In Her Presence Receives Maine Development Foundation Champion Award

At the Maine Development Foundation’s 45th Annual Meeting, In Her Presence was honored with a Champion Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership toward economic improvement and systemic change that helps all Mainers thrive.

The Champion Awards spotlight leaders and organizations that take bold, practical steps to create a stronger and more inclusive economy. As MDF President and CEO Yellow Light Breen shared, the awards celebrate work that is actionable, scalable, and focused on equity.

Claudette Ndayininahaze, Co-Founder and Executive Director of In Her Presence, was recognized with the Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award for her statewide leadership in advancing equity and opportunity. This recognition reflects not only her personal vision, but also the collective impact of In Her Presence and its co-founder, Micky Bondo, in building spaces where immigrant women and families can succeed.

MDF’s Champion Awards shine a light on work that is both bold and practical, highlighting efforts that create a more inclusive economy. We are honored to be recognized among those shaping a thriving future for Maine.