Peter Welch Hosts 2026 Women's Economic Opportunity Conference

U.S. Senator Peter Welch and his wife, Margaret Cheney, hosted the 2026 Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference at Vermont State University in Randolph. The event brought together participants for interactive workshops focused on expanding economic opportunities, reaching new audiences and strengthening business skills.

The conference began with remarks from Senator Welch and Vermont entrepreneur Marguerite Dibble, who took part in an interview with Cheney. The program featured discussions and practical sessions designed to support women in developing their businesses and exploring new economic opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Peter Welch and Margaret Cheney hosted the 2026 Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference
• The event featured workshops on business, AI, gender equity and economic opportunities
• The conference brought together women entrepreneurs and business leaders

“In really hard times we have to remember that we have agency, that we can act and that we change things for the better. Just five short decades ago, Gloria Steinem was ridiculed for talking about equal pay and reproductive freedom. Without her fight, it wouldn’t be possible for us to be here today, offering opportunities that help everyone to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their own lives and communities. That’s why, at its heart, the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference has always been about collective effort in the feminist movement,” said Senator Welch. 

“WEOC is so fortunate to have such an amazing network of innovative organizations and hardworking business leaders and dreamers who are committed to supporting not only their own personal growth, but the growth of their communities—it’s what makes this event such a huge success year after year,” the Senator continued.

“The message from our keynote speaker, entrepreneur Marguerite Dibble, and Margaret was uplifting and empowering. Through shared goals, we can support one another in these unprecedented times. I’ll continue to champion community-building efforts that help more Vermonters achieve their professional and personal aspirations.”

The Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference was established by former Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, and has remained a longstanding Vermont tradition. Senator Peter Welch and his wife, Margaret Cheney, have continued the event, bringing Vermonters together to learn, network and explore new economic opportunities. The 2026 conference was held in partnership with the Vermont Women’s Fund and the Vermont Community Foundation.

The conference featured a range of interactive workshops covering business development, technology, economic opportunity and financial awareness. Sessions included discussions on using AI responsibly, pricing products and services, improving business visibility in AI search, advancing gender equity through data, strengthening business operations and preventing scams. A metalsmithing workshop was also presented by Generator Maker space.

Workshop leaders included Margaret Romney, Dorien Morin-van Dam, Akua Smith, Heather Turner, Veronica Newton, Rachel Donegan, Mimi Damm, Rhoni Basden, Cary Brown, Emily Bush, Tamie-Jo Dickinson, Crystal Baldwin and Sheri Rockcastle. The conference concluded with a panel featuring Elizabeth Roma, Janet Lee and Kristin McCole, facilitated by Mercy Connections business leader Ruchi Nadkarni.