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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 32 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D An energy policymaker aiming to forge a more sustainable future Tagwongo Obomsawin, 31 Manager of energy economy and innovation, Maine Department of Energy Resources Greatest achievement: I'm proud of what we've accomplished through the Clean Energy Partnership since joining the department in 2022, where we've shepherded millions of dollars in workforce and innovation funding and impacted the lives of thousands of Maine people. Our work has led to the launch of Maine's first climate tech incuba- tor as well as the first dedicated clean energy job board, which has connected hundreds of job seek- ers with employers and training programs across the state. It's rewarding to be part of a commu- nity working towards a more sustainable future, and I hope my work can create that same opportunity for others. Passion project: I serve as treasurer for the Bomazeen Land Trust, an organization dedicated to returning land and waters with cultural and ecological significance to the Wabanaki people. Lightbulb moment: I'm a goal-oriented person, so I try to set a vision and then work each day to bring that vision to life. I credit my lightbulb moments to my time at UMaine and Bard College, where I was able to explore energy and resource eco- nomics and sustainable business mod- els and how each can be strengthened by traditional ecological knowledge and community-driven planning. Influential book: "50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth," by the Earthworks Group Favorite TV shows: I really enjoy creative competi- tion shows like "Project Runway" and bad reality TV like "Love Island." Personal hero: Chip Loring Fav o r i t e q u o t e : "Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions." — Elizabeth King B e s t w a y t o recharge: I try to spend as much t i m e o u t s i d e a s p o s s i b l e , whether it's walk- ing around my neighborhood or snowboard- ing at Sugar- l o a f . I f t h e weather is bad, my new favorite hobby is spend- ing time in the pottery studio. Maine's biggest challenge: Maine is a small state, and that comes with economic and work- force challenges. But it also means you're usu- ally only two phone calls away from anyone. There's s t r e n g t h a n d quirkiness in that. Dinner party guests: I love being around smart people with big imaginations. So I would invite Margaret Atwood, my late grandfather Paul Goodman and RuPaul Andre Charles. A project engineer who's passionate about the paper industry Jessica Oriente, 30 Project engineer, Sappi North America Greatest achievement: My greatest career achievement has been work- ing as a project manager on Project Elevate, a $500 million conversion and expansion of Paper Machine No. 2 at the Sappi Somerset Mill. In my role, I had the opportunity to lead the civil, structural and architectural scope of the multi-year project and work with team members and companies from around the world. It was a tech- nically challenging project that I worked on from the design conception through to construction completion. My work included coor- dinating efforts across disciplines to ensure successful implementation while maintaining safety and operational continuity dur- ing construction in an active manufacturing environment. Project Elevate doubled the capacity of PM2, making it the most advanced paper machine in North America. It was an honor to contribute to such a transformative initiative early in my career, especially knowing this will position the Sappi Somerset Mill for long-term success, producing sustainable products made from renewable resources. Passion project: I'm most inspired by interactions with the younger generation who will one day be in my shoes. I'm passionate about giving back to the organizations that have shaped me into the person I am today. Lightbulb moment: Every time a project reaches the turning point from conception phase to reality. It's that feeling when you realize all the hard work and long hours have paid off, thanks to the resilience of you and your coworkers. I'm grateful that I truly love working in industrial construction, and I've experienced those lightbulb moments several times with different project teams. Influential book: "Lessons in Chemistry," by Bonnie Garmus Favorite TV show and movies: "How It's Made," "Little Women (2019)," "Dead Poets Society" Pe r s o n a l h e r o : M y mother, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a continuous drive for personal growth. Favorite quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt Maine's biggest chal- lenge: Preparing younger generations to enter a technically demanding workforce. Fortunately, many organizations across the state partner with local schools to inspire and engage students in careers in construction and manufacturing. We need more of these programs. I believe expanding such initiatives will be key to sustaining Maine's essential indus- tries and ensuring a strong future for our workforce. Dinner party guests: Taylor Swift, Francis Crowe, Sarah J. Maas » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E I love being around smart people with big imaginations. So I would invite Margaret Atwood, my late grandfather Paul Goodman and RuPaul Andre Charles [to dinner]. — Tagwongo Obomsawin Maine Department of Energy Resources Fortunately, many organizations across the state partner with local schools to inspire and engage students in careers in construction and manufacturing. We need more of these programs. — Jessica Oriente Sappi North America

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