Plan To Attend!
Join us on April 16 at Tyler Technologies in Yarmouth, Maine for a day dedicated to discussing strategies for creating effective and sustainable internship programs with education and business leaders from across the state. Be part of the conversation to help shape the future of internships in Maine and support the next generation of professionals!
What? Inaugural Pathways to Careers Internship Summit
When? Wednesday, April 16th from 8 AM – 4:30 PM + Happy Hour Reception
Who? Businesses, educators, workforce partners, and anyone interested in shaping the internship landscape in Maine
Where? Hosted at Tyler Technologies: 1 Tyler Dr, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (external link)
| 8:00 AM | Arrival & Light Breakfast | | |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome & Keynote: The Power of Internships |
| Internship Essentials | Leveling Up Your Internship | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Pre-Professional Fellowship: UMF’s Holistic Approach to Pre-Internship Training | A High-Impact Internship Program Depends on the Mentors |
| 11:30 AM | Building Stronger Connections: University of Maine High-Impact Internship Programs Partnering with Employers | Breaking Down Financial Barriers: Strategies for Expanding Internship Participation |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch & Pathways to Careers Panel | |
| 2:30 PM | Leveraging Career Centers and the University Ecosystem for Talent Development | Empowering Interns: Growing Future Leaders through Learning, Volunteerism, and Professional Growth |
| 3:30 PM | Using Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to Create Sustainable Internship Programs | AI and the Future of Internships: Preparing the Next Generation Workforce |
| 4:30 PM | Happy Hour Reception |
If this document is having trouble loading in your browser, download here: https://www.maine.edu/pathways-to-careers/wp-content/uploads/sites/328/2025/03/Pathways-to-Careers-Summit-Sponsorship-Opportunities-2.pdf
For sponsorship inquiries, please email taylor.boucher@maine.edu
Michael True is the President of INTRUEITION, the parent company of InternQube.com. He has worked in the internship field for over 30 years and is known nationally and internationally. Mike has created a book and website for students to help them develop professional (soft) skills, an online forum for internship colleagues, an internship manual for employers, and a guide for academic faculty on best practices in internships. He has also written articles including, “The Future of Internships” published in 2020 by the Future Talent Council based in Stockholm, Sweden. In June 2023, international colleagues honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond the world of internships, Mike enjoys presenting workshops on developing creativity and offering professional etiquette dinners to university students. He has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Business Week, Newsday, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and other national and regional newspapers and magazines regarding internships. He has served as an advisor and board member for several organizations and currently advises the International Internship Network, based in Toronto, ON. More information may be found at InternQube.com (external site) or INTRUEITION.com (external site).
We currently have hotel room blocks reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn and the Haraseeket Inn in Freeport.
Harraseeket Inn (external link)– Block reserved until March 21st!
- Price: $145 + tax
- Address: 162 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
- Phone: (207) 865-9377
- To book: Either call the inn and reference the “Pathways to Careers Summit Room Block” or group code “careers” or click here (external link).
Hilton Garden Inn (external link)– Block reserved until April 1st!
- Price: $129 + tax
- Address: 5 Park Street, Freeport, Maine 04032
- Phone: (207) 865-1433
- Book here (external link)
Cancellations made on or before April 8th are eligible for a partial refund (due to a $25 processing fee).
Cancellations made after April 8th are no longer eligible for a refund.
- What is included with my registration?
- Attendees will be offered a light breakfast and a full lunch during the conference. There will also be a complimentary reception with food and drink at 4 pm.
- How can I make a hotel reservation?
- You may book your hotel at one of our preferred conference hotels in Freeport. Click ‘Hotel Accommodations’ to the left for more information.
- Is parking free?
- Yes, parking is free for conference attendees!
- Can I sponsor the event?
- Yes, sponsorships are available! Please contact Taylor Boucher for more information.
With any additional questions regarding the summit, please reach out to either Allison or Taylor:
- Allison Jung, allison.jung@maine.edu
- Taylor Boucher, taylor.boucher@maine.edu
Session Information with Speakers & Panelists
Keynote Speaker
The Power of Internships- 9:15 AM
One pathway to helping students become successful in their professional lives and to retaining students within Maine is to provide valuable work-and-learn experiences. How do we do that well? This keynote session will offer insight into benefits to students, benefits to employers, concerns of interns, marks of excellence, how to get started, and ideas for recruitment. We will also take a glimpse at current trends, the future of internships, and advice to students to navigate the present and future.
Speaker: Michael True
Michael True is the President of INTRUEITION, the parent company of InternQube.com. For over 30 years he has worked with student interns in higher education and has consulted with multiple businesses, government organizations, and non-profits to help them develop outstanding internship
programs. He has been interviewed by national newspapers and magazines, as well as state and regional media outlets.
Leveling Up Your Internship
A High-Impact Internship Program Depends on the Mentors- 10:30 AM
High-impact internships are the result of a mutually beneficial experiential learning relationship between an intern and their mentor. In an ideal setting, the intern is both learning and applying new skills to help advance the goals of their mentor and the business or organization. The mentor is invested in both preparing for the intern and ensuring a quality day-to-day environment in which the intern can thrive and perhaps even contribute. In this session, a panel of experienced mentors will share their approach to mentoring including how to prepare for an intern, how to support the intern in the critical first weeks of the experience, and how proactive planning and the right mentor mindset can help ensure a positive experience for both themselves and their intern.
Presented by: Michael McKernan, Director of Government and Community Relations, The Jackson Laboratory
Over a 25-year career, he has focused on creating opportunities for Maine people to participate, engage, and work in biomedical research and development. McKernan works hand-in-hand with JAX colleagues in research, education, and JAX® Mice, Clinical, and Research Services (JMCRS) to advance their goals and objectives through government affairs, public relations, partnerships, policy, and new funding sources. He helps shape and advance legislative and policy agendas and represents JAX with local, state, and national officials. He cultivates statewide partnerships and initiatives to advance Maine’s innovation economy and the life sciences sector. In a prior role at JAX, he was responsible for all STEM and undergraduate education efforts, including the flagship summer internship program, the JAX Summer Student Program.
Panelist: Vanessa Snyder, HR Business Partner, Bath Iron Works
Vanessa Snyder began her career with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works ten years ago in an entry-level administrative support position. After about a year, she took advantage of BIW’s Tuition Reimbursement Program to finish her degree. This was her introduction to the opportunities presented by a personal development program and led her to want to help others reach their goals. Over the next few years, she helped recruit and develop employees for various roles. In her current role in Human Resources, she manages BIW’s Internship and Professional Development programs and leads the company’s University Relations. “It has been very rewarding for me to see interns and those in their early careers flourish and find their passion,” she says.
Panelist: Laura Bennett, Program Lead, MaineHealth Center for Workforce Development
Laura’s work is centered on leading several youth-focused programs at MaineHealth including non-clinical internships, co-ops, and career awareness opportunities, as well as assisting with avenues for internal care team members to learn more about growth within the organization.
Laura has spent more than a decade working in marketing, communications, and human resources roles all centered around talent attraction, retention, and community building. She’s passionate about making meaningful connections that help people achieve their goals and encourage them to seek opportunities for growth in their careers.
Panelist: Andrea Tilden, PhD, Director of the Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences Innovation, Colby College; Director of Education, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; Director of the Student Research Program, Maine INBRE Program
Andrea Tilden has spent over 30 years as a STEM professor, administrator, and mentor. As a biology professor at Colby College, she has personally mentored dozens of students in her neuroscience research lab, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in research and medicine. In her current administrative roles, she has developed broad programming to create opportunities for students throughout the state to engage in meaningful research in emerging areas like biomedical genomics, data science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. These experiences go beyond the laboratory to include training in durable skills for professional development. She oversees a broad suite of partnerships within the Maine science community, including MDIBL; Bigelow Lab; Jackson Lab; the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative; the Maine Health Institute for Research; and the Maine NIH-INBRE Network of colleges, universities, community colleges, and research institutions.
Internship Essentials
Pre-Professional Fellowship: University of Maine at Farmington’s Holistic Approach to Pre-Internship Training- 10:30 AM
This presentation will explore the core principles of UMF’s integrated pre-internship training, designed to prepare students for professional success. It will highlight the three-credit course required for students in the Pre-Professional Fellowship Program, showcasing how it equips them with essential skills and industry readiness before their internships.
Presented by: Austin French, Internship Coordinator, University of Maine at Farmington
Austin French is a workforce development leader, educator, and outdoor recreation professional dedicated to connecting academic learning with real-world industry experience. As the Internship Coordinator, Part-Time Business Faculty, and Pathways to Careers Co-Lead at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), he has played a key role in shaping career readiness programs, co-developing UMF’s Pre-Professional Seminar and driving the Pathways to Careers initiative since its inception. Additionally, he plays a key role in expanding internship opportunities for all students of all academic backgrounds, ensuring that students gain valuable experiences and connections that prepare them for successful careers in all sectors.
Austin specializes in the outdoor recreation sector, serving as Project Director for UMF’s Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence, where he works closely with industry partners to strengthen workforce development initiatives and drive economic growth in Maine’s outdoor industry. Beyond academia, Austin serves as the Seasonal Programs Supervisor and Training Coordinator at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort’s Snowsports School and is an Alpine Development Team Member with the Professional Ski Instructors of America – Eastern Region (PSIA-E).
Leveling Up Your Internship
Breaking Down Financial Barriers: Strategies for Expanding Internship Participation- 11:30 AM
Financial barriers hinder many students from participating in internships. This presentation will explore various strategies and programs aimed at reducing these obstacles and increasing internship participation. When these barriers are removed, employers access a broader talent pool and interns receive a more positive impression of their organization and the overall industry. This panel will share their approaches to financial empowerment, insights into current initiatives, and other opportunities to enhance internship participation and alleviate financial obstacles.
Panelist: Amen Mibaraka, Individual Development Coordinator, ProsperityME
Originally from Kigali, Rwanda, Amen Mibaraka is a graduate of Liberty University and is deeply committed to helping immigrants access the opportunities they sought when they arrived in the U.S.
A skilled leader with expertise in process development and improvement, Amen previously worked with a renewable energy start-up, where she successfully built and deployed several key processes. This experience honed her ability to drive change and create efficient systems. Amen’s passion lies in fostering inclusive communities and helping individuals thrive. Outside work, she enjoys reading, walking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her commitment to leadership and clear communication continues to guide her personal and professional goals, as she strives to ensure immigrants not only survive but thrive in their new lives.
Panelist: Billie Cary, Education Programs Director, Bioscience Association of Maine
Billie Cary is the Education Programs Manager at the Bioscience Association of Maine (BioME). She oversees the scholarship funding process and fosters connections between academia and the life sciences industry. Billie achieves this through programs such as BioME’s Student Showcase Life Sciences competition, ME Bioscience Day, and BioME Career Exploration.
Billie holds a B.A. in English Literature from Bates College and an M.A. in Library and Information Studies. Her previous experience involved developing educational programs to support Maine’s economic development and international logistics. She is passionate about collaborating with schools and Maine scientists to advance life science education within the state. Billie resides in Maine with her family.
Panelist: Hyemi Draheim, Vice President-Talent, Diversity, & Belonging Officer, Bangor Savings Bank
Hyemi joined Bangor Savings Bank in March 2016, following a successful career in fashion retail and a tenure as a Financial Services Representative at TD Bank. Throughout her banking career, she has held various roles in Consumer Banking, including Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Manager, before transitioning to her current position in Talent and Diversity. In this role, Hyemi oversees the Bank’s Summer Internship and Co-op Programs, helping students gain valuable personal and professional development experience. An active advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Hyemi has been a certified Green Dot Trainer since 2018 and has served on the Bank’s DEI Council since its inception in December 2020.
Outside of her work at Bangor Savings Bank, Hyemi is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Maine, acts as an advisor for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, is President of the Wells Elementary School PTSA, and serves as a board member of the Wells-Ogunquit Youth Football and Cheering Association. Hyemi resides in Wells with her husband of 19 years, Matt, and their three children: Noah (12), Harper (10), and Finley (8). In her free time, she can often be found at sports fields or wrestling tournaments, cheering on her children as they pursue their passion for sports.
Recently promoted to Vice President, Hyemi received the 2022 Impact Award and graduated from the Bank’s Leadership 2.0 program in July 2022. As a culture ambassador for Bangor Savings Bank, a dedicated career coach, a DEI advocate, and an inclusive leader, Hyemi brings experience, passion, empathy, and a relentless commitment to fostering an environment where all employees thrive.
Internship Essentials
Building Stronger Connections: University of Maine High-Impact Internship Programs Partnering with Employers – 11:30 AM
This panel highlights three impactful programs associated with the University of Maine that support local employers and incorporate best practices for internships.
1. Innovate for Maine focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship by preparing student fellows to collaborate with companies on projects that drive growth. This program provides students with a paid, meaningful, hands-on experience.
2. The University of Maine Pulp + Paper Foundation exemplifies a unique partnership between the industry, students, donors, and the university. It is designed to support and prepare students for leadership roles in the pulp and paper industry, including opportunities for internships and cooperative experiences.
3. The Maine State Government Internship Program, managed by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine, is a collaboration between the Office of the Governor, the Maine Bureau of Human Resources, various Maine state government agencies, and local governments. This program offers students valuable professional experience and networking opportunities.
Panelist: Mary Mahoney-O’Neil, Ed.D., Director of Maine NEW Leadership
Mary Mahoney-O’Neil, Ed.D., is the Director of Maine NEW Leadership. She directs the Maine Government Summer Internship Program and the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center’s student scholarship program and will co-lead the Distinguished Maine Policy Fellows program. Previously, Mary served as an Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Director of Enrollment Management, Associate Director of Financial Aid, and Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Mary teaches in the William S. Cohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service. She has been a faculty fellow with the HERS Institutes (HERS – Bryn Mawr College, HERS – University of Denver, and HERS -Wellesley College). She is an Olympia Snowe Leader Advisor with the Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute.
Panelist: Carrie Enos, President of the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation
Carrie Enos is the President of the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation. She leads an extraordinary partnership between students, the university, the pulp and paper industry, and generous donors with a mission to engage and encourage students to consider engineering and leadership careers in the pulp and paper industry. A 1999 graduate of the program and 4-year Pulp and Paper Scholarship recipient herself, she knew first-hand the value the foundation provides students, employers, and the industry. Although her responsibilities include fundraising and financials, student recruiting, and advising the University on curriculum, she is probably best known for her dedication to mentoring and guiding students so they are successfully prepared for their future careers.
Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine as a graduate of the UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation and the Honors College, cum laude with highest honors distinction.
Panelist: Emma Wilson, Talent Programs Manager
Emma Wilson is a graduate of the University of Maine and became interested in entrepreneurship and innovation when she interned with multiple startups through the Innovate for Maine Fellows Program. She then managed one of those startups upon graduation and was later hired by UMaine to market and coordinate multiple entrepreneurial programs including the Top Gun Entrepreneurship Accelerator, the Big Gig Pitch-Off, the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship, and others. She is currently the Talent Programs Manager for the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement and now manages the Innovate for Maine Fellows Program and the Black Bear Consulting Corps.
Pathways to Careers Panel- 12:30 PM
This is an opportunity to learn more about the innovative work happening across the University of Maine System through UMS TRANSFORMS Pathways to Careers. Hear from internship coordinators supporting specific industries in Maine and learn how your internship can be featured.
Presented by: Allison Jung, Pathways to Careers Center Director, University of Maine System
Allison Jung is the Pathways to Careers Center Director, leading the implementation of this initiative across the University of Maine System. Her own transformative experiences during her undergraduate and graduate studies, through internships and AmeriCorps service, ignited her passion for experiential learning. With this inspiration, Allison went on to develop and lead an internship program at the nonprofit organization, Project Transformation Indiana. Through the work of the Pathways to Careers initiative, she is excited to help more young adults engage in hands-on, transformative learning that empowers them to discover what purposeful work means for them.
Panelist: Kyle Rooney, Interim Internship Coordinator for Manufacturing; Energy Systems Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC)- University of Maine
Kyle Rooney graduated from UMaine’s Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program with a minor in Mathematics in 2019 and graduated from UMaine’s Professional Science and Master’s program in Business and Engineering in 2023. As of January 2024, Kyle officially became a Certified Energy Manager through the Association of Energy Engineers.
Kyle’s current responsibilities include AMC-related projects for clients and working with University of Maine students, and employers in the manufacturing sector, to facilitate internship opportunities through the recently established Pathways to Careers program. In his free time, Kyle enjoys skiing and shooting pool competitively.
Panelist: Trina Schuler, Internship Coordinator for Financial Services, Maine Business School- University of Maine
Trina Schuler is the Internship Coordinator for Financial Services through the Pathways to Careers initiative and for the Maine Business School. They have a B.A. in English earned from Arizona State University. In their role, Trina collaborates with students on job and internship applications, career navigation, and professional development through one-on-one sessions, events, and programming. As the instructor of for-credit internship courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Trina encourages self-reflection and understanding the importance of building lasting professional connections. Emphasizing self-advocacy in the workplace, students gain realistic expectations for the working world after graduation and foster a foundational knowledge of the importance of soft skills and empathetic, ethical business leadership practices.
Panelist: Eric Mcpherson, Research and Internship Coordinator, Cooperative Forestry Research Unit- University of Maine
Eric Mcpherson was born in Georgia and received his BS in Business Administration from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2012. After realizing that the business world wasn’t the right fit for him, he joined AmeriCorps for a year before going on to hold a variety of forestry jobs, including plant healthcare technician in Philadelphia, utility forester in California, and agroforestry volunteer in Senegal. After moving to Maine and working for a small forestry company in the Ellsworth area, he returned to school and earned his Master of Forestry degree from the University of Maine in 2023. He interned with the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit while in school and has been working there as the Research Coordinator and the School of Forest Resources as the Internship Coordinator since graduation. In his downtime he loves hanging out with his wife, son, dog, and 2 cats, trail running, biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity he can find time for.
Leveling Up Your Internship
Empowering Interns: Growing Future Leaders through Learning, Volunteerism, and Professional Growth- 2:30 PM
We believe that internships are an opportunity to help the next generation of leaders develop practical skills aligned with their career goals and vital soft skills that will benefit them in their careers and beyond. This presentation will highlight the importance of a holistic approach to internships by integrating extended learning opportunities, professional development sessions, and volunteerism in their communities. Attendees will learn how to create impactful internship experiences that will be mutually beneficial for the organization, Interns, and the community.
Presented by: Evan Patton, Employee Success Specialist, Systems Engineering
With a non-traditional HR background, Evan brings a unique perspective to talent acquisition and development, advocating for innovative and collaborative approaches. He believes businesses have a responsibility to ensure the next generation of leaders have the skills to navigate professional environments effectively. Evan is dedicated to creating mutually beneficial opportunities for Systems Engineering and the students participating in their internship program.
Internship Essentials
Leveraging the Career Center And University Ecosystem for Talent Development – 2:30 PM
Job fairs may be the most common form of campus talent acquisition, but they are only a small part of effectively building a campus brand and fostering a recruitment strategy. This panel discussion highlights how employers can leverage a variety of programs, such as job shadows, peer career advisors which feed into your internship opportunities and build stronger connections with emerging talent over the long-term. Hear from career center leaders from 3 different institutions on how this ecosystem can be leveraged to foster early engagement, facilitate meaningful workplace exploration, and cultivate well-prepared, career-ready candidates. Learn actionable strategies to deepen partnerships with career centers, enhance your organization’s visibility, and create pathways for recruiting talent. Join us to discover how integrating with a career center’s ecosystem can meet your hiring goals while contributing to the success of the next generation of professionals.
Moderated by: Lindsay Freeman, Internship Program Manager– Career Exploration Internship Program, University of Southern Maine (she/hers)
Lindsey Freeman leads the paid, part-time Career Exploration Internship Program at the University of Southern Maine, collaborating with the USM Career & Employment Hub team to create rich professional development opportunities for students to connect their classroom learning to the workplace and expand their professional skills and networks.
Panelist: Andy Osheroff, Ph.D., M.B.A., Director of the Career & Employment Hub, University of Southern Maine (he/his)
Andy is a passionate advocate for leadership and organizational development, dedicated to fostering growth and driving positive change within educational and community-focused organizations. As the Director of the Career & Employment Hub at the University of Southern Maine, Andy leads a dynamic team focused on enhancing student career readiness, strengthening employer relations, and building community partnerships.
With over a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit administration, Andy has developed a deep expertise in strategic planning, team development, and operational efficiency. Under Andy’s leadership, the Career Hub at USM has doubled in size, secured substantial grants, and launched impactful initiatives such as peer career advising and equity-focused internships, significantly expanding opportunities for students and employers alike.
Panelist: Tammy Delisle, Career Services & Student Employment Coordinator, University of Maine at Fort Kent (she/hers)
Tammy Delisle is the Career Services & Student Employment Coordinator at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. A proud UMFK alumna with a degree in Behavioral Science (’99), she is STRONG Interest Inventory certified and brings over 12 years of experience in social work and 15 years in higher education career development. Passionate about connecting students with professional and career-related experiences, Tammy thrives on collaboration and innovative thinking to support student success. She is dedicated to helping students explore their career paths and gain valuable hands-on experience. Beyond her professional work, Tammy has a personal goal of visiting every Major League Baseball park while traveling across the country in an RV adventure. She currently resides in Wallagrass, Maine on the beautiful Eagle Lake.
Panelist: Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, M. Ed, NCC, CCC, Director of the University of Maine Career Center, University of Maine (she/hers)
Crisanne Kadamus Blackie is the Director of the University of Maine Career Center. She completed her M.Ed. in Student Personnel Administration at Springfield College and a Baccalaureate degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In addition, Crisanne is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, Board Certified Coach, and a trained mediator. With over 20 years of experience in the field of Career Development, Crisanne has worked in both higher education and the private sector. Her business experience includes working for a student loan corporation and a technology company. She has worked as a career consultant, has published several articles and has been a contributing author to 2 books. Crisanne enjoys working with all students and specializes in working with pre-professional students especially those who wish to pursue a career in healthcare.
Leveling Up Your Internship
AI and the Future of Internships: Preparing the Next Generation Workforce- 3:30 PM
This session will explore how AI is transforming industries, shaping internship programs, and redefining workforce development. We would love for you to join us to:
- Share your experiences with AI in the workplace.
- Share how AI can be leveraged to create meaningful internship opportunities.
- Network with other forward-thinking employers, educators, and stakeholders.
Presented by: Angela Oechslie, Project>Login Director, Educate Maine
Angela brings a wealth of workforce experience to her role with the Project>Login. Through partnership and collaboration, she leads the program to meet the needs of both students and employers. Previously, she worked in economic and workforce development at Eastern Maine Development Corporation and Tri-County Workforce Investment Board and has worked on several jobs-related federal grant programs. She is past chair of Building Bridges, a business and education partnership through the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute, class of 2018. Angela earned her BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta and a Master of Science in Organizational Communication from MSU. She is a member of Maine Technology Institute’s IT Tech Board, CSTA, and the Community Partner for Girls Who Code in Maine. Angela is a Microsoft TechSpark Fellow and CSTA Reimagining CS Pathways project team member.
Panelist: Ryan Low, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, University of Maine System
Ryan is the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Treasurer for the University of Maine System. He serves on the Finance/Facilities/Technology Committee and is on the leadership team for UMS TRANSFORMS. Ryan is passionate about harnessing the power of technology, including AI in his work. He has presented at local, state, and national conferences about Artificial Intelligence.
Panelist: David Delmar Senties, Founder and Former Executive Director, Resilient Coders
David is the Founder of Resilient Coders, an award-winning free and stipended coding bootcamp that trains people of color from low-income communities for high-growth careers as software engineers and connects them with full-time jobs. Based in Boston and Philadelphia, they will be running their inaugural Maine cohort this fall in Portland, in collaboration with the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and IntWork. David is also the author of What We Build With Power: The Fight for Economic Justice in Tech. The book was celebrated by other justice-minded activists, including Former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick. David is especially proud of having been recognized by El Planeta as an influential member of Boston’s Hispanic Community. These days, he is nearly the entire Hispanic community of Orland, Maine.
Internship Essentials
Bridging the Gap: Using Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to Create Sustainable Internship Programs – 3:30 PM
Looking for innovative ways to bridge the gap between Gen Z and your workforce? This presentation draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which grossed $2 billion in ticket sales over 21 months. Explore actionable strategies in engagement, branding, and meaningful connection to design programs that attract and retain top talent across generations.
Presented by: Madeline Reeder, HR Specialist, Acadia National Park
Madeline discovered her passion for recruiting and strengthening community while studying Communications at Texas State University. Her journey led her to the rugged landscapes out west, where she launched her career in National Parks and developed a deep appreciation for connecting people to the outdoors. Now, as the HR Specialist at Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park, Madeline brings that same spirit to creating meaningful experiences for employees. A constant source of inspiration throughout her journey has been Taylor Swift’s masterful songwriting.
The summit is made possible through the collaboration of the University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement and the UMS TRANSFORMS Pathways to Careers Center.
Pathways to Careers coordinates system-wide collaboration among internship coordinators, career professionals, and other UMS employees who support access to, and quality of, internship experiences.
Pathways to Careers is funded with generous support from the Harold Alfond Foundation as part of UMS TRANSFORMS and from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan (External Site) provided by Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature to the University of Maine System for workforce development.
