Maine’s Future Leaders: Reflections from 5 Recent High School Graduates of the Olympia Snowe Institute

Send us Fan MailIn this special and heartfelt episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with five remarkable young women from Poland Regional High School who recently graduated after completing the three-year leadership curriculum through the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute. For the past three years, my co-mentor Timi Carter and I have had the privilege of guiding these students—Autumn, Mabel, Olivia, Lily, and Shawna—through a journey of discovering their values, voice, and vision.Together, we reflect on what they’ve learned about confidence, courage, and character—and how the Institute’s curriculum has shaped their outlook as they step into the next chapter of their lives at colleges across Maine and beyond.You’ll hear candid reflections about:What it means to discover your values and how that clarity shapes relationships and decisions.The power of using your voice—from classroom discussions to addressing 650 people at the statewide Leadership Luncheon.How developing a vision for the future builds resilience and purpose.The role of mentorship, community, and showing up—one meeting, one conversation, one small act at a time.This conversation is full of hope, laughter, and the authenticity that defines the next generation of Maine women leaders.💬 Key TakeawaysLeadership starts with self-reflection. The “values” year helped each student understand what drives them—and why authenticity matters.Courage grows in community. Through monthly meetings and statewide forums, these young women learned to speak up, support one another, and stretch beyond comfort zones.Mentorship multiplies impact. Each story reminds us that showing up—consistently and with care—can change the trajectory of someone’s life.Maine builds strong, grounded leaders. Whether they’re off to Wellesley, Duke, Fort Kent, or Southern Maine, these students carry with them the grit and humility that define Maine’s spirit.🌟 Special Mentions & LinksOlympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute – https://www.olympiasnowe.org/Annual Leadership Luncheon – Learn more and register hereFollow the Institute’s work empowering Maine’s next generation of women leaders on Instagram and Facebook.Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.Connect with Elise🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at [email protected], share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.