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V O L . X X I X N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 2 3 22 N E X T U P | 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 F O C U S Fisheries advocate looks to preserve local control of seafood in Maine forever Ben Martens, 39 Executive director, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association Significant professional accomplish- ment: I'm incredibly proud of being able to grow MCFA from the vision fishermen had in a bait shed in Port Clyde into an impactful organization fighting for the future of Maine's working waterfront and ocean stewardship. I don't come from a fishing family, but I've been welcomed into the lives of the fishermen I wor k with and have had the privilege of shar- ing joy, success, failure and grief with them and their loved ones. Earning their trust is my most sig- nificant accomplishment. Passion project: I have two little boys and it's important to me to share my favorite activities and places with them. We're in the midst of teaching the youngest how to bike and getting the oldest transi- tioned to a mountain bike. I love getting them out and exploring Maine. Audacious goal: I want to preserve local control of sea- food in Maine forever. As food becomes commodified, we get further and further disconnected from the peo- ple who feed us. In Maine, we still have local small businesses owning and landing wild caught fisheries and that is becoming increasingly rare in the U.S. and in the world. Maine has something unique and spe- cial that we need to actively fight for. Favorite quote: "But the Hebrew word, the word 'tim- shel' — thou mayest — that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open." — John Steinbeck, "East of Eden" Influential book: "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy Favorite movie: "Ghostbusters" (1984) How do you recharge: I find great solace in the subur- ban jungle that is my yard. I am not a "good" gardener, I work more through chaos, but I've always got a proj- ect going to make the yard a more dynamic and color- ful space. My wife studied entomology, so we've been adding lots of plants to attract pollinators and bring activity to the space. I've also been teaching the kids how to play Mario Kart and that's been a blast. At least while I can still beat them. Building connections, in business and community Alicia Milne, 34 Director, corporate partnerships, Maine Celtics Significant professional accomplishment: My ability to cultivate and maintain an incredible net- work of individuals, both personally and profes- sionally. I love finding ways to engage, whether it's immediately or down the road. I enjoy meet- ing new people and making true, lasting con- nections. Our work may not intersect, but I may be able to connect you with someone I know. Passion project: At the age of 12, I started as a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. Fast forward 12 years, and my passion for that mission and core belief in service to others have turned into the start of my career. With each expansion of my role at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, I was able to increase our impact on the commu- nity — and felt blessed in knowing each day the great work we did for families and sick children. A u d a c i o u s goal: I want to continue to find creative and intentional ways to do good in my community. Always stay curious, lead by example and be kind. Favorite quote: "Stay afraid but do it anyway. What's important is the action. You don't have to wait to be con- fident. Just do it and eventu- ally the confidence will follow." — Carrie Fisher Influential book: "The Gifts of Imperfection," by Brené Brown Favorite TV shows or movies: I'm all over the place! Fairly high on my movie list would be "The Prin- cess Bride." I also enjoy Marvel or DC movies — even the terrible ones — and some of Robin Williams' classics like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "The Birdcage." On TV, I like a wide range, including "The Great British Bake Off," "Doctor Who," "Ted Lasso" and "Gilm- ore Girls." How do you r e c h a r g e : Being near a n y b o d y o f water. I feel most at peace and able to reset and reflect. I also love time spent with friends and family and enjoying great food. An attorney at Pine Tree Legal Assistance Sanchita Mukherjee, 27 Victims of Crime Act attorney, Pine Tree Legal Assistance Significant professional accomplishment: Win- ning my first trial and being elected to the board of governors of the Maine Trial Lawyers Association. Passion project: I have two passions outside of work and they both involve performance art, dance and comedy. Odissi is a form of Indian classical dance that I have performed since I was 4 years old. Living outside of India, I found a connection to my culture through dance and the community it brought me. My second pas- sion project is inherently sillier — I enjoy writing and performing stand-up comedy. Portland and the greater New England area has a burgeoning and exciting community of comedians and I am grate- ful to write and perform alongside them. Audacious goal: To argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Favorite quotes: "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." — Charlie Chap- lin. "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice." — Martin Luther King Jr. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Ben Martens has been instrumental in growing Maine Coast Fishermen's Association into an organization "fighting for the future of Maine's working waterfront and ocean stewardship." Alicia Milne, director of corporate partnerships for the Maine Celtics, views her superpower as developing professional networks. Sanchita Mukherjee P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY I enjoy meeting new people and making true, lasting connections. Our work may not intersect, but I may be able to connect you with someone I know. — Alicia Milne

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