The Vermont Women’s Fund (VWF) will host its Annual Celebration on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the University of Vermont’s Dudley H. Davis Center in Burlington. This year’s event, themed “Because of Her,” will feature a keynote address by Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA). Lobby doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 5 p.m.

Additional event details are available here.

The annual event will celebrate the Vermont Women’s Fund’s impact through grantmaking, partnerships, and the stories of women and girls across Vermont whose lives and communities have been strengthened through expanded opportunities and community investment.

The theme, “Because of Her,” celebrates the women who shaped our lives and the opportunities we create for others through our collective action and investment.

“For 30 years, the Vermont Women’s Fund has invested in women and girls because we know that when they rise, entire communities thrive,” said Emily Bush, director of the Vermont Women’s Fund. “This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the women who opened doors for us, challenged us to dream bigger, and inspired us to create opportunities for others. Year after year, our community of grantees, supporters, and advocates comes together to celebrate what’s possible when we invest in women and girls while building momentum for the year ahead.”

Shabnam Nolan, executive director of King Street Center in Burlington, a 2026 Vermont Women’s Fund grantee, will serve as emcee and moderator for the evening. The program will also feature a special introduction by Amber Arnold, founder and executive director of SUSU commUNITY Farm.

Featured speaker Shabana Basij-Rasikh is the co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), the first boarding school for Afghan girls. She founded SOLA while studying at Middlebury College and has dedicated her life to expanding educational opportunities for Afghan girls. Her story of hope and perseverance in the face of extraordinary odds has been featured on TED, 60 Minutes, and in The Washington Post.

“Shabana’s remarkable journey embodies the spirit of ‘Because of Her,'” said Bush. “Her determination has opened doors for countless girls and demonstrates the life-changing power of investing in women’s education and leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women and girls have equitable opportunities.”

Tickets for the event are available online.

This event is made possible thanks to the Women’s Fund Champion sponsors, Gravel & Shea PC, Green Mountain Power, and the Vermont Community Foundation; as well as Commando, Paul Frank + Collins P.C., Northfield Savings Bank, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids.   

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The Vermont Women’s Fund is the first and largest philanthropic resource in the state, founded specifically to advance women and girls in Vermont. Founded in 1994, it is a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation and awards annual grants to nonprofits around the state that serve women and girls with programs that promote economic self-sufficiency, career development, and systems change. Learn more at vermontwomensfund.org. 

The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1994 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put nearly $80 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Community Foundation envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information. Give where your heart lives.