Innovating Opportunity, Powered by Community: Meet the Panel at Hula Story Sessions
What does it look like when a youth center grows into something more?
On April 30, King Street Center will be featured at Hula’s Story Sessions, an event series highlighting organizations driving innovation and impact across Vermont. This conversation will explore how King Street has evolved from a neighborhood afterschool program into a holistic youth development and family empowerment ecosystem, shaped directly by the needs and voices of our community.
Over the last four years, we have evolved from a neighborhood afterschool program into a holistic youth development and family empowerment ecosystem, one shaped directly by the needs and voices of our community.
We’ve launched new programs, new partnerships, new ways of working and new possibilities, all driven by the same question — what do kids and families actually want and need?
The evening will feature remarks from Executive Director Shabnam Nolan, followed by a panel conversation bringing together voices from across the King Street community—board leadership, staff, alumni, and a current youth participant. Together, they will share perspectives on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.
Shabnam Nolan, Executive Director
Shabnam Nolan is the Executive Director of King Street Center, where she leads the organization’s work to support youth and families through a holistic, community-driven approach. A first-generation Iranian American, Shabnam has dedicated her career to advocating for children and families, particularly those navigating systemic barriers to opportunity.
With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, her background spans youth and family policy advocacy, communications, and community engagement. At King Street Center, Shabnam has guided a transformative period of growth, centering equity, elevating community voice, and strengthening the organization’s role as a hub of opportunity and belonging for Burlington’s youth and families.
Shabnam is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership and the importance of representation, bringing both vision and authenticity to her work. She has lived in Vermont with her family for 15 years and remains deeply committed to building systems that better serve the communities they are meant to support.
Eric Miller, Board Chair
Eric Miller is General Counsel and Senior Vice President of The University of Vermont Health Network, where he serves on the senior leadership team and oversees legal, compliance, privacy, and risk management. He joined the organization in 2017 as Deputy General Counsel and Senior Advisor and stepped into his current role in 2018.
Previously, Eric served as the U.S. Attorney for Vermont, appointed by President Barack Obama, and as a litigator at a Burlington law firm. Eric sits on the boards of a number of Vermont non-profits, each of which plays an important role in making Vermont a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable place to live.
A dedicated member of the King Street Center community, Eric joined its Board of Directors in 2019, became Vice Chair in 2024, and now serves as Chair. His commitment to King Street is a reflection of the Center’s indispensable place in the lives of the kids and the families it serves, and through them, the future of our community.
Stacy Weinberger, Early Education Director
Stacy Weinberger has served as Early Education Director at King Street Center since 2015, leading programming that supports the organization’s youngest learners. She oversees a team of dedicated educators who create nurturing, engaging environments for toddlers and preschool-aged children, grounded in strong relationships and responsive, child-centered learning.
Stacy’s approach reflects a deep belief in children as capable, curious, and active participants in their own development. Her leadership has helped shape early childhood classrooms that prioritize exploration, connection, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Prior to joining King Street Center, Stacy served as Co-Director of Bellwether School in Williston, a Pre-K-6 school focused on student voice and engaged citizenship. She also served a six-year term on Vermont’s State Board of Education and currently sits on the state’s Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee. Stacy holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bates College and a Master of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education.
Stacy brings a deep commitment to children, families, and educators, fostering an environment where all can thrive.
Misky Noor, Alumni & Staff Member
Misky Noor is a staff member of the K-5 Program and Communications & Development Intern at King Street Center. She is currently a junior at the University of Vermont, where she studies Community & International Development with a minor in Consumer Advertising. Misky aspires to pursue a career in advocacy, philanthropy, and community development.
A proud King Street Center alumna, Misky participated in the program from preschool through high school. Her long-standing connection to King Street has shaped both her personal and professional journey, and she brings a unique perspective as both a former participant and current staff member. Misky is excited to share her story and reflect on the impact King Street Center has had on her life!
Stuti Chhetri, ACE Participant
Stuti Chhetri is a senior at Burlington High School, graduating this June, and will attend the University of Vermont in the fall to study neuroscience. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, she spent her early childhood in a refugee camp before resettling in the United States in 2016. As a first-generation college student, Stuti is paving a new path for herself and her family.
Stuti became involved with King Street Center in middle school and has grown into a leader within the community. She previously served as a peer mentor, supporting younger students in the same way she was once supported. Today, she is part of King Street’s Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) program and is currently completing EMT coursework through Burlington Technical Center. She is on track to earn her EMT license before graduation and plans to continue gaining hands-on experience this summer.
Beyond school and King Street, Stuti is a co-founder of Vermont Christian Youth Fellowship, an initiative she helped launch as a teenager to build connection and community among Nepali youth across Vermont.
Stuti brings a powerful perspective shaped by her journey, her leadership, and her commitment to helping others.
Join the Conversation
This Story Session is an opportunity to hear directly from the people who bring King Street Center’s work to life—through lived experience, leadership, and a shared commitment to community.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Doors open at 4:00 PM
Hula Lakeside, Burlington
Program begins at 4:30 PM, followed by networking
