Alumni Spotlight

Amanda Millay

Amanda attended the seminar in 2005 as a representative from Presque Isle High School. She graduated from the New England School of Communications in 2011 after studying Communications with a focus on Marketing/Graphic Design. 

Amanda, known by most MYL alumni by her maiden name, Nadeau, is now a Design & Marketing Specialist for Pulse Marketing Agency, which is part of the Bangor Daily News organization. She has worked in marketing for the past 10 years within the automotive, jewelry, and agency industries.

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life? 

I’ve continued to represent my community by volunteering with an organization dedicated to giving back to young professionals. Currently, I am a steering committee member and the marketing chair of FUSIONBangor, a program dedicated to helping young professionals live, work, and play in the Bangor region.

How do you show the MYL pillars of character and leadership in your daily life?

For both character and leadership, I kept going back to what I wrote in my MYL notebook years ago, “To Make an Impact on everyone that I meet.” This is my MYL mantra, to make an impact by being my true self, accepting that I am not perfect, and listen to the story of others because you will make an impact. To me this is true character, having the courage to be vulnerable and stand up for what you believe in. This type of character in my daily life has given me the strength to lead others, finding a great leader is one that makes an impact through giving and listening to others. The strength of this type of leader is not in telling other people what to do, but in growing others to see their own strengths and potential. My own leadership started to grow that day at MYL. When I reflect back I see the impact on my life and how it continues to help me grow as well as help others grow into their own leaders.

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.) 

It allowed me to follow “my heart” because it gave me the confidence in myself to make decisions based on what I felt was right, not because others thought it was the right path for me. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? 

To continue to make an impact on everyone that I meet. Yes, I know it’s corny, but it’s a big driving force for me because you never know how you can change someone’s own life trajectory.

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

There are so many, but one moment always stood out to me as “that moment” when it clicked. As I sat in the sun on a beautiful May day, you asked us to write in our notebook, our mission statement. This was my moment, that I felt confident in myself and the bright future ahead. I hope I’ve made an impact, and hope I can continue to throughout my life.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

Early in my marketing career, I worked for the jewelry industry, becoming a certified Diamondologist and Gemologist, which is still a pretty cool title to have!

What gives you hope? 

Seeing others find their “moment” of confidence!

Any fun hobbies? 

In the summer I picked up Paddleboarding, which has been a great way to enjoy Maine on a hot day. I also recently picked up snowboarding, which has been a fun adventure for me. Other hobbies include Yoga and taking stress out on the bar at Crossfit Bangor.

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 6/14/2021]