The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute is grateful to our many supporters. Their involvement and contributions are critical to the success of the Institute, making it possible for us to raise the confidence and aspirations of high school girls in Maine.
Unum displayed extraordinary generosity by supporting the Institute at the $300,000 Visionary Circle level. Unum’s gift is divided into two $150,000 parts: an unrestricted donation and a separate matching grant to incent other corporations to support the Institute’s work.
“As we expand to serve 465 young women statewide this year, I am deeply grateful for Unum’s consistent and unwavering support of our organization as we help prepare the next generation of leaders to be successful in their lives, families, careers and communities,” said Olympia Snowe, former United States Senator and Founder of the Institute.
Education in local communities is a top priority and the single biggest area of giving for Unum. The company has been a supporter of the non-profit’s program since it was launched by Snowe in 2015, both financially and through volunteer hours by staff. Cary Olson Cartwright—Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, serves on the Institute’s Board and has served as an advisor to student participants at both Spruce Mountain High School and Piscataquis Community High School.
Other Unum executives serving as Institute advisors are Julia Bailin—Director of Client Experience, Julie Bourgeois—Director of Operations Management, Andrea Gordon—Senior Vice President of Core Segment, Vicki Gordon—Senior Vice President and Chief Auditor, Michelle LaFond—Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel and Leah MacLeod—Community Relations Specialist.
“I have witnessed first-hand the invaluable difference the Institute is making in these young woman’s lives. At graduation in June, 100% of student participants reported that the program had increased their confidence, and 97% confirmed the program had increased their leadership skills. Equally impressive, more than 93% of the Institute’s alumnae matriculated to post-secondary education this fall. This is a program with proven results, and Unum is proud to support its work at every level,” said Olson Cartwright.
