Empowering the Next Generation: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Senior Nathaly Pimentel Reflects on Maine NEW Leadership Institute 2026

June 22, 2026

From May 29 to June 2, 2026, the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center hosted its annual Maine NEW Leadership Institute, a premier, non-partisan residential program designed to address the underrepresentation of women in politics and public policy. Over five intensive days, a diverse cohort of 14 motivated college students from across the state gathered to develop essential civic skills, network with top state officials, and learn what it takes to become the next generation of leaders.

Among this year’s select participants was Nathaly Pimentel, a rising senior at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine majoring in Political Science. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Nathaly is preparing to relocate to Maine permanently this fall to launch her career.

For Nathaly, the institute wasn’t just an educational workshop, it was the spark that inspired her to take the next step toward her future.

Mentorship That Sets Students Up for Success

The heart of the Maine NEW Leadership experience lies in its community and mentorship. Nathaly expressed immense gratitude for the program’s leadership team, noting how deeply invested they were in each student’s future.

“I want to especially thank the Director of Maine’s NEW Leadership, Mary Mahoney O’Neil, and staff member Dr. Anna Martin, for making the experience what it is,” Nathaly shared. “They both truly cared about our interests and wanted to set each one of us up for success throughout the different workshops.” -said Nathaly

Through these workshops, participants learned practical, real-world skills like public speaking, advocacy, and collaborative discussion. Keynote speakers, including former Maine State Legislator Dr. Emily Cain, provided invaluable training on the art of professional networking and how to accurately and confidently present oneself to employers and professional contacts.

Learning from the Front Lines of Policy and Advocacy

One of the most impactful days for Nathaly was a visit to the Maine Women’s Lobby, an organization dedicated to ensuring gender equity in Maine through rigorous research, policy development, and legislation.

There, the students met with Executive Director and Lobbyist Destie Hohman-Sprague and Director Eleanor Higgins. The advocacy leaders didn’t just lecture; they listened.

“Both of these women were genuinely interested in hearing our concerns as young women living in Maine,” Nathaly recalled. “They talked about the current status of women in our state and their strategic plans to address critical issues. It was super inspiring to me and made me believe that real change is possible if we are able to work together, despite difficult and adversarial times.”

Inside the State House: Personal Stories of Leadership

The cohort also traveled to the Maine State House, gaining direct access to the women steering the state’s legislative agenda. Nathaly had the unique opportunity to converse directly with Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Jill Duson.

The legislators shared their personal journeys into elected office, illustrating how their career paths evolved over time and emphasizing their deep commitment to their local communities and constituents.

For Nathaly, the absolute highlight of these interactions was the raw, honest dialogue. “The best part was connecting and hearing personal stories around having healthy, collaborative discussions on difficult topics, including general discrimination,” she said.

Looking Ahead: A Future in Law and Public Service

Armed with new networking skills, a network of powerful mentors, and a deeper understanding of collaborative leadership, Nathaly knows exactly where she is heading next.

Immediately after graduating from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, she plans to earn her paralegal certificate. From there, she aims to serve as a legislative aide before ultimately pursuing her dream of becoming a civil rights lawyer right here in Maine.

If Nathaly’s experience serves as any indication, Maine’s civic future rests in remarkably bright and capable hands.