This year's theme for the 34th Annual Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) Conference is “In Our Hands”. VBSR business and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, students, and inspired individuals will gather for a full-day event that will include a keynote address by Ferene Paris, workshop sessions, innovation labs focused on the leading edge of social and environmental impact, and ample opportunities for networking and meeting exhibitors. Visit vbsrconference.org to learn more and register.

Join us for stories honoring mothers as radiant, sensual beings. Ferene will host this intimate offering, sharing thoughts on the heart about self-love, pleasurable touch, and feelings of empowerment. Wine and snacks will be offered. Sliding scale available. Register here!

"I feel that any woman who is in control, who is in touch with her femininity and sensuality, is a woman that is empowered." -Shakira

Culinary joy brought to you by Cynthia Cagle and Ferene Paris, hosted at Lil Sickles’ whimsical Winooski location, Standing Stone Wines. Cynthia will be selling flavorful bowls of pozole inspired by her Mexican culture. Ferene’s signature Haitian Barbancourt Rhum Cake will be available by the slice. Enjoy some local eats in community! Much gratitude for supporting these BIPOC, womxn-owned businesses.

SAVE THE DATE

Through the art of storytelling, Ferene invites you to have an intimate evening with Burlington mayoral candidate and state representative, Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.

Story themes will be rooted in racial liberation, inviting guests to engage through reflective prompts and shared conversation. Open hearts, courageous questions, and empathy vibes activated!

Assorted desserts and beverages will be provided, including Ferene’s signature Haitian Rhum Cake. Let’s enjoy a sweet evening with our future mayor of Burlington!

Vermont Edition has a conversation with Unlikely Riders, an organization that gets BIPOC Vermonters into the outdoors. Listen to the full interview on Vermont Edition here with Hana Saydek, the group's executive director and Ferene Paris, Unlikely Riders member.

SOLD OUT

Join us for a heartfelt evening of Afro-Caribbean cuisine infused with storytelling! Feed Your Soul is one of our signature dinner events. Our guests experience an intimate culinary vibe rooted in love of self + others. We’re honored to feed your soul; mind, body, and spirit. Purchase ticket here.

For those in need, feel free to use coupon code LOVE15 for 15% off when you checkout. If you have a greater need, email us and share what could helpful. We encourage community donations to subsidize tickets for our guests on first come, first serve basis.

Ferene infused the art of storytelling during her 15 years working in higher education at Bridgewater State University, College of the Holy Cross, and the University of Vermont. She found her calling in residential learning communities, orientation and first year experience initiatives.

Ferene stays connected in to higher education by speaking at conferences and visiting campuses to facilitate workshops and perform.  It’s like inviting the coolest, queer Black Auntie to come over and just “love on” your community. We all have stories worthy of telling. What’s yours?   

Learn more at about this keynote and annual NEACUHO conference in Springfield, MA here!

Join me for PechakKucha Night Burlington hosted at the Flynn Space. I’ll be one of your presenters for the evening. Learn more about this local event and grab your $10 tickets here.

Schedule:
6:30 PM | Doors + Cash Bar
7:00 PM | Presenters Start
There will be a 15-minute intermission

Excited to return to Dartmouth College and host a storytelling dinner vibe with international students. Welcome Class of 2027!

Visit the Office of Pluralism and Leadership for more info!

Join us for an evening of honoring the histories, lessons and wisdom of grandparents and elder figures. The evening will feature storytelling, poetry, and a plant talk exploring what it means to pass information down through generations.

This project is a collaboration between local artists and business owners Ferene Paris Meyer of All Heart Inspirations, Shawny Corey of Burlington Arcana, Alicia Daniel of the Vermont Master Naturalist Program, and Cato & Company.

Learn more and purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Please email cardsbycato@gmail.com with questions with any event questions. This event is made possible by the Burlington City Arts Community Fund. Gratitude!

UPDATE: All tickets have been claimed. Visit the Flynn Center website for more information on these amazing artists and getting tickets. Due to generous sponsorship from the REIB, we were able to gift 100 tickets to Myra Flynn's Jazz Festival show, Queen of the Roar, on Sunday, June 11th at the Flynn Theater.

All Heart Inspirations + Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Office are excited to bring together our BIPOC community and their loved ones for this culmination Jazz Festival performance on the Flynn Main Stage.

In Roar of the Queen, Myra Flynn takes on her own Black legacy with a concert experience coinciding with the release of her long-awaited new album, a throwback to the soulful sounds of the 80s that inspire her music and lift her spirit. Join Myra as she steps into her own, claims her power, and explores the full emotional range of her beautiful voice in the authentic way that only she can do.

Visit the Flynn Center website for more information about Myra's show featuring special guests like Mike Gordon, Dave Grippo, Joe Moore, Sage Horsey, Nick Cassarino, and the Lake Champlain Mass Choir

UPDATE: All tickets have been claimed. Visit the Flynn Center website for more information on these amazing artists and getting tickets. Due to a generous sponsorship from the REIB, we were able to gift 50 tickets.

You're invited to opening night of Jazzfest, featuring Samara Joy with Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix & Samora Pinderhughes on Wednesday, June 7th at the Flynn Theater.

All Heart Inspirations and Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) are excited to bring together magical BIPOC womxn, femmes and non-binary loves to soak up Black Girl Magic on the Main Stage.

Due to a generous sponsorship from the REIB, we were able to gift 50 tickets.

GRATITUDE!

 Brown and Black queer vibes are good for the soul!

Join us for an intimate evening of stories and connection hosted by Ferene. This is an affinity space for our brown and Black LGBTIQA+ community.  Desserts, drinks, and melanin vibes will be served. RSVP + buy tickets here!

• 6:30pm: Doors open, Mix + Mingle

• 7:00pm - 8:30pm: Storytelling Offering

• 8:30pm - 9pm: In store shopping - All purchases night of are 15% off