Bangor Region Leadership Institute

10/13/2026

We're excited to announce that the Bangor Region Leadership Institute Class of 2027 has selected Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor as its nonprofit partner of the year!

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor works to make affordable homeownership a reality for local individuals and families. But their mission goes beyond building houses. It's about creating stability, strengthening neighborhoods and giving more families a place to call home.

Over the coming months, the Class of 2027 will work alongside Habitat to explore opportunities, share ideas and develop a meaningful project that supports the organization's mission and makes a lasting impact in our community.

We're especially excited to collaborate with two BRLI alumni who continue to make a difference in our community: Melissa Huston (Class of 2013), Habitat's Executive Director, and Danielle Hewes (Class of 2018), Board Member and Homeowner Selection Committee Chair.

At BRLI, we believe leadership is about more than what you learn. It's about how you use those skills to make a difference right here at home.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor! We can't wait to see what you'll accomplish together.

Let the building begin! 🔨

10/09/2026

Day Two for the BRLI Class of 2027 was all about community, service and putting leadership into action!

Following our Alumni Breakfast, the class headed to Heart of Maine United Way, where they spent the day diving into the nonprofit world — from Nonprofit 101 with Matt Donahue and project ideation with Sandra Klausmeyer, to hearing from BRLI alumni and local nonprofits about the work happening right here in our region.

A huge thank you to Heart of Maine United Way for hosting our class and helping us explore the many ways leaders can make a difference in their communities!

And there’s a great opportunity to do just that today, October 9! Heart of Maine United Way is hosting a Volunteer Fair at the Hub, where you can meet local nonprofits, learn more about the work they’re doing and hear firsthand where volunteers are needed.

Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a new way to get involved, it’s a great chance to find a cause that connects with you:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EtDWNCjGW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Another great day for the Class of 2027 — and their BRLI journey is just getting started!

10/08/2026

And they’re off! 🎉 The BRLI Class of 2027 officially kicked off their year last week with their first class day at Camp Jordan!

The day was all about getting to know one another, building connections and laying the foundation for the year ahead. Class members dug into DISC and Energy Leadership with facilitators Danielle Abbott and Karen Shorey, learned about the nonprofit projects they’ll take on together, and wrapped up the day by putting teamwork into action on Camp Jordan’s low ropes course.

A big thank you to our hosts Raymond Mayhew, Abby Dean and Shelly Reilly, and to everyone who helped make Day One such a great start.

We’re excited to watch this group learn, grow and make their mark on the Bangor region over the year ahead! 💙

Class of 2027 — let’s do this!

10/07/2026

What a great way to kick off another BRLI year!

Our Annual Alumni Breakfast last week brought together BRLI alumni, friends and our newest members as we officially welcomed the Class of 2027.

A big thank you to our guest speaker, Kerrie Tripp, for sharing her leadership journey, experiences and insights with us. We’re grateful she helped us start the year with an inspiring reminder of the impact strong, engaged leaders can have on our region.

We were also thrilled to celebrate Mishael Romanelli, Class of 2023, as our 2026 Creaser Award recipient — a well-deserved recognition of her continued leadership and commitment to our community.

Thank you to our sponsors, Versant Power and Maine Savings, and to Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor for hosting us and serving up a delicious breakfast!

Here’s to the Class of 2027 and another great year of connecting, learning and leading!

09/28/2026

Join us Friday, October 2, for the BRLI Alumni Breakfast as we welcome the Class of 2027 and celebrate Mishael Romanelli, Class of 2023, as the 2026 Creaser Award recipient!

🎟️ Register and purchase tickets: https://bangorregioncommunitycouncil.memberzone.com/events/details/brli-annual-alumni-breakfast-october-2-2026-252?fbclid=IwY2xjawUY4epwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTBneHpEZUdlNFdVOUtQR1NzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqjjShi6-BAyoNVpJvQk6zP5IDE-KTKoOt6EV3VREZEYj3sT2nTXBUShbwo4_aem_KyxpwW2OP4FCkgjVk8VFKQ

Mishael embodies the lasting impact of BRLI — staying connected, investing in the program and using her leadership to strengthen the greater Bangor community.

Since graduating, she has continued to support BRLI through committee service and alumni events. Beyond BRLI, Mishael serves as a Associate Vice President at Bangor Savings Bank and President of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Board of Directors, where she has dedicated her time and talents to supporting some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Her commitment to showing up, staying involved and serving others is exactly what the Creaser Award celebrates.

📅 Friday, October 2 | 7:30–9:00 a.m.
📍 Hollywood Casino

Congratulations, Mishael! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

09/28/2026

09/10/2026

Join us on Friday, October 2nd for our Annual Alumni Breakfast! Register: https://bangorregioncommunitycouncil.memberzone.com/events/details/brli-annual-alumni-breakfast-october-2-2026-252

09/03/2026

Looking for a great opportunity for networking on this rainy day?
This month’s FUSION First is all about being "Rooted in Community," and we’re excited to feature The Zachary Project.
The Zachary Project works to build awareness around addiction, support prevention efforts, and help families impacted by addiction.

Learn more about their mission and ways you can support their work: https://zacharyproject.org/

Join us this evening, September 3rd, at Thriving Proof, 33 Penn Plaza, Bangor, to connect with fellow rising professionals and learn more about organizations making a difference in our community. 🌿
📅 September 3 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Register Here:
https://bangorregioncommunitycouncil.memberzone.com/events/details/fusion-first-9-3-26-249

08/10/2026

Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI) is seeking nonprofit organizations to apply for the Class of 2027 nonprofit project.

This is an opportunity for a local nonprofit to collaborate with BRLI participants, who will contribute their time, skills, and diverse perspectives to a meaningful project benefiting the organization and the greater Bangor region.

Interested nonprofits are encouraged to submit an application outlining their organization, proposed project, and desired outcomes. Projects should be clearly defined, achievable within the program timeline, and offer opportunities for class members to work collaboratively.

Applications are due by August 31st. To learn more or apply, please visit: https://www.brliexperience.org/apply/apply-as-non-profit/ or feel free to reach out to Shelly Reilly at 947-0307 with any questions.

Please share this opportunity with nonprofit organizations that may be interested. We look forward to partnering with a local organization on an impactful project for the Class of 2027.

08/04/2026

A little strategic planning and a lot of great conversation with the BRLI Steering Committee today!

We’re getting ready for one of our favorite announcements of the year… introducing the newest BRLI class! Stay tuned.

A big thank you to Cole Land Transportation Museum for letting us use their beautiful boardroom today!