The Mainebiz Women to Watch program started with a basic question from longtime Publisher Donna Brassard and then-Editor Carol Coultas.
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Mainebiz started the Women to Watch program in 2009 to put the spotlight on women leaders who were showing remarkable leadership and vision.
To give credit where credit is due, the program started with two people who are no longer at Mainebiz: longtime Publisher Donna Brassard, who retired in 2021, and Carol Coultas, who was editor for nearly six years, until 2014.
The way they tell the story, it was a simple premise: Flipping through the pages of Mainebiz, they asked, “Where are all the women leaders?”
Over the years, Mainebiz has honored more than 75 Women to Watch.
From time to time, someone will ask, “Is this still valid? Do we need this award in 2024?”
And, as an institution, our answer has always been yes. As long as there is a pay gap between men and women. As long as men are more common in CEO roles. As long as women are a minority on corporate boards. The award is valid.
So, this year we again present the Mainebiz Women to Watch. Please join me in congratulating the six women profiled in this issue.
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