Add Row

Add Element

update

Raven International Media Empire

update

Add Element

Home
Categories
New and Noteworthy

November 07.2025

2 Minutes Read

Katie Kittell Makes History as First Female Publisher of VermontBiz

Smiling woman in patterned blouse against white backdrop.

A Historic Leadership Change at VermontBiz

In a significant announcement, VermontBiz has appointed Katie Kittell as its first female publisher. A long-time employee of the magazine who joined in 2011, Kittell's journey from production manager to publisher exemplifies a commitment to excellence and creativity in the publishing industry.

Creative Vision Behind VermontBiz

Kittell has been the linchpin of VermontBiz's creative output, not only designing monthly issues but also curating the visual identity for a range of annual publications like the Vermont Business Directory, The Book of Lists, and The Giving Guide. Her leadership during VermontBiz's 50th anniversary was particularly noteworthy, where she revitalized the magazine's logo and overall visual presentation.

Building Community Connections

Kittell’s role goes beyond design; she has played an active part in Vermont's business community. As an emcee for events such as Best Places to Work in Vermont and Rising Stars, she fosters connections that celebrate local business accomplishments. Recognized in 2016 as a Rising Star herself, her appointment breathes new life into VermontBiz and serves as an inspiration for young women in the media.

Looking Forward: Vision as Publisher

Stepping into this role, Kittell expresses excitement about the challenges ahead. With a clear vision of incorporating fresh ideas, she aims to strengthen VermontBiz’s outreach, providing unmatched news and engagement for the business community. Her extensive background in media, marketing, and publishing primes her to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

Encouraging Female Leadership

Kittell's ascent as the first female publisher at VermontBiz symbolizes broader trends toward gender inclusion and representation in leadership roles. This milestone not only positions her as a trailblazer within her organization but serves to inspire future generations of women aspiring to similar positions within the field of business and media.

Call to Action

As VermontBiz embarks on this new chapter under Kittell's leadership, it is more important than ever to support local journalism that champions business success and community engagement. Consider subscribing to VermontBiz to stay updated on the incredible stories and insights that shape our business landscape.

Women in Business

1 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

11.15.2025

Shoreham Port's Winning Strategy: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in Maritime

Update Shoreham Port Honored with 2025 ESPO Award for Diversity In a remarkable achievement for inclusivity in the maritime sector, Shoreham Port has been awarded the prestigious 2025 ESPO Award for Social Integration. This honor, bestowed by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), recognizes the port's commitment to fostering an equitable workplace, particularly through innovative strategies aimed at attracting more women to the industry. Commitment to Gender Balance This year’s award ceremony, held on November 5 in Brussels, showcased Shoreham Port’s outstanding Diversity & Inclusion Strategy. The initiative has led to significant strides in gender balance within the port, including women holding 50% of leadership roles. Catherine May, Chair of the Shoreham Port Board, expressed pride in the port's transformative journey, noting that the recognition will encourage further improvements as they continue their decade-long strategy. Key Initiatives Driving Change Shoreham's approach integrates inclusivity at every level, from recruitment to leadership development. The strategy includes gender-balanced leadership pathways, targeted mentoring for young women, and community partnerships aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth. Such efforts not only enhance workplace diversity but also contribute to overall productivity. Setting an Industry Standard As the first UK port to achieve Women in Maritime Charter status, Shoreham Port sets a benchmark for others in the maritime industry. Its initiatives, which also include providing female-specific PPE and menopause awareness programs, illustrate the port's dedication to creating supportive work environments for women. These projects have not only empowered female employees but have also driven impressive business results, boosting revenue by 52% since 2020. Inspiring Future Generations The 2025 ESPO Award highlights the growing importance of gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors like maritime. Shoreham Port’s successes serve as a powerful example to others, demonstrating that inclusivity and commercial success can go hand in hand. As the port moves into the next phase of its 10-year plan, it stands as a beacon of how intentional diversity efforts can reshape industries and communities alike. Conclusion: Making Waves for Change As entrepreneurs and small business owners look for success stories and growth strategies, Shoreham Port’s award-winning approach serves as a blueprint for integrating diversity and inclusion into business practices. Their success illustrates that organizations willing to invest in inclusive workplace cultures not only attract talent but also enhance their market position.

11.15.2025

Exciting Career Shift: Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins Joins FT’s P&C Specialist

Update Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins Joins FT’s P&C Specialist In a significant career development, Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins has been appointed as a reporter at the Financial Times' P&C Specialist. This transition comes on the heels of her freelance journey, which she embraced for the past two years after previously serving as a senior reporter at Business Insider. A Fresh Perspective on Personal Lines Insurance Dawkins brings a wealth of experience from covering various sectors including retail and entrepreneurship to her new role focused on personal lines insurance. In her debut week at FT, she expressed excitement about returning to corporate journalism. Dawkins aims to leverage her background to provide comprehensive insights into the insurance sector while connecting with industry professionals. Having freelanced extensively during her recent hiatus, she acknowledges the vibrant environment of storytelling in journalism has greatly shaped her perspective, allowing her time to reflect on her professional journey—something she likely delves into more on her Substack. Dawkins encourages insurance professionals to reach out to her, emphasizing her eagerness to learn the in-depth nuances of her new beat. The Importance of Networking in Journalism For entrepreneurs and business professionals, Dawkins' career move serves as a reminder of the importance of networking and adaptability in today’s workforce. Her shift from various reporting beats to insurance exemplifies how versatile skills can be employed across different sectors. In a constantly evolving job market, being open to new opportunities can yield rewarding paths, similar to how Dawkins navigated her own career transitions. Encouragement for Emerging Journalists As she embarks on this new chapter, Dawkins sets a considerable example for aspiring journalists and young entrepreneurs. Her journey, characterized by resilience and continuous learning, underlines the vitality of adaptability. The tumultuous nature of the media industry today requires a dynamic approach to career development—something that Dawkins surely embodies. Following her company's tight-knit community and commitment to excellence, one can only expect insightful and engaging journalism from her work in the personal lines insurance arena.

11.14.2025

Women Leading in Trades: The Movement That Redefines Construction Careers

Update Empowering Women in Trades: A New Era In a transformative movement within the trades, the initiative “Move Over Bob” is not just encouraging women to join the workforce; it’s paving the way for them to take the lead. Co-founders Kate Glantz and Angie Cacace recognized a compelling gap in representation within the construction industry, where women currently comprise less than five percent of the workforce in certain trades. By highlighting role models and providing resources, this movement seeks to normalize the idea of women as skilled tradespeople, championing a cultural shift that goes beyond traditional barriers. The Visibility Issue: Changing Perspectives The construction industry is facing a skilled labor shortage exacerbated by a lack of visibility for women in trades. If young girls cannot envision themselves in these roles, how can we expect them to pursue them? “Move Over Bob” tackles this head-on by creating accessible media, including a lifestyle-forward magazine that not only showcases women in the field but also provides practical training resources. This dual approach helps dismantle stereotypes while offering tangible pathways for young women to enter the trades. Cultural Shifts Through Representation In its inaugural year, “Move Over Bob” distributed over 20,000 magazines across Arizona’s educational and community institutions, igniting interest and ambition among young women. The magazine's focus on storytelling and interviews with women breaking into traditionally male-dominated roles allows readers to connect and see themselves represented. This mirrors initiatives seen across various sectors, emphasizing that visibility can inspire action. Backed by Data: The Industry's Potential Industry statistics reveal a compelling case for empowering women in construction. Currently, only about 14% of the construction workforce is female, yet the need for skilled labor is projected to grow significantly. By fostering an inclusive environment, not only can we bridge the gender gap, but we can also enhance workplace innovation and creativity. As diverse teams are known to drive better business outcomes, the argument for inclusion becomes not just ethical but strategic. Next Steps for Empowering Women in Construction The challenges women face in construction—from workplace culture to safety standards—must be tackled at every level. Organizations like HBI are stepping up to provide education and training specifically aimed at increasing female participation in the trades. By expanding outreach, enhancing mentorship programs, and actively promoting successful female role models, the industry can work harmoniously towards building a more equitable future. In conclusion, the movement initiated by “Move Over Bob” is a beacon of hope and progress. It redefines the narrative around women in trades, heralding a new era where they do not just join the workforce but lead it. As businesses and organizations embrace this change, they invest not just in women, but in the future of the construction industry.