BRATTLEBORO-The Women's Leadership Circles (WLC) of Vermont announces the successful completion of its 16th Circle, held in the Northeast Kingdom - a milestone as the program has now served all 14 counties across the state.
Founded in 2011 by Kerry Secrest of Watershed Coaching in Brattleboro, WLC is a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to support women in leadership roles across sectors. Over the course of six months, each Circle convenes up to 12 women from a specific region to cultivate clarity, capability, and connection in their leadership. A hallmark of the program includes the design and execution of an individual action project that benefits each participant's organization or community.
On May 27, Secrest celebrated this milestone with alumnae of the four Women's Leadership Circles of Windham County, influential area women leaders, and special guest, Congresswoman Becca Balint.
"Kerry has had so much impact on women around the state and by extension so many organizations and communities," Balint said.
"Supporting women leaders in rural areas has had demonstrated impact in those communities that often get overlooked," said Secrest.
Women in rural areas often face unique challenges in accessing leadership development and peer support, said Secrest. In Vermont, where nearly two-thirds of the population lives in rural communities, women leaders frequently cite isolation, limited access to mentorship, and a lack of professional networks as key barriers to advancement.
Secrest said according to a 2022 report by the Vermont Commission on Women, more than 70% of women leaders in rural areas reported feeling under-supported in their leadership roles. "The Women's Leadership Circles directly addresses this gap by creating a trusted space for connection, collaboration, and sustained personal and professional growth."
"I gained a greater sense of confidence in my place in the world and in being a leader. It is so important to have a circle of women who are supportive and care about each other," said Connie Baxter, WLC alumna and former executive director of Windham County Safe Place.
WLC participants report lasting transformation through increased self-awareness, improved work-life harmony, and expanded leadership capacity. Many alumnae have launched new ventures, stepped into more senior roles, made bold life changes, and even run for public office.
Upon reflection of these last 14 years, Secrest said, "I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to support 173 women throughout the state. Leadership happens every day in communities big and small in Vermont. Each one of these women is making an impact in their own personal, powerful way, and it matters."
Looking ahead, the next Women's Leadership Circle will move beyond Vermont and is set to launch in January 2026 in Keene, New Hampshire, with registration opening in September 2025. For more information or to inquire about registration, visit watershedcoachingllc.com/wlc.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.