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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 36 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D Strengthening Maine's tech talent pipeline Tracey Spinato, 38 Director of experiential education, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University Greatest achievement: Having the courage to pivot in my career and say "yes" to opportunities that scared me. Before joining the Roux Institute, I spent nearly a decade in public health and social work. Transitioning into the Roux's tech-focused envi- ronment was daunting, but I also saw an opportunity to learn a new industry. Saying "yes" meant stepping into the challenge of scaling our programs to meet grow- ing demand. Our team has expanded and our programs have grown far beyond what I ever imagined. I am incred- ibly proud of what we've built together. Passion project: Although I've shifted away from a full-time career in social work and public health, my commitment to advocacy and community remains strong. I con- tinue to draw on my clinical expertise to serve vulnerable populations, and this work is both deeply meaningful and energizing for me. Lightbulb moment: In 2018, I began teaching graduate courses as an adjunct instructor and quickly discovered a pas- sion for supporting people at this stage of their lives and careers. The experience set me on a path toward higher education and experiential learning. In my current role, I connect graduate students with industry partners to create meaning- ful career pathways and strengthen Maine's tech talent pipeline. While my career began on a different path, I'm grateful to have found work I truly love. Influential book: "When Things Fall Apart," by Pema Chödrön. It taught me how to stay present and grounded through hard- ship and it's a book I come back to often. Favorite TV show: "Fleabag." It's so original, and the writing is fantastic. Personal hero: bell hooks. Her writing r e m i n d s m e t h a t leadership should be rooted in equity, care and community. Favorite quote: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with pas- sion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." — Maya Angelou B e s t w a y t o recharge: I love reading, writing, thrifting and live music. I also spend as much time as I can with my 2-year-old niece — she has the best sense of humor. Maine's biggest chal- lenge: Housing and criti- cal infrastructure like public transportation. These issues directly affect Maine's ability to attract and retain tal- ent, which is central to my work around build- ing a strong, sustain- able talent pipeline. Dinner party guests: Toni Morrison, Dolly Par ton and Anthony Bourdain. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E 207.774.5998 headlightav.com Photo Credit: Edward Budway Courtesy of The Center for Grieving Children I continue to draw on my clinical expertise to serve vulnerable populations, and this work is both deeply meaningful and energizing for me. — Tracey Spinato Roux Institute

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