Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 29 O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 2 3 AWA R D N E X T U P | 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 services to older adults facing homelessness. I'm extraordinarily proud of our amazing team. Charting a course during the pandemic was challenging, but SMAA became financially sound, resilient, and driven to do more on behalf of our clients as a result. We're now expanding our programming for people with dementia in York and Cumberland counties. Passion project: When I'm not parenting three young children or running a nonprofit, I love to write music. Last year, I joined other songwriters in Nashville and can't wait to go back. I also love to support and guide women as they advance in their careers. I'm passion- ate about using my voice in a way that empowers and inspires other women to do the same. Audacious goal: Chronic loneliness is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. In partnership with all the Agencies on Aging, I believe we can tackle the loneliness epi- demic here in Maine. By connecting all older adults to community, services, and a sense of purpose, we can end social isolation and, in turn, have a health- ier population and a stronger state. Favorite quote: "My religion is simple. My religion is kindness." — Dalai Lama; "Results happen over time, not overnight. Work hard, stay consistent, and be patient." Influential book: "Miracle of Mindfulness," by Thich Nhat Hanh, and "The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, and Change the Way You Lead Forever," by Michael Bungay Stanier Favorite movies/TV shows: Any good sports docu- mentary! Just watched Michael Jordan's "The Last Dance" miniseries for the third time. How do you recharge: By playing tennis, traveling, writing songs, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Inspired by reading Sokunthy Yean, 39 Vice president of operations and general manager, Sea Bags Significant professional accom- plishment: My first job at Sea Bags was as a bookkeeper, then I was promoted to finance manager. Four years later, when I turned 30, I was very humbled and flattered to receive another promotion to the position of vice president of operations and general manager, making me the youngest female vice president at the company. Audacious goal: I want to open a library in a developing coun- try, Cambodia preferably. It has always been my goal and dream to open a library. We learn so much from reading. The library is where I spent most of my time at a young age. Passion project: It is very personal. These past few years, I have been obsessed with home remodeling. I can use my imagination and creativity, and it is rewarding when they become real. Favorite quote: "Changing the world for the better begins with individuals creating peace within themselves." — Dalai Lama Influential book: "The Gift of Failure," by Jes- sica Lahey. When parents protect their chil- dren from making mistakes, they teach them they are incompetent, and that failure is bad. Instead, parents should let their children fail. This approach equips children with the tools to enjoy a self-sufficient, driven life. Favorite series: "House" How do you recharge: Spending time with my family and visiting my home country, Cam- bodia. Going to visit Cambodia is a special treat. Not only does it recharge me, but it makes me appreciate who I was and who I have become today. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » WE BUILD LIVES I CAREERS I CONNECTIONS - Brewer I-395 / Rt 9 Connector P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Sokunthy Yean is vice president of operations and general manager at Sea Bags. I want to open a library in a developing country, Cambodia preferably. — Sokunthy Yean

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