Mainebiz

V O L . X X X N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 2 4 12 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D A leader who was first woman in family to graduate from college Ekhlas Ahmed, 32 Founder and executive creative director, Chance To Advance Significant professional accom- plishment: Obtaining my mas- ter's degree in education. This achievement holds deep personal and cultural significance for me, as I am the first woman in my fam- ily to graduate from college. Earning this degree was not just a personal goal, but also a long-held dream of my mother's and grandmother's genera- tions. It is a testament to the resilience and aspirations of many Sudanese women who were denied the oppor- tunity to pursue higher education. Current state of mind: As a genocide survivor and first-generation immigrant female living in Maine, I have faced many challenges. However, I recently made the important decision to seek therapy, which has helped me achieve a clearer, more balanced state of mind. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to activism and community organizing, often prioritizing the needs of others over my own. But I have now made the conscious effort to include myself in that priority list as well. To achieve a better work-life balance, I recently completed a personal training program. I am also currently on a two-month sabbatical to recon- nect with nature and rejuvenate, so that I can continue supporting communities across our state with renewed energy and focus. Passion project: Honoring my grandmother's memory, I am compiling a book of her beloved coffee drinks, teas and breakfast recipes. Cooking these cherished family dishes brings me comfort and helps me share her unique flavors and traditions with loved ones. This bittersweet project has become a meaningful way for me to grieve and celebrate my grandmother's life. 'Lightbulb' moment: My life path has felt clear to me from a young age. Growing up with responsibilities like helping raise my three brothers, I naturally gravitated towards roles as a caretaker and helper. This seam- lessly translated into my career as an educator — a purpose that has always felt inherently right. I find deep fulfillment in molding the next generation, while they in turn help me continue to find my own voice. Audacious goal: My most audacious goal is to estab- lish a global Sudanese coffee franchise. This would serve as a tribute to my cultural heritage, while build- ing community around the shared joy of exceptional coffee worldwide. Coffee holds deep significance in Sudanese culture, and I aim to share this rich his- tory and hospitality by bringing these distinct flavors to an international stage. Beyond selling coffee, the franchise would create spaces for cultural exchange, conversation, and community-building, welcom- ing customers as guests. Favorite quote: "A little self love goes a long way" — Breanne Cogan Influential book: "The Path Made Clear: Discovering your life Direction and Purpose," by Oprah Winfrey Favorite podcast: Host of the first ever podcast by a young Sudanese women, "Wanssa with Ossaa" Best way to recharge: I recharge by immersing myself in nature — one of the great joys of living in Maine. The hiking trails and coastlines rejuve- nate me. My favorite spot is Pleasant Beach, where I feel a deep connection to the water. Traveling the world also helps expand my perspectives. My most recent trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, was a transformative experience. Exploring new cultures and environments allows me to view the world through fresh lenses, fuel- ing my creativity and sense of wonder. At age 60: If, God willing, and I live till I'm 60, I see myself continuing to trav- eling the world with my life partner and children. I see myself as a successful businesswoman who connects commu- nity members through coffee and uplifts the voices of immigrant and refugees through storytelling. I see myself as a volunteer to local organizations and especially in the symphony because I love music. I see myself as a person who has a deep connection with God and visits Mecca on an annual basis to thank Him for His blessings and guidance. Founder and owner of Blake Orchard Juicery in Portland Alexandra Blake Basinet, 31 Founder and owner, Blake Orchard Juicery, Portland Significant professional accomplishment: December 2024 will mark 10 years since I launched my company, Blake Orchard, and 10 years of being self-employed — a huge milestone for me. Current state of mind: I am in a growth state. Blake Orchard is expanding into mul- tiple locations across Maine, which is a big undertaking. Growing and learning as an entrepreneur has always been extremely important to me. I strive to be the best that I can be and get excited when I have the opportunity to do something outside of my comfort zone. Passion project: I absolutely love inte- rior design and am very fortunate that my husband is a contractor. Together, we enjoy renovating our home and designing and building out our Blake Orchard locations. I always joke that in another life, I would be an interior designer. 'Lightbulb' moment: Traveling around the world in my college years led me to take the uncommon career path as an entrepreneur. Entering the wellness/health food industry was sparked by my personal health journey and the desire to create a prod- uct and company that was truly good for you and did not cut corners. I am proud to say that Blake Orchard is exactly what it was 10 years ago. Our methods are more labor-intensive than our competitors, but everything we do has truly set us apart from the rest. Audacious goal: In the next five years, I hope to success- fully own and operate five loca- tions for my company. After that goal is reached, I dream of taking an entire summer off. Favorite quote: "Inspired by the fear of being average" — Anonymous Favorite podcast: My favorite podcast is "Superwoman," by Rebecca Minkoff. I listen to it every Tuesday on my way to work. Best way to recharge: A good spin class brings me right back to life. I also love spending time with my family, going to the beach, and being out- side. The ocean and fresh air always grounds me and gives me a new perspective. At age 60: Gardening, growing beautiful flowers, enjoying slow moments at my home and cooking all of my meals from scratch in my dream kitchen with my husband, family and friends. Deputy secretary of state and policy advisor Joann Bautista, 36 Deputy secretary of state, policy advisor, Maine Department of the Secretary of State Significant professional accomplishment: Becoming the first Latina in the history of our state to be appointed deputy secretary. It's an honor but also a big responsibility to ensure I'm not the last. Current state of mind: Trying every day — especially in these times — to find moments of optimism and hope. Passion project: Supporting women's sports P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Joann Bautista, Deputy Secretary of State – Policy Advisor, Maine Department of the Secretary of State P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY

• Cover