# data[].attributes.body
Attending kickoff in Oregon was overwhelming but inspiring. To be surrounded by so many talented, ambitious, and like-minded professionals was an experience I haven't had before. It really set in for me the magnitude of work and potential for impact that was in front of all of us. Also, connecting with the amazing folks in my sub cohort was a pure delight!

# data[].attributes.body
In March I made my first trip to Waterville to visit the Dirigo Labs team, meet the accelerator chort, and explore the community. Meeting with founders and hearing their stories from venture building was the fuel I needed to dig in and start project planning.

# data[].attributes.body
Drove cross country with my mom and two rescue dogs to make the official move to Maine. The drive gave me a great opportunity to think about structuring my capstone for optimal impact to the field.

# data[].attributes.body
Hosted in downtown Portland, this was my first experience of the Custom House (absolutely gorgeous) and a HUGE networking opportunity across the statewide ecosystem. Listening to panels and questions from participants re: capital access programs really brought to light unmet needs of founders and gaps in ecosystem support.

# data[].attributes.body
Hearing stories - headwinds and tailwinds - of rural based innovators and entrepreneurs from across the state just further emphasized the truth that brilliance and innovation can thrive anywhere when it's encouraged culturally and supported with the right opportunities to thrive

# data[].attributes.body
It was so energizing to coach Dirigo Labs cohort companies in preparation for demo day and to see their pitches come to fruition at the event.

# data[].attributes.body
This was an incredible learning experience for me in navigating federal funding opportunities and using tools like the Opportunity Atlas to craft stories with data.

# data[].attributes.body
After an introduction from my host, I was able to meet with two leaders from Maine Angels (happened to be two women leading the syndicate that has grown to over 80 members). I felt so empowered speaking with them and hearing their words of encouragement. This was my first official vote of support from the investing community in favor of a fund for Dirigo Labs that could fund early stage ventures statewide with a central Maine focus. I was on such a high the memory is visceral even as I type this.

# data[].attributes.body
Surrounded by thought leaders and field practitioners - as well as funders - hyperfocused on economic mobility to include entrepreneurship & wealth/asset building.

# data[].attributes.headline
Iron sharpens iron - New partners, connections, & Build 2 Scale submit

# data[].attributes.subject
Iron sharpens iron - New partners, connections, & Build 2 Scale submit

# data[].attributes.body
The entire month of October yielded project level insights, ecosystem insights, new host org dynamics, and new connections supporting the ERC project. Specifically, my meetings with CEI ventures and Joe Migliaccio were incredibly productive and Joe has continued to fuel momementum towards the project's success.

# data[].attributes.body
amazing connections, new information, and inspiration from attending my first ever SOCAP Global conference in San Francisco

# data[].attributes.body
A beautiful experience in nature and also allowed for hours of synthesizing a dynamic (roller coaster, really) of a month.

# data[].attributes.body
Summer in Maine is beautiful; and while the Northeast slows down - so did project work - allowing for a lot of "backend" work for the fund as well as capstone production.

# data[].attributes.body
It was an honor to attend and have the opportunity to present at IEDC's annual convening - spreading the gospel of community capital and breaking down barriers to information on starting community led funds

# data[].attributes.body
Took my favorite course towards certification - TBED in person while in Denver.

# data[].attributes.body
Dove headfirst into coursework towards CEcD and EDP certifications with Intro to ELED

# data[].attributes.headline
Small Towns, Big Ideas pitch competition

# data[].attributes.subject
Small Towns, Big Ideas pitch competition

# data[].attributes.body
Loved attending CORI's pitch event, connecting with more CORI team members, and having a sit down to talk fund administration with Jay BockHaus (Managing Partner, CORI Innovation Fund)

# data[].attributes.body
Amazing convening produced by Rural LISC made way for new connections, funding conversations, and a deep dive into preparing for policy implications of incoming administration. Very grateful to CORI for this opportunity