Name: Ashley Maynes 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Public Communication, Strategic Communication Concentration 

Graduating: May 2023 

Hometown: Pawlet, VT 

“It is such a treat to be surrounded by the minds who come together on various legislative measures that impact Vermont. I consider myself an observant person, so working with the Chamber in this way has given me a new lens through which I am able to learn about the inner workings of the state that I am happy to call my home. One skill that I am happy to have is the ability to remain neutral while being a part of certain contexts, and my work with the Chamber has lent itself to me being able to exercise that with regularity. I have grown in my capacity to listen and consider things holistically and with an open mind. 

Along with my work for the Chamber, I have learned a great deal about consumer policy in Vermont through my work with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). In the office every week, I provide constituent services to Vermonters who are looking for guidance through issues relating to consumer protection issues like fraud and scams. It has been a gift to have the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned at CAP to some legislative measures that were deliberated this session. I will take this foundation of knowledge of Vermont and apply it to whatever it is that I will do next. 

 After college, I’m not sure what I’ll do! I would love to embark on my journey in the public sector, an interest that has been greatly informed during my time here at Vermont’s beautiful statehouse. I am confident that something great will come my way. If there are any legislators reading this who need assistance, know that I am eager to learn about and advocate for policies that benefit Vermont. I would love to work for you! 

Thanks for reading! I can be reached at the following email and phone number. It has been a pleasure watching you all work so hard to make Vermont the special place that it is. Enjoy the summer!” 

Contact Information: 
Email: amaynes15@gmail.com 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

Name: Lucy Heisey 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Political Science Major, French Minor 

Anticipated Graduation: 2023 

Hometown: Rye, NH 

“I have previously worked as a legislative fellow for a State Representative in Massachusetts. I am really looking forward to experiencing the state government process from another perspective. The Vermont State House is incredibly open and the team at the Vermont Chamber has been so welcoming. This combination has definitely boosted my networking skills and confidence in a professional environment. 

I received my paralegal certification from Boston University in the summer of 2022. After graduation, I plan to use this certificate along with my public policy experience to work somewhere in the legal or government fields. 

I’m incredibly grateful for this internship opportunity. Throughout my time at UVM most of my research has focused on local government in Vermont. I’m so lucky that I am able to learn about the state government during my last semester. All of my experience has taught me how unique politics is in Vermont and how hands-on it really is. I look forward to taking the skills and connections gained here with me after graduation.” 

Contact Information:  

Email – lucy.heisey@uvm.edu 

Linkedin 

Name: Maggie Talty 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Public Communications, concentration in Journalism and Media, Minor in Anthropology  

Anticipated Graduation: 2023 

Hometown: York, Maine 

“After working on two political campaign communications projects, I wanted to get a deeper look into the internal work of legislation. I’m passionate about policy and welfare and interested in seeing how development and legislation intersect. Through this internship, I wanted to explore government communications, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, community development, and professional relationship building all while gaining a deeper understanding about legislative action and procedure. I have developed deeper knowledge regarding these interest areas all while honing my skills in organization, oral and written communication, and management. I’m a critical thinker and having the ability to work in a fast-paced setting has been incredibly rewarding.  

With a passion for human development and rights, having the opportunity to be in the room while discussion of imperative and uplifting policy is happening has been the highlight of my college career. Seeing the way in which Vermonters and legislators passionately care about wellbeing in our state is incredibly empowering and reminds me that all of us have agency, in our lives and in our neighbors’ lives. I wish to continue this work after my graduation in May 2023. 

I’m staying in Vermont! I’m currently seeking employment in Vermont in any type of campaign work, public relations, or public communication positions. I’m open to discussion of any opportunity that may come my way. As an enthusiastic learner, I seek new challenges and areas of interest to explore. I’m constantly looking for new ways to educate myself and gain a deeper understanding of this industry. I’m hoping to find a position that challenges me, provides the opportunity to work toward greater good, and elevate wellbeing for all Vermonters in our state. Some specific areas of interest include human rights, non-profit work, access to childcare, reproductive liberty, equal opportunity, and accessibility measures for Vermonters. I’m passionate about all areas of community development and love the rewarding experience of seeing ways in which policy can uplift opportunity for all.” 

Contact Information:  

Email – maggietalty@gmail.com 

Linkedin 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

Name: Scott Czerwinski 

College: Saint Michael’s College 

Field of Study:  Economics and Political Science Majors, Public Health Minor 

Graduating: Spring 2023 

Hometown: Burlington, MA 

“I am excited to see how the actual drafting and debating of legislation happens, as well as get more of an idea of what state government looks like. The most important skill I have developed is being able to catch on to many topics with ease. Each day, each committee is discussing a different piece of legislation to address a different issue and listening in and taking notes is like a crash course in each subject. 

I hope to stay in Vermont and get a job working for either the state government or in some role where I can put my experience in both economics and political science to use. I also am interested in jobs that deal with data analysis or healthcare. I spent the last summer in South Korea teaching English to North Korean refugee children and it was an amazing learning experience both for what working a full-time job is like and for adapting to a role outside of my area of study.” 

Contact Information: I can be reached at sczerwinski@mail.smcvt.edu or through LinkedIn under Scott Czerwinski

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

Name:  Jeremy Little 

College: Saint Michael’s College 

Field of Study: Political Science Major, Economics Minor, Spanish Minor

Anticipated Graduation: May 2023 

Hometown: Georgia, VT 

“In this internship, I’m excited to get to know how everything works at the State House. So far, I’ve been lucky to be introduced to many great people who spend their time at the State House, both legislators, lobbyists, and many others. Some of the skills I am developing through this internship include an innate understanding of the legislative process, issues facing Vermonters, and of how the various bills proposed will affect businesses and individuals.  

After graduating, I plan to stay in Vermont and work as a summer canvasser. Following this, I hope to find employment in the fall at a job either directly or indirectly involved in politics within Vermont. At some point, I plan to return to college for a graduate degree in public or environmental policy.  

I look forward to the opportunity to connect. Please reach out if you would like to speak further. This internship is a great opportunity for me, and I welcome the opportunity to deepen my connection with Vermont and with its inner mechanisms.” 

Contact Information:  
Email – 19jslsbhs@gmail.com 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

Name:  Aisha Navarrete 

College: Saint Michael’s College 

Field of Study: Major – International Relations, Minor – Environmental Studies 

Anticipated Graduation: May 2023 

Hometown: Grew up biculturally in Mexico and Southern VT 

“This internship is incredibly exciting because it allows me to understand the nitty gritty details of language and structure of committees and their important roles in our government system. As someone who is incredibly interested in advocacy work, coming to understand this is really beneficial. 

As for my plans after graduating, I am a semi-finalist for Fulbright hoping to be a teacher’s assistant in Mexico. I will also be applying for Teach for America in Hawaii and the Peace Corps with the hopes of doing this either in the next chapter of my life or in the future. 

As a first-generation college student and someone who grew up immersed in two different cultures, I feel very privileged and excited about all opportunities that I have been afforded through higher education. I find joy in building connections and exploring different cultures, societies and environments. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and have studied both French and Swahili. Due to life experiences, I have had growing up I am very adaptable.” 

Contact Information:  

Email –  aishanavarrete10@gmail.com  
LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishanavarrete/  

There’s a stellar team of interns elevating Vermont Chamber advocacy efforts this session. In the weeks ahead we’ll introduce you to each of them, starting with Anders!  

Name: Anders Norton 

College: Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont  

Field of Study: Major – Business Administration (Sustainable Marketing), Minor – Political Science 

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2024 

Hometown: Concord, New Hampshire 

“Over the course of the internship with the Vermont Chamber, I hope to better my understanding of the ins and outs of companies and organizations working within politics to advance both political and economic goals for the state and private/public companies. I am looking forward to building my repertoire of consulting skills, political knowledge, and government relations.  

After college, I am hoping to take a year off to travel and work before returning to UVM to pursue my master’s in Sustainable Innovation during the 2025 academic year.  

I am open and interested to networking for any professional opportunity. I am proficient in a range of Microsoft and Google applications. I have solid communication, financial and marketing skills, and am the current treasurer of the ACHA Club Hockey at University of Vermont.”  

Contact Information:  

Email- amnorton@uvm.edu 

LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/anders-norton 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: