Trio of women trailblazers to be honored by Portland Regional Chamber

Courtesy / Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce From left, Claudette Ndayininahaze, Susan Doliner and Margaret Angell are the winners of the inaugural WE Rock! Awards, from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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By Renee Cordes

The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce is honoring three female trailblazers in its inaugural WE Rock! Awards, announced last week.

The awards program was created to recognize female professionals who have made an impact on their community.

The 2024 honorees are Claudette Ndayininahaze, executive director of Portland nonprofit In Her Presence; Susan Doliner, chief development officer at MaineHealth and vice president of philanthropy at Maine Medical Center; and Margaret Angell, head of partnership and strategic activities at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute.

“All three honorees have made an incredible impact on our region and have inspired positive change in our communities which will shape the future of the state of Maine,” Quincy Hentzel, president and CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, told Mainebiz.

Hentzel, who was traveling, was unable to say how many nominations had been received.

All three winners will be feted at an April 24 event in Portland (scroll down for details).

More about the winners

Ndayininahaze, who was honored on the Mainebiz Next list in 2020, will be the first recipient of the Portland Regional Chamber's She Empowers Award.

“Through her work at In Her Presence, Claudette Ndayininahaze has empowered immigrant women in Maine by providing them with critical language programs that ultimately assist them with career training and mentorship opportunities,” the chamber said.

“As the executive director, Claudette works to implement all programming and expand the organization’s reach. With her help, immigrant women will become a pillar of Maine’s economic agenda.”

Doliner will receive the She Inspires Award.

The chamber noted that during her career at MaineHealth, Doliner has raised more than $450 million for Maine Medical Center, adding that “her tireless efforts to help grow the healthcare resources for Maine families is inspirational."

Angell, praised as an advocate for lifelong learning and economic progress in Maine, will receive the She Unites Award.

“Margaret's role at the Roux Institute has positioned her as a driving force for positive change in Maine's educational landscape, the chamber noted. “Through her visionary leadership, Margaret has forged strategic partnerships that not only advance educational opportunities but also stimulate economic growth and innovation across the state. “

In addition, the chamber also cited Angell’s role on the board of trustees at the Maine Community College System as further evidence of her commitment to the state’s economic development.

“She advocates for inclusive educational practices that unite individuals of all backgrounds, providing them with access to quality education and training,” the chamber said.

Event details

The inaugural WE Rock! Awards will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront Hotel, at 9 Center St., Portland. Find more information and register here.