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 28 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D Corporate leader, climate change activist Lizzy Reinholt, 39 Senior vice president and COO, Peaks Renewables/Summit Utilities Significant professional accomplishment: We must find real, lasting solutions to tackle climate change. I'm incredibly proud of my work to broaden the conversation around energy policy in Maine and the coun- try, ensuring we explore every viable option. It's tempting to chase quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions, but I believe in pushing beyond what feels good in the moment to create policies that truly make a difference, drive innova- tion and investment, and move the needle. Current state of mind: I love my life and wake up every morning energized to tackle the day, but let's be real — the world is a hot mess right now. While there is a lot of good, we face significant challenges on multiple fronts, from climate change to deep divisions and inequity. I want to say I'm optimistic about the future, but honestly, optimism isn't enough. We need relentless realism — a clear understanding of the magnitude of the challenges ahead and the sophistication required to overcome them. There are no silver bullets, but that's exactly what we're searching for too often. Passion project: I'm about to complete one passion project: earning my e-MBA. With that milestone behind me, I'm excited to dive deeper into my role at Peaks Renewables, where I work daily to develop innovative energy projects that turn waste into energy — reduc- ing emissions and helping achieve climate goals. I'm also eager to invest more time in my community, especially through my role on the board of Rangeley Health and Wellness. 'Lightbulb' moment: I went to school for journalism and produced a news show in Portland fresh out of college. It was fun, but I quickly realized I preferred to create change rather than report on it. That led me to pursue work on political campaigns, and ultimately to follow my career path into energy, leadership and innovation. Audacious goal: Whether you're a mom or a dad, it's hard to have a successful career and a family. It's even harder in a remote setting, which is why my most audacious goal has been to live in Rangeley, raise a family, pursue the career and education I wanted — despite the challenges of rural Maine. It hasn't always been easy, with lots of travel and time away from home. But with hard work and the incred- ible support of my husband, we've made it succeed. I hope others can achieve the same with the rise of remote work and better internet access in rural areas. Favorite quote: "How bold one gets when one is sure of being loved" — Sigmund Freud Influential book: "Nancy Wake: A Biography of Our Greatest War Heroine," by Peter FitzSimons Favorite TV show: The "Jack Ryan" series Best way to recharge: Regular exercise, com- m i t m e n t t o a g o o d night's sleep, and ski- i n g — p r e f e r a b l y a t Saddleback. At age 60: I hope to be par- tially retired and serving on the boards of a few companies and nonprofits that align with my pas- sions. I'd love to be executive coaching some inspiring leaders, and, of course, spending plenty of time with my husband. Community-builder and advocate for Maine nonprofits Mary Alice Scott, 36 Public affairs manager, Maine Association of Nonprofits Significant professional accomplishment: In terms of impact, I recently worked with state Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, and coalition partners to pass a blanket sales tax exemp- tion for charitable nonprofits in Maine, which Gov. Janet Mills included in this year's supplemental budget. It sounds pretty wonky, but it means that 5,000 nonprofits across the state will be able to redirect around $10 mil- lion toward their missions every year. It's a policy that was long overdue, and it aligns our state with most other states across the country. Current state of mind: Feeling a refresh- ing sense of optimism. Passion project: My passion proj- ect is doing 75% of a new hobby and then abandoning it. 'Lightbulb' moment: I grew up in a family that prioritized commu- nity-building through policy work, so that was instilled in me at a young age. I feel really lucky to have found a job where I get to support the advocacy work of the thousands of nonprofits who are wor king to make Maine a better place for everyone. Audacious goal: Inbox zero. Favorite quote: "What would it mean to live in a city whose people were changing each other's despair into hope? You yourself must change it" — Adrienne Rich, in "Dreams Before Waking" Influential book: "The Martian Chronicles," by Ray Bradbury, is a book that has stuck with me since I was a middle schooler. Favorite podcast: "Anthropocene Reviewed." It's like a soul salve. Best way to recharge: Walks in the woods with my husband, our toddler, and dog. Walks alone. Group chats. Naps on the beach in the summer. Spin classes or dance parties. At age 60: I imagine I will still be working, probably in Maine, hopefully doing something that makes my heart feel full. A co-creator of an arts space in western Maine Daniel Sipe, 32 Founder, co-director, Lights Out Gallery Significant professional accomplish- ment: My most significant professional accomplishment so far has been to work with co-founders Reed [Mclean] and Karlë [Woods] to turn an artist interview series into a statewide network of artists and a commu- nity development project based in Norway, Maine. I finally feel like we are working towards a sustainable project that will take care of us, the team we are building and the art- ists we are working with. Current state of mind: I feel pretty calm, we have a ton going on but right now I feel that we have a team that can continue to handle the hurdles that are coming our way. Pa s s i o n p r o j e c t : Lights Out is a pas- sion project, it is p r e t t y m u c h a l l consuming. 'Lightbulb' m o m e n t : » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Lights Out is a passion project, it is pretty much all consuming. — Daniel Sipe Lights Out Gallery 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 P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY

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