Eloise Vitelli (right), WWC Director of Program and Policy Development, presents Meredith Jones with a statewide champion award. Photo: Jeff Soifer, Encompass Marketing & Design
Women, Work & Community (WWC) honored Meredith Jones, CEO of the Maine Community Foundation, as one of six statewide champions for Maine women and communities at its 30th anniversary celebration held May 21 at the University of Maine, Augusta (UMA). WWC is the only statewide comprehensive women’s education and economic development organization in Maine, with centers throughout the state.
“Meredith has been a stalwart supporter of our programs, and the Maine Community Foundation a great partner to Women, Work & Community,” said Eloise Vitelli, WWC Director of Program and Policy Development. “Meredith is one of the most inquisitive, thoughtful, and open-minded people I know,” said Vitelli; “she asks questions, poses ideas and offers reflections that have helped us think through challenges and expand our own thinking about solutions.”
“I am humbled to accept this honor from an organization that remains as vibrant, nimble, and relevant as it was when it was founded thirty years ago,” said Jones. “Strength and staying power of most organizations depends in large measure on volunteer and staff leadership, and WWC is no exception,” she added.
In addition to Jones, five champions were honored: Lu Bauer, CPA of a Balancing Act; Kathy Dexter, UMA’s Dean of Students; Mary McPherson, former Advisory Council Chair; Candace Sanborn of Encompass Marketing & Design; and Florence Young, LCSW, Casey Family Services.
The 30th anniversary statewide celebration took place at the Fireplace Lounge of the Randall Student Center. UMA President Allyson Hughes Handley formally welcomed about 100 guests to the event. WWC Executive Director Gilda Nardone spoke about the organization’s thirty year history, and thanked everyone for being a part of the success. “Each of these statewide champions has played a significant role in the success of Maine women and communities,” said Nardone. The celebration was the culmination of a year of regional events honoring participants, partners and champions across the state.
Edie Benttinen, a New Ventures graduate and co-owner of D & E Metalworks in Mercer, spoke about her personal experience with WWC. UMA’s Café Ensemble provided music.
Founded in 1978 as a displaced homemakers program through state legislation, Women, Work & Community seeks to improve the economic lives of Maine women and their families. Program graduates have gone on to build careers for themselves, start their own small businesses, pursue higher education, gain control over their finances, buy their own homes, and become leaders in their communities. The organization has grown to serve all Maine counties, positively affecting over 25,000 women since 1978.
May 28, 2009