- · A 16 year-old brings awareness to mental illness.
- · A woman stands up to sexual harassment.
- · A woman takes the lead in state government.
- · A single mom who dared to take the next step in her business.
What do these women have in common? They are women who dared.
Where did they find inspiration? What challenges have they overcome? What successes have they achieved?
Come hear their stories, celebrate their accomplishments, and be inspired!
Join us in this facilitated discussion with time for an audience Q&A.
Julia Hansen, Founder of The Yellow Tulip Project
Julia Hansen launched The Yellow Tulip Project when she was a 16 year-old high school student, after two of Julia’s closest friends took their own lives within six months of each other. Determined to do something positive to bring awareness to mental illness, Julia Hansen created The Yellow Tulip Project in order to let people know that “Hope Happens.” The non-profit organization creates teams within schools and organizations to facilitate discussions about mental illness and is involved in community-building advocacy work. Its focus is to destroy the stigma around mental illness, an issue that affects 1 in 5 people worldwide.
Stephanie Brock, VP of Sales & GM of Red Thread Maine
Stephanie Brock is the Vice President and General Manager of Red Thread Portland, Maine. With over 20 years of industry experience, she focuses on understanding her client's unique needs and partnering with them to create exceptional spaces through the seamless integration of furniture, architecture, and technology, as well as a comprehensive suite of services. Red Thread’s holistic approach coupled with knowledge of the changing nature of work, workers, and the workplace allows them to create environments that amplify engagement, enhance collaboration, increase productivity, support brand and culture, and optimize real estate. Stephanie is also a founding member of MaineCanDo.org, which is a platform designed to help individuals, employers, and investors navigate and prevent future #MeToo incidents in the places where we work, play, shop, and eat. This suite of tools and resources also supports individuals who may be experiencing or witnessing harassment and provides them with the knowledge and information they need to tell their stories.
Cathy Breen, State of Maine Senator
Cathy Breen is serving her second term in the Maine Senate, where she represents the people of Falmouth, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Gray, Long Island, Chebeague Island, and part of Westbrook. Prior to her legislative service, Senator Breen served on the Falmouth Town Council from 2005-2011, including two terms as chairwoman. In 2007, she shepherded the passage of the Open Space referendum, one of the most successful municipal efforts in Maine history, to conserve local land and wildlife habitat. Since joining the Senate, she has been a champion for conservation projects, including the Land for Maine Future’s program.
Paula Mahony, Owner of Words @ Work
To create successful marketing solutions, Paula Mahony looks at the world in different ways and paints a picture of the desired outcome. To some that might look like taking chances or risks, but to Paula it’s just business as usual. She frequently takes on seemingly impossible projects on behalf of clients and enjoys bringing new ideas to fruition. For this, she has been labeled as something of a rogue, but she wears the badge with honor. Paula hasn’t always been as daring in growing her own company however. But grow she did… moving from her home office to a small office with one part-time employee in 2010. She is now in her third office space with five employees and a long list of appreciative clients. Paula serves on the board of the Institute for Family Owned Business, is an Ambassador for the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, volunteers with SkiMaine, and was the creator of Very Merry Falmouth.