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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 10 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D Cultivating connection through philanthropic leadership Jeannette Andre, 38 President and CEO, Maine Philanthropy Center Greatest achievement: Leading the Maine Philanthropy Center and help- ing guide our community through significant and often frightening events — the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lewiston-Auburn shooting and now the recent federal funding cuts and tar- geting of historically excluded communi- ties. Building community is never easy, especially in moments of confusion and scarcity. Showing up can be even harder, as it often means choosing to give up power and control. Passion project: In addition to raising my two girls to be good humans, I find deep meaning in cultivating connection. Whether serving on nonprofit boards, investing in friendships, advocating for voting rights, or simply getting my hands dirty in the garden, I'm passionate about joy and connection as acts of resistance. Lightbulb moment: Early in my career, I realized how empowering my individual choices could be. I learned that I don't have to work in a place that doesn't align with my values — an experience that has shaped how I lead my organization and nurture its culture. My choices, big and small, are tools for shaping the kind of world I want to live in. Influential book: "The Body Keeps the Score," by Bessel Van Der Kolk Favorite movies or TV show: "The Wire" and lately "Slow Horses" Personal heroes: My sisters Favorite quote: "I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do." — James Baldwin Best way to recharge: Laugh and sing, read, do a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, tend to my garden and create. Maine's biggest challenge: Overcoming division and inequities, including the failure to fully recognize the sovereignty of the Wabanaki Tribes. Recognizing tribal sovereignty is not only a matter of justice, but also a path- way to stronger, healthier communities. Dream dinner guests: QuestLove, Grace Lee Boggs and Dr. Vivek Murthy. They seem like good hangs. An advocate for others with autism Connor Archer, 27 Founder, chair and CEO, The Courageous Steps Project Inc. Greatest achievement: In 2016, I was nominated as one of 10 national honorees as part of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the nation's largest youth volunteerism program at the time. When the following was said in Washington, D.C., "From Old Town High School, in Old Town, Maine," I was shocked and overwhelmed in the moment. To walk up there and accept this honor with my mom crying happy tears — well, it meant the world to me. I was thankful to represent the state of Maine. I met youth from around the country who had equally inspiring projects. That shaped what I am doing today to make a difference for others. My mom and I returned the next year to attend the ceremonies — and meet Michael Phelps. Passion project: The work I do every day, through running and leading the Courageous Steps Project. As some- one who lives with autism, and was diagnosed at a young age, it's my way of being able to give back through our various programs. I never imagined I would be doing this 10 years later, but I am thankful and beyond fortunate to be able to have an impact on the lives of children and young adults. Lightbulb moment: When I was in a col- lege business class, my instructor said you have to run your personal life like a business. That motto has guided me through my growth as a leader and when making big decisions that impact all aspects of my life. Influential book: "The Ride of a Lifetime," by Bob Iger Favorite TV show: "The Big Bang Theory" Personal hero: My mom, whose sacrifices helped me learn and grow Favorite quote: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." — Walt Disney Maine's biggest challenge: I believe we are at a critical point where we need to think creatively about retention and recruitment of current and future educa- tors and other human services provid- ers. However, I am confident that AI and technology will help educators and human services professionals spend more of their time on personal interactions, and not on tedious administrative tasks that can be done through automation. Public- private partnerships backed by balanced and fair resources will be essential in building our schools, community centers and h o m e s s o t h e American dream is attainable by our future children. We must work together to solve this issue. Dream dinner guests: Bob Iger, Steve Jobs, my mom Rewarding hard work, offering access to resources Kelsie Bouchard, 36 Chief lending and investment officer, Coastal Enterprises Inc. Greatest achievement: Professionally, contributing to CEI's ongoing impact in Maine, notably, helping drive $36 million in portfolio growth over the past six years. Personally, it's always a work in progress, but building an aligned and happy life where my work reflects my values and I find joy in the everyday. Passion project: Home improvement proj- ects and interior design, though 2025 was consumed by wedding planning! Lightbulb moment: Growing up in a small town in northern Maine, it seemed that all you needed to succeed was grit and a willingness to work hard. But over time — through experiences ranging from a Habitat for Humanity trip to post-Katrina New Orleans to my years on Wall Street — I came to understand that success isn't just about effort. Structural barri- ers and unequal access to resources often keep opportunity out of reach. I feel fortunate to be at CEI, an organiza- tion that understands this concept and has spent nearly 50 years advancing economic justice — a true example of how a rising tide lifts all boats. Influential book: "How to Win Friends & Influence People," by Dale Carnegie In addition to raising my two girls to be good humans, I find deep meaning in cultivating connection. — Jeannette Andre Maine Philanthropy Center

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