Emily Bush, a resident of Manchester, expressed her long-standing desire to serve her Vermont community. This aspiration materialized into reality this week as the Vermont Women’s Fund announced Bush as its new executive director.
“I am profoundly inspired by the Vermont Women’s Fund and its crucial mission to support systemic change, ensuring that all women and girls in Vermont can thrive,” said Bush. “I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to build upon the organization’s legacy and further promote gender equity and justice throughout Vermont.”
The Vermont Women’s Fund operates under the umbrella of the Vermont Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the state. Bush assumes the leadership role from Meg Smith, the outgoing Executive Director who served the organization for a decade.
“I’m thrilled to have Emily join us as the new director of the Women’s Fund,” stated Smith. “Her expertise and passion for driving change align perfectly with the Women’s Fund’s mission at this pivotal moment.”
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bush, along with her husband and children, relocated to Manchester. With her parents already living in Londonderry and her alma mater being the University of Vermont, Bush had strong ties to the state. Since returning, she has felt a strong desire to contribute more to her community.
“I was eager to come back,” she remarked. “Since then, like many others here, I’ve been deeply inspired by the community and have been seeking opportunities in my field to give back.”
Aside from her new professional milestone, Bush also recently celebrated the arrival of her fourth child with her husband, just three months ago.
“Admittedly, the timing wasn’t ideal,” Bush conceded, noting that she managed to carve out a 12-week maternity leave. “But when such an incredible opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t resist.”
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including roles at prominent organizations like The Clinton Foundation, Girls Who Code, and Moms First, Bush brings a wealth of expertise to her new position. While much of her previous work centered on fundraising, Bush expresses enthusiasm about leading a “change-making organization.”
“The Fund serves as a vital resource for women and girls in Vermont,” Bush emphasized. She highlighted the organization’s efforts in advocating for affordable childcare, access to fair wages, quality healthcare, and educational opportunities. Additionally, the Fund supports research initiatives aimed at uncovering disparities and catalyzing progress, such as a recent report on women-owned businesses in Vermont.
