Most inspiring mentor: I have been fortunate to have many incredible mentors, from my high school assistant principal, Jennifer Chauby, to my UVM advisor, Dr. Penny Bishop, and Dr. Katherine Shepherd, Dean of UVM’s College of Education and Social Services. But the most inspiring mentor in my life is my older brother, Andrew Karode, although he would probably just say he is being my older brother. He is exceptionally successful and brilliant, but what inspires me most is how he carries himself: with generosity, kindness, humility, and a genuine commitment to knowing the facts before entering any conversation or debate. He demonstrates true leadership in his everyday life, and I am incredibly proud not only to learn from him, but to get to call him my brother.
Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is to put relationships before tasks. Building trust and meaningful relationships takes time and energy, but it is incredibly worthwhile. When you have built the trust that allows people to come to the table, listen to one another, and work toward something bigger than themselves, you have an opportunity and a responsibility to use that influence for the greater good.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Shelburne Farms, hands down. From its history and breathtaking views to its commitment to education, agriculture, and stewardship, it is one of the most special and restorative places in Vermont. I also feel incredibly lucky that the Shelburne Farms community has chosen to share such a remarkable place with all of us; the care and pride they have for Vermont is evident in everything they do and its stunning!
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I would be fascinated to hear her reflect on a life spent challenging barriers, opening doors, and creating change through both her legal career and her leadership on the Supreme Court. The breadth of what she accomplished, and the generations she inspired along the way, is extraordinary. Getting to pick her brain over a Vermont beverage would be a dream and I think she might appreciate a nice cold Foam beer.