Meet Your 2025 Board Candidates – 2
Here are the two remaining candidates for the CVRAN Board. Come meet them at the Annual Meeting on April 15th.
Elaine Toohey, Randolph
I am writing with interest in joining the Board of CVRAN. Dedication to meaningful, mission driven work has resulted in much of my personal and professional experience revolving around bringing people together to form connections that strengthen and inspire addressing our challenges and celebrating our shared humanity. My work has specifically focused on the areas of affordable housing and homelessness, grant writing and administration, economic development, coalition building, workforce development, social justice and human rights, environmental ethics, youth development and building resilient communities. I am looking to move into a role on the CVRAN Board that utilizes my competencies and allows opportunities for growth. I have experience and extensive strengths in cross-sector and cross-region collaboration, operations, strategic planning, project and event management, internal policy writing and enforcement, grants management, fiscal accountability and oversight, and implementing continuous change for the better. Holding multiple projects, discernment of when to engage in collaborative versus independent work and supporting cohesive work cultures towards communities of care have been strengthened during my years of leadership work.
While my professional skills bring a great deal of benefit to this position, my characteristics of strong ethics, integrity and deep regard for the principle of LISTEN, LEARN and CHANGE are also assets. I will bring the following personal mission to this role: As a member of the Board of CVRAN, I will diligently perform my duties in service to the public good. I commit to working from a character that is rooted in hard work, honesty, integrity, continuous improvement and self-reflection, and open communication. I will be a genuine encourager, fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment. I will make thoughtful decisions and remain confident in my choices. I commit wholeheartedly to leading with a daily-renewed passion for CVRAN’s mission to welcome and provide support to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and migrant workers living in, working in, and visiting Central Vermont. I share CVRAN’s vision to build, in partnership with others, a vibrant, inclusive global community in Central Vermont, where refugees and asylum seekers find hope, engagement, empowerment, and a strong sense of belonging.
Juan Vistro, East Montpelier
I am writing to express my interest in joining the board of the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network. As an immigrant from the Philippines, I bring a unique perspective that aligns deeply with CVRAN’s mission, and I am committed to supporting refugee and immigrant communities in Vermont. My background as a nonprofit director of programs at EMW Community Space in Cambridge MA has equipped me with practical experience in program strategy and implementation, while my training from years of attendance at AFP ICON (Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference on Fundraising) has sharpened my skills in fundraising, board governance, and operations. Additionally, my nontraditional work experience would allow me to offer innovative contributions to the Work Training Committee, helping empower our community members with sustainable skills. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to CVRAN’s impactful work.