On Tuesday, December 10, with more than 650 community partners and supporters in attendance, the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute held its annual Leadership Luncheon at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The event, hosted by its founder and namesake, former United States Senator Olympia Snowe, celebrated the Institute’s expansion and success over the past five years and highlighted the significant impact it is having on the confidence and aspirations of young women across Maine.
Three “Olympia’s Leaders,” as participating students are known, opened the event by sharing their experiences: Megan McLaughlin, senior at Piscataquis Community High School; Amarachukwu Ifeji, senior at Bangor High School; and Megan Goddard, senior at Leavitt Area High School. A total of 60 Olympia’s Leaders were seated among the luncheon tables.
Ann and Rick Bresnahan, two loyal Institute donors, excited the crowd by announcing a generous $150,000 matching grant to incent new and increased donations in honor of the program’s five-year anniversary. Senator Snowe thanked the Bresnahans for their generosity, as well as the supporters in attendance. Significant gifts and matching grants like that of the Bresnahans’ help ensure the sustainability of the program and the difference it is making for girls from every county.
“We have now celebrated two classes of graduates with more than 95% enrolling in post-secondary education. That is 45% higher than the state average,” said Snowe to the sold-out crowd. “Alumnae tell us they have a deep understanding of their values, strengths, and passions; greater confidence to use their voices and seek diverse perspectives; and a better understanding of what is possible for a future in Maine. With your support, and hundreds more who volunteer their time and resources, we helped make that happen—and will continue to do so.”
The featured keynote speaker was Jelena McWilliams, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). McWilliams began serving on the United States Senate Small Business Committee in 2010, while Snowe was its ranking member. After serving on the committee for two years, she then moved to the Senate Banking Committee, where she spent the next four and a half years before becoming a senior leader at Fifth Third Bank in Ohio. Now, McWilliams is serving a five-year term as Chairman of the FDIC. She is the fourth woman in history to head the FDIC and is currently the youngest and the only woman leader from the five federal financial regulatory agencies.
“I will give you the same advice I that give to my daughter: challenge yourself both personally and professionally. You are likely to be surprised by how far you can reach, how resilient you are, and how exciting the journey can be,” said McWilliams
Since the launch of its three-year “My Values” (10th grade), “My Voice” (11th grade), and “My Vision” (12th grade) program with a beta class of 45 girls, the Institute has grown to serve more than 500 young women, supported by 216 volunteer advisors, at 36 public high schools across all 16 Maine counties. This year, the Institute will facilitate more than 9,600 hours of connections between student participants and the Institute’s network.