Publication features local women Profiles printed in ‘Small Steps’

BANGOR – Three local women are among 25 women statewide featured in Women, Work and Community’s recent publication “Small Steps, Big Changes: 25 Women In The Maine Economy.”

They are Annie Allen of Bangor, Jo McLellan of Bangor, and Natalie Rapp of Hampden.

The women are included in the booklet highlighting some of the organization’s successful graduates with profiles and photos.

Allen and McLellan completed WWC’s career development training, and as a result pursued college education.

Allen graduated from the University of Maine with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and has served as Bangor city councilor and president of the Penobscot Valley Council of Governments.

McLellan earned an associate degree from Beal College and is a medical secretary at Acadia Hospital.

As a graduate of WWC’s microenterprise training, Rapp started her own business, Uhkomee Botanicals, a line of natural skin care products and teas.

Since 1978, WWC has served more than 22,000 women from across the state with free training and one-on-one services.

Program graduates have gone on to build careers for themselves, start their own small businesses, pursue higher education, gain control over their finances and become leaders in their communities and workplaces.

“Small Steps, Big Changes” celebrates their accomplishments and contributions.

WWC will offer a free training in “Assertive Communication” 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3. The program will focus on effective tools for clear communication at home and work. Preregistration is required. For information, call 262-7842 or (800) 442-2092.

Also available in Bangor will be:

. “One on One Assistance.” Receive guidance and support for career change, job loss, resume writing, interviewing practice and basic financial management.

. “Introduction to Self-Employment,” 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Sept. 27, Acadia Hall, 216 Texas Ave. The workshop will walk participants through the pros and cons of owning their own business, show them how to get started step by step, point out major elements of a business plan and introduce the resources available.

. “Creating Your Future.” The workshop will help participants explore their values and interests, uncover their transferable skills, look at how their job affects their personal finances and find out what may be needed to fulfill their life plan.

Information about Women, Work and Community and its fall programs beginning in September may be found at www.women

workandcommunity.org, or call 262-7843, or (800) 442-2092.