We are having an amazing summer at the Fund! Thanks to the help of two talented interns, Meg Richardson, a senior at Smith College, and Torrie Hazlewood, a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, the Fund is tackling many research and administrative projects.

Meg Richardson (left) Torrie Hazlewood (right)

The staff welcomed a part-time development coordinator, Kathleen Pinard. Kathleen will support the cultivation and stewardship of our dedicated and generous supporters. You can read more about her below.

We also bid "farewell" to the talented, spirited, Sonya Tomlinson who has served as the Fund's Grants and Outreach Manager during the past year. She is moving on to the Telling Room where she will serve as Volunteer and Program Coordinator. We will miss her creativity, spirit, and enthusiasm and wish her well in her new endeavors!

donor advised fund with a gift from a current board member. Donor advised funds allow donors or those they appoint to serve as "advisors" to recommend grants, subject to approval by the board of the Maine Women's Fund. This powerful tool gives the Fund the opportunity to help donors learn more about funding opportunities and philanthropy for women and girls in Maine - while simultaneously increasing the Fund's overall grantmaking activity and impact. Donor advised funds also offer significant tax advantages and flexibility; it is no wonder that they have become a top choice for charitable gifting. Read more about the Maine Women's Fund donor advised fund program by clicking here.

The Fund's board was treated to a dynamic conversation with

Boards on Fire, the inspiring and useful book written by her mentor, Susan Howlett.

Yemaya St. Clair at June board meeting.

We are grateful for the fabulous volunteers and donors who make our work more productive, fun and enjoyable. Below, we highlight the contributions of our board president, an exemplary volunteer if ever there was one. On behalf of Lauren, Sonya, Katie, Kathleen and myself, our thanks to you for your support of Maine women and girls.

Photo credit Jamie Bloomquist

Most recently, Kathleen supported the Development efforts of LightHawk, a nonprofit that advances conservation efforts in North and Central America through the unique perspective of flight. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of City Theater in Biddeford, where she is often seen working backstage and performing onstage. She also teaches baking and culinary arts courses for Old Orchard Beach-Saco Adult Education.

After graduating from St. Joseph's College in Standish, Kathleen completed a Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality with a specialization in Spiritual Direction from Seattle University,  where she served on the Board of Directors of the Ignatian Spirituality Center.

When not in Portland, Kathleen may be found in her hometown of Biddeford at Elements, where she helps to keep the shop running smoothly while indulging in her love of used books, great coffee, local craft beer and live music.