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V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 22 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D Empowering nonprofits in Maine Matt Donahue, 37 Vice president and chief impact officer, Heart of Maine United Way Greatest achievement: The strength of my fam- ily, including my hus- band, Derek, and our kids, Chris and Owen. I've learned so much from them, and I'm inspired every day by their resilience, hard work and humor. Being a foster and adoptive family has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences, and has shown me how deeply Maine needs more families to step into that role. I wouldn't be as involved in my community without their support, patience and encouragement. P a s s i o n p r o j e c t : T h e Community, Maine's Nonprofit Hub, a new initiative of Heart of Maine United Way. Opening this fall, it will support non- profits across the region, blending affordable shared space with professional, tech- nology-enabled facilities and programming designed to strengthen nonprofit capacity. It's an effort that will lower overhead, create connections and build a stronger nonprofit sector. This project has been years in the making, and it's one of the most exciting, meaningful initiatives I've been able to help bring to life. Lightbulb moment: Coming to United Way after working at a software company, I quickly had a lightbulb moment about how vital nonprofits are to our quality of life. Imagine a town without youth sports, music programs, food pantries or shelters. Nonprofits are the fabric of community, offering both help in times of need and opportunities for joy, growth and belonging. Influential book: "I Knew You Could," by Craig Dorfman, is a favorite to read with our kids, but its message applies to all ages. Favorite movies or TV show: "Caddyshack," "Princess Bride" and "Seinfeld" are clas- sics that remind me to enjoy a good laugh and not take myself too seriously. Personal hero: My nana Eileen had a way of encouraging me while also keeping me grounded. She gave so much of herself to others: deliver- ing Meals on Wheels, driving people to and from doctor's appointments and support- ing local charities. But more than what she did, it was how she lived that left the biggest mark on me. She showed me what the "right way" looks like: caring for people, giving back, and doing it all to make Bangor a better place. Favorite quote: "Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a soci- ety work, a civilization work." — Vince Lombardi Best way to recharge: Much of my free time revolves around my kids' activities, especially sports. I'm proud to serve as president of Bangor Little League and I helped lead the merger of Bangor East and West Little Leagues, blending two tradition- rich programs into one that gives even more kids the chance to play and build our community. Maine's biggest chal- lenge: One of our many challenges is division and isolation. Too often, we focus on differences rather than commonali- ties, and that erodes the ties that make communities strong. We need more empa- thy, more connections and more opportunities to come together in meaningful ways. Programs like Little League and United Way's Bundle Project remind us of the good in our neighbors and create opportunities to feel united. Strengthening those connections is critical for the next generation, not just for meeting needs, but for building a Maine that is caring, vibrant and resilient. Dinner party guests: Tom Coughlin, former New York Giants coach; MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist; and Frances Wisebart Jacobs, founder of the Community Chest/ United Way movement. Though they come from very different backgrounds, what con- nects them is bold leadership, empathy, courage and the drive to accomplish what others thought couldn't be done. A banking executive with a passion for cooking Alina Dubois, 35 Vice president and business banker, KeyBank Greatest achievement: Becoming a mother to my two amazing children. Passion project: Cooking. It motivates me to set goals and challenge myself. For example, I might choose a theme such as "dishes from different countries" or "baking breads" and dedicate a few weeks to exploring it. At the end, I enjoy sharing my results — whether through photos, recipes or hosting a small dinner. Ultimately, cooking is my passion project because it combines creativity, learning and con- nection. It's something I can always return to, grow with and share with others. L i g h t b u l b m o m e n t : Recognizing that busi- ness banking gives me the chance to make a real differ- ence in people's lives. Every loan and every piece of advice can shape a business owner's future and, in turn, the community they serve. That's what motivates me. Influential book: "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz. It offers guidance on self-con- duct, which has helped me feel grounded, focused and balanced in both my personal life and career. Favorite TV show: "About Time" Personal hero: A hero isn't always someone who wears a cape or saves the world in one moment. Sometimes, a hero is someone who quietly shapes our lives every single day. For me, that hero is my grandmother. She raised me, always an example of what real strength looks like — not by grand gestures, but by the way she has faced life's struggles with courage and grace … teaching through stories and reminding me of what truly matters: kindness, patience and resil- ience. Because of her, I am the woman I am today. Favorite quote: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" — Dr. Seuss Best way to recharge: Working out, walk- ing at the beach and spending time with my family. Maine's biggest challenge: Balancing eco- nomic growth and workforce sustainability while managing environmental impacts and rural infrastructure limitations. Dinner party guests: Anthony Bourdain (he'd make the dinner relaxed, fun and adventurous, with stories from around the world that blend culture, food and human connection); Michelle Obama (warm, grounded, and insightful; she could balance the table with wisdom about leadership, empathy and resilience; and Elon Musk (controversial but undeniably forward-looking; he'd bring bold visions about the future of humanity, space and technology). Inn owner offering more than a place to stay Ryan Edwards, 37 Owner, Five Gables Inn Greatest achievement: My son Adler is my greatest achievement. At 6 years old, he inspires everything I do — personally and professionally. Passion project: My passion project is running the Five Gables Inn in Boothbay. We recently added a cottage named after Adler, tying my family into its story. Exceeding guest expectations is fulfilling and seeing our staff thrive while making a good living is just as rewarding. Lightbulb moment: Realizing that hos- pitality is about creating memories, not just offering a place to stay. Small touches — like remembering a guest's anniversary — turn an ordinary visit into something lasting. Influential book: "Creativity Inc.," by Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull. I was fascinated by Pixar's many pivots to survive, yet their relentless focus on creating a computer- animated movie. It made their success feel relatable and inspiring. Favorite movie: "Back to the Future" Personal hero: My grandfather, who taught me the value of hard work, humil- ity and integrity. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 2 0 We need more empathy, more connections and more opportunities to come together in meaningful ways. — Matt Donahue Heart of Maine United Way

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