The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute (Institute) is honored to announce it is the inaugural recipient of the Hilary RapkinCommunity Impact Grant, generously provided by WEX. The $25,000 award will support the Institute’s mission to raise the confidence, aspirations, and leadership skills of high school girls across Maine.
This grant honors the legacy of service and leadership of Hilary Rapkin—a former Olympia’s Leader Advisor to Portland High School’s Class of 2021 and long-time champion of the Institute. The grant is designed for a local nonprofit whose work reflects Hilary’s deep commitment to strengthening community. It supports organizations that advance inclusion; expand opportunities; and foster wellness, creativity, and youth leadership across the state.
Hilary retired as Chief Legal Officer from WEX in June 2024. Her nearly 30-year tenure at WEX was marked by exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to gender equity, and a passion for mentoring the next generation.
“Hilary embodies the very spirit of what the Institute aims to cultivate in today’s young women. She has navigated the demands of a high-stake legal and corporate career with grace and conviction, while never losing sight of her values and always making time for service. This deeply generous award in her name will provide resources to help Maine’s young women step into leadership like Hilary has, with courage, clarity, and purpose,” shared Senator Olympia Snowe—former U.S. Senator and Institute Founder.
WEX and the Institute share a long history of partnership, with WEX providing philanthropic support for Institute programming, alum networking opportunities, board leadership, and volunteer engagement. Its ongoing support of the Institute reflects WEX’s values of staying open and being a positive force.
“WEX is proud to establish the Hilary Rapkin Community Impact Grant in honor of Hilary’s outstanding leadership at WEX and in our community. We selected the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute as the inaugural recipient because its mission aligns directly with Hilary’s passion of nurturing the next generation of women leaders in Maine. The Institute’s work reflects the compassion, commitment, and community-minded spirit that WEX aims to foster in its leaders,” added Melissa Smith—Chair, CEO, and President of WEX.
The Hilary Rapkin Community Impact Grant will make a meaningful impact in sustaining the Institute’s program and in strengthening the futures of the young women who will shape Maine’s communities in the years ahead.
The Olympia’s Leaders who Hilary mentored went on to attend Barnard College, Bowdoin College, Columbia University, New York University, and Southern Maine Community College. They have begun entering the workforce and have already served at Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition, Maine Department of Education, Holiday Inn By The Bay, Brooklyn Poets, and Northern Light Mercy Hospital.
Hilary Rapkin—former Chief Legal Officer at WEX, Gimbala Sankare—former Head of Global Talent Acquisition and Diversity & Inclusion at WEX, and Tristin OldMixon—Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer at Bangor Savings Bank and Co-Author of “I Am Me!: A Biracial Person” at the Institute’s Annual Fall Forum.
An Olympia’s Leader hands Kate Murphy—Corporate Strategy Senior Manager at WEX—her Institute business card during an activity at the Institute’s Fall Forum.
Institute Alums—Jillian Rombalski, Ellie MacMillan, Isabelle Libby, Celia Durgan, Gabrielle Wilson, Anna Coleman, Arlo Desjardins, Ruth Griffith, Irisi Hennin, and Lora LaRochelle—participating in an event offering resume advice, interview preparation, and professional networking hosted by WEX.
Featured Image at Top:
Karen Hayden—former Executive Vice President and Chief Funding & Client Relationship Officer at Androscoggin Bank, Hilary Rapkin—former Chief Legal Officer at WEX, Annie Drew—Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at WEX and Board member at the Institute—at the Institute’s Annual Leadership Luncheon.