ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
The Alumni Council is a group of passionate, diverse, and dedicated Olympia’s Leaders Alumni representing graduates from the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute's Class of 2018 to 2023. The Council serves to foster connections between more than 700 alumni and the Institute.
It does so by gathering feedback and input from alumni, brainstorming ideas, and making recommendations for programming to encourage Olympia’s Leaders Alumni to stay connected to the Institute and its network, further enhance communication and networking skills, and benefit from professional development that complements and builds upon the “Values,” “Voice,” and “Vision” themes.
IN THIS ISSUE
THE ALUMNI COUNCIL:
Who are they?
What are they up to?
Why are they on the Council?
ANNA COLEMAN
Anna currently attends Husson University and plans to graduate in Spring 2024 with an English major a Behavioral Science minor. Anna is President of the "Get Lit" English club and part of the Horticulture club. She works on campus in the Writing Center and also created a part-time remote position for herself as the Social Media Coordinator at the Waldo County YMCA in Belfast.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because the Institute really helped me bring out the best version of myself throughout high school, and I want to help continue that for other girls and promote all of the opportunities they offer ”
Belle currently attends the University of New England Pre-Pharmacy program, and she plans to graduate in Fall 2024 before transitioning to UNE's graduate school to earn her Doctorate in Pharmacy. She is working as a Pharmacy Technician at Community Pharmacy.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I loved my experience as an Olympia's Leader at the Institute, and I wanted to stay connected with everyone. ”
BELLE LIBBY
Charli currently attends the State University of New York at New Paltz and plans to graduate in Spring 2024 with a Music major, a Psychology minor, and a Music Therapy concentration. She plays flute, piano, and guitar. She is working part-time as a Nanny for several families. She hopes to pass along her love and appreciation of music and art to the children she works with.
CHARLI ROBINSON
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I want to stay connected to the Institute and help others do the same. A goal of mine is to create a mentoring program between Alumni and Olympia’s Leaders.”
Ellie currently attends Bentley University and plans to graduate in Spring 2024 with a Public Policy major. Ellie is serving as Executive Vice President of Student Government and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She is spending the summer as an Operations Intern at Bangor Savings Bank, an Institute Community Partner she met at an Alumni networking event.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I am eager to reconnect with my fellow Olympia's Leaders ”
Haley graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Media Studies, graduating two years early. Haley also graduated from Emerson College with a Master's Degree in Journalism. Upon entry to the workforce, she completed a capstone project and internship at The Portland Press Herald.
HALEY HERSEY
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I got so much out of the Institute that I wanted to help contribute to its future and success I have formed great relationships through the Institute that I want to continue long after graduation "
Kaci graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, graduating two years early. Kaci currently attends the University of Maine School of Law to earn her Juris Doctorate, and plans to graduate in Spring 2025.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council for the opportunity to engage with other members of the Institute and help each other further develop our leadership skills.”
KACI ALLEY
Lauren graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Lauren currently attends the University of Southern Maine to earn her Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies and plans to graduate early in Spring 2024. She has served as an Intern at the Institute in the past and is currently conducting a graduate school project using Alumni data.
LAUREN CORNELIO
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because, in addition to the program, the Institute has given me internships, projects, and opportunities to use my voice to speak out about causes I care about; I want the future Alumni to do the same. ”
Olivia currently attends University of Maine and plans to graduate in Spring 2025 with a Political Science major and International Affairs minor. Olivia is serving as Vice President at Engineers Without Borders, which will bring her to Uganda in May, and as a member of the Japanese Club at UMaine. She is the 2023 Maine Seagoddess, an ambassador role won at the Maine Lobster Festival.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because the Institute's guidance grew my confidence, aspirations, and personal/academic skills I truly value the mission and wanted to give back and be a source of support for the work it does ”
MERVIKE BARAKA
Mervike graduated from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. Mervike is working as an Underwriting Assistant for Seneca Insurance. She began as an Insurance Rater and was recently promoted after only six months with the company. Mervike is an avid piano player and painter, and she plans to move to Southern France in a few years.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I used to be extremely introverted and shy with a lot off fear and confidence struggles, until the Institute It helped me discover my values, use my voice to express them, and navigate my vision ”
Mikayla currently attends the University of Maine Honors College and plans to graduate in May 2024 with a Master's Degree in both Business Management and Marketing. She is working as a Student Success Initiatives Intern, Lead Peer Coach, Program Leader, and Ambassador, while also serving as President of All Maine Women, Co-President of Beta Gamma Sigma, Vice President of Class Council, and Vice President of Sigma Alpha Lambda.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because this program told me I had the explicit capacity for change and the power to lead and create it. I want to give back, reconnect graduates, strengthen our network, and develop more skills."
RUTH GRIFFITH
MIKAYLA REYNOLDS
Ruth currently attends the University of Maine and plans to graduate in Spring 2025 with an Economics major. Ruth is a membner of the Women in Economics Club, The Honors College Student Advisors Board, and SPIFFY—an investment fund club. She is working as a Teacher's Assistant for Introductory Microeconomics and has also worked at a small vegetable farm for five years.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because I believe that the Institute does amazing work to help women throughout Maine, and I would like to support the Institute and strengthen its Alumni network."
Tessa graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Business and Leadership minors. Tessa served in University Singers, UMaine Renaissance, Chi Omega Sorority, Club Rugby, and Student Government. Tessa is working as Marketing and Recruitment Consultant for Chi Omega Executive Headquarters.
“I chose to be on the Alumni Council because of the Institute's impact, the people I met, and the lessons I learned and continue to realize This is not just a three-year program but a community of support for a lifetime ”