Tawnya Kristen Named Workplace Wellness Contributor of the Year

Green Mountain United Way is thrilled to share that Executive Director Tawnya Kristen was recently named this year’s Vermont Workplace Wellness Outstanding Contributor Award, in the nonprofit category. This honor was in recognition of her leadership in establishing workplace wellness best practices with employers in central and northeastern Vermont, as well as creating a workplace that holds a high standard for her own staff of 7 in their Berlin, Vermont, office.

“Tawnya Kristen has substantially contributed to wellness in her workplace, making Green Mountain United Way a fun and supportive environment for herself and her colleagues, said Janet L. Franz, Chair of Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and a member of the committee presenting the award.

“Even though it’s not in her job description to support wellness at work,” continued Franz, “she has taken it upon herself to do so, because she cares deeply about the wellbeing of the people that keep Green Mountain United Way operating. Tawnya is truly deserving of this honor.”

Kristen has led the formation of the Working Bridges program at Green Mountain United Way, an innovative and dynamic program that offers workforce support to partnering employers, including Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, Darn Tough, Vermont Creamery, Northeast Kingdom Health Services, and several more. The program brings Resource Coordinators onsite to these workplaces to help connect working Vermonters with basic needs support, financial counseling, and more.

In her own workplace, Kristen has created a space that is inviting and supportive of the whole person, for employees, clients, and visitors. Additionally, she offers a flexible schedule to support workers who are furthering their education or balancing work and family life, and she offers a substantial discount on memberships for staff at the state-of-the-art gym where the Green Mountain United Way office is co-located.

“Tawnya is an incredible advocate for employee well-being,” said Julia Davis, Impact Director with Green Mountain United Way. “We are a small team responsible for a large geographic area and we are in positions of constantly fighting against systemic oppression and trying to help others break poverty cycles, while many of us have our financial or other barriers to wellness and well-being.” Davis listed several ways in which Kristen has supported staff wellness, including flexible schedules, a 50 percent discount at the gym, salary increases, access to the basic needs and financial supports offered through the Working Bridges program, and comprehensive healthcare benefits.

Says Davis, “She has made sure her staff has access to the resources we need to show up and do this work as whole people.”