Not long after the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center opened in 2017, Alain J. Nahimana shared some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs the center was set up to help.
“The first advice is about where to get accurate information,” he told Mainebiz at the time. “The center is here, we can give you information, we can connect you to people. I also tell them that the best attitude to have is to dream and to be bold. I encourage people to think big and be willing to try things, and then let’s get connected with other people to share ideas and act as mentors.”
Nahimana, a native of Burundi who was the center’s co-founder and first executive director, and who was named in 2018 to the Mainebiz Next List, died unexpectedly May 31 at age 49.
As we get ready to close 2020, Mainebiz would like to reflect on those whose deaths we reported this year; though gone, their deeds and words will long be remembered.
In memoriam
Robert P. “Bob” Bahre, auto-racing entrepreneur and real estate developer.
Joseph L. Bornstein, one of Maine’s best-known lawyers, whose “CALL JOE” catch phrase lives on.
Woodrow Cross, World War II veteran and Maine insurance industry icon.
Chris Fogg, former head of the Maine Tourism Association and of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Alain J. Nahimana, co-founder and executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center.
Travis Roy, North Yarmouth Academy hockey star whose paralyzing injury on the ice inspired a life devoted to helping others.
Kevin Waters, owner of Penobscot Island Air who was part of the fabric of everyday life on Maine’s year-round islands.
