Shawna Trader

Shawna is a caregiver, parent, poet and community organizer. Raised on the gulf coast of Florida, she has seen her share of storms. After many years in healthcare, she found herself leading The Rainbow Bridge Community Center in Barre, which became a convergence point for catastrophic flood response in 2023. Realizing the interconnected elements of community building and disaster preparedness and response, she continued that work as Chair of Barre Up, Barre City’s long term recovery group.

She is using her experience as a flood responder and community leader to advocate for critically needed change in Vermont. Her most recent project is called The Heart of Barre, a collaboration with local artist Dierdra Michelle. The project shares the collected wisdom, beauty and pain of Barre flood survivors. It can be found at The Aldrich Public Library in February, 2026, when it leaves the Vermont State House.