MI icon Alumni Council

Alumni Council Leadership

President & Vice President

Andy Estrada
Alumni Council President

Andy Estrada

Seattle, Washington

Senior Communications Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with 13+ years of experience spanning philanthropy, federal government, and presidential campaigns — focusing on media relations, executive messaging, and press operations.

Background & Education
Colby College, B.A. in Government & Religious Studies (2012).
Journey: Farmingdale → Waterville → Washington, DC → Seattle.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Strategic communications, media relations, writing, executive messaging, event logistics, and navigating public-service careers.
Outside of work
Traveling, running, board games, live sports, concertgoing, hiking, and amateur birding.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
“The Mitchell Institute had a profound impact on my early professional life. I’m honored to give back and help strengthen the alumni network and professional opportunities for current Scholars.”

Kayla Girardin
Alumni Council Vice President

Kayla Girardin

Portland, Maine

2013 Mitchell Scholar from Presque Isle High School. Kayla is a Finance and Procurement Specialist at the Great Schools Partnership in Portland — and a former 7th and 8th grade math teacher. She combines her background in education with a love of organization and collaboration to support mission-driven work in Maine’s education community.

Background & Education
University of Maine at Farmington — B.S. in Secondary Education, Math concentration, Special Education minor (2017).
Roux Institute at Northeastern University — Certificate in Project Management (2024).
Career & Experience
Finance and Procurement Specialist — Great Schools Partnership, Portland, ME (current).
Former 7th and 8th grade math teacher.
Outside of work
Running, outdoor adventures, live music, cooking and eating, board games, puzzles, and reading.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Event planning and hosting, marathon and half marathon training, vegan cooking and baking.

Alumni Council Members

Meet the Council

Adam Fortier-Brown

Adam Fortier-Brown

2015 Mitchell Scholar · Gardiner Area High School

2015 Mitchell Scholar and 2018 Jack and Charlie Canning Pioneer Scholar. Adam graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maine in 2019 with a B.S. in Economics and Political Science and is now pursuing his J.D. at the University of Maine School of Law.

Background & Education
University of Maine — B.S. in Economics and Political Science, magna cum laude (2019).
2018 Jack and Charlie Canning Pioneer Scholar.
2017 George Mitchell Peace Scholar — University College Cork, Ireland.
Career & Experience
Policy and consulting roles in Washington, D.C., including with the U.S. Senate, The Cohen Group, and Deloitte & Touche LLP. His work focuses on risk management, energy, communications, and climate resilience. He also helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.
Outside of work
Exploring Maine’s wild spaces, coastline, and food scene.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Adam looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the Mitchell Institute and creating new professional development and educational opportunities for all Mitchell Scholars.
Caleb Cullen

Caleb Cullen

2015 Mitchell Scholar · Katahdin Middle High School

2015 Mitchell Scholar and Chair of the Engagement Committee. Caleb is an ICU Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor and has experience as a paramedic, emergency department nurse, and travel RN.

Background & Education
Northern Maine Community College — A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Services (2017).
University of Maine at Fort Kent — B.S. in Nursing (2020).
Locations lived: Patten → Presque Isle → Hartford, CT → Hampden.
Career & Experience
ICU Registered Nurse — St. Joseph Healthcare, Bangor, ME (Full-time).
Emergency Department RN — MaineHealth Waldo Hospital (Per-Diem).
Paramedic & Team Leader — Northern Light Medical Transport (Per-Diem).
Former Travel RN — Triage Staffing.
Outside of work
Cycling, hiking, camping, scuba diving, traveling, exploring the outdoors, pickleball, coffee, and music.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Financial management and investing, maximizing travel perks and rewards, navigating career pivots, home ownership, and pursuing second degrees.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Caleb is grateful for how the Mitchell Institute encouraged him to broaden his horizons and step outside his comfort zone, and he’s proud to help support its mission for current and future Scholars.

Hunter Steele

Hunter Steele

2019 Mitchell Scholar · Lewiston High School

2019 Mitchell Scholar from Lewiston High School. Hunter graduated from Bowdoin College in 2023 with a double major in Economics and Religion and a minor in Classics. He currently serves as an analyst for OGx Consulting in Centennial, Colorado.

Background & Education
Bowdoin College (2023): B.A. in Economics & Religion; minor in Classics.
Campus Ambassador for the Mitchell Institute, President of Mock Trial, and Men’s Lacrosse goalie.
Career & Experience
Analyst at OGx Consulting — a management and technology consulting firm focused on strategy, transformation, and technology.
Internships: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration; Office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Hunter recalls being pushed out of his comfort zone early on by the Mitchell community and hopes to help more Scholars feel confident taking similar steps with the Institute’s support behind them.
Jesse Blackburn

Jesse Blackburn

2010 Mitchell Scholar · Narraguagus High School

2010 Mitchell Scholar from Narraguagus High School. Jesse is a fundraising and development professional with a background in college admissions and first-generation student support. He holds a B.A. in Psychology & Community Studies (UMaine Machias) and an M.S. in Adult & Higher Education (USM).

Background & Education
B.A., Psychology & Community Studies — University of Maine at Machias.
M.S., Adult & Higher Education — University of Southern Maine.
Locations: Gardiner, Maine (current); previously Portland, ME; Ellsworth, ME; Sullivan, ME; Cherryfield, ME.
Career & Experience
Fundraising & development • College admissions • First-generation student support • Financial aid advising • Course & major selection/advisement • Budget management.
Outside of work
Hiking, kayaking, poi dancing, reading, writing, foodie adventures, travel, and a curiosity for astrology.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Access & equity advocacy • Academic navigation support • First-gen perspective • Outdoor leadership and team building.

John Layman

John Layman

2014 Mitchell Scholar · Carrabec High School

2014 Mitchell Scholar from Carrabec High School. John is a Transportation Planner at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, where he helps manage the state’s spatial data. His path has taken him from Solon, Maine to Germany, Ohio, and now Boston.

Background & Education
Bowdoin College — B.A. in Environmental Studies and Earth & Oceanographic Sciences (2018).
The Ohio State University — M.A. in Geography (2024).
Leon and Lisa Gorman Pioneer Scholar Award recipient.
Locations lived: Solon, ME → Nabburg, Germany → Columbus, OH → Newington, CT → Boston, MA.
Career & Experience
Transportation Planner — Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Research Fellow & Teaching Assistant — The Ohio State University.
Contact Tracing Supervisor — Ohio Department of Health & Public Consulting Group.
Teaching Assistant — Fulbright Program, Germany.
Outside of work
Traveling, sports, fishing (including as a Registered Maine Fishing Guide), radio, trivia, gardening, and exploring public transportation systems.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Living and going abroad, applying for fellowships, going to graduate school, and GIS mapping.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
John’s identity as a Mainer remains a source of pride, and he’s excited to support the Institute’s mission to uplift Mainers just as it did for him.
Molly Foley

Molly Foley

2015 Mitchell Scholar · Greenville High School

2015 Mitchell Scholar from Greenville High School. Molly is the Director of Strategic Programs at Certinia, bringing expertise in finance, strategy, and technology. Her career path has taken her from Maine to New York City and now to Austin, Texas.

Background & Education
Bowdoin College — B.A. in Economics, minor in Government and Legal Studies (2019).
Locations lived: Greenville, ME → New York, NY → Austin, TX.
Career & Experience
Director of Strategic Programs — Certinia (current).
Senior M&A Advisor — Quest Software.
Senior Financial Analyst — Yext.
Investment Banking Analyst — UBS Investment Bank.
Outside of work
Long-distance running, traveling, weight lifting, food (all kinds), and coffee (also all kinds).
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Financial management and investing, financial modeling, enterprise software, navigating new jobs and cities, living and traveling abroad, and conversational Spanish.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Molly is grateful to give back to the organization that shaped her college years and looks forward to helping strengthen connections among Scholars and alumni.

Nancy Billings

Nancy Billings

2015 Mitchell Scholar · Lincoln Academy

2015 Mitchell Scholar from Lincoln Academy. Nancy earned her B.A. in American Studies and Spanish from Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in American Studies at Yale University. She previously served as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. Senate.

Background & Education
Wesleyan University — B.A. in American Studies and Spanish (2019).
Yale University — Ph.D. Student in American Studies (current).
Locations: Washington, D.C. → New Haven, CT → New York, NY.
Career & Experience
Legislative Aide — U.S. Senate (3 years).
Ph.D. Student — Yale University, American Studies (current).
Outside of work
Asian American history, current events, cooking, cats, and crafts.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Navigating the U.S. education system, applying to graduate school, and adjusting to life in new cities.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Nancy values the meaningful connections built through the Mitchell Institute community and is committed to helping future Scholars access the same support that shaped her own journey.
Nicole Cloud

Nicole Cloud

2001 Mitchell Scholar · Telstar Regional High School

2001 Mitchell Scholar from Telstar Regional High School. Nicole earned her B.A. in Media Studies from the University of Southern Maine in 2005. She currently serves as Peer Services Coordinator and Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services at the University of Maine.

Background & Education
University of Southern Maine — B.A. in Media Studies (2005).
Locations: Spring Valley, NY → Bethel, ME → Portland, ME → Orono, ME → Bangor, ME.
Career & Experience
Peer Services Coordinator & Advisor — TRIO Student Support Services, University of Maine.
Assistant Director of Student Services — Office of Student Financial Aid, University of Maine (former).
Core Organizer (Volunteer) — Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund.
Outside of work
Hiking, yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, practicing financial independence, and eating tacos.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Cultivating financial capability (money management, credit, and investing), navigating college as a first-generation or neurodiverse student, and supporting loved ones through major life transitions.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
As a first-generation college graduate, Nicole recognizes the transformative power of higher education and is dedicated to supporting students on their academic journeys.

Paige Shortsleeves

Paige Shortsleeves

2013 Mitchell Scholar · Sacopee Valley High School

2013 Mitchell Scholar from Sacopee Valley High School. Paige is the Executive Director of PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts) in Palm Beach County, where she organizes people-powered campaigns that drive local systemic change.

Background & Education
Colby College — B.A. in Biology & Sociology (2017).
Journey: Waterville, ME → Washington, DC → Fort Lauderdale, FL → West Palm Beach, FL (current).
Career & Experience
Executive Director & Community Organizer — PEACE (current).
Associate Community Organizer — BOLD Justice (previous).
Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow (previous).

Highlights:
• Community ID Program of the Palm Beaches (2020): 4,000+ IDs issued to date.
• Racial Profiling Study (2024): organized a countywide traffic-stop data initiative with PBSO and Northeastern University.

Outside of work
Reading, looking for sea glass, and exercising.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Navigating career pivots; turning advocacy into a career; building local/state campaigns; power mapping; coalition building; recruiting and training community leaders.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Paige is eager to pay forward the mentorship and opportunities she received by helping Scholars turn their passions into tangible community impact.
Román Habibzai

Román Habibzai

2017 Mitchell Scholar · Windham High School

2017 Mitchell Scholar from Windham High School. Román is an Office Manager and Communications Specialist at the Alzheimer’s Association, where they combine creativity and compassion to support operations and storytelling efforts.

Background & Education
American University — B.A. in Journalism with a minor in International Studies.
Locations lived: Windham, ME → Washington, D.C. → New York, NY.
Recognized as a Student Changemaker for founding American University’s first LGBTQ+ student media publication.
Career & Experience
Office Manager & Communications Specialist — Alzheimer’s Association (current).
Former Peace Corps intern and Orientation Leader at American University.
Outside of work
Pop music, horror films, and documentaries. Writing, reading, and photography. Collecting physical media such as records, zines, and CDs. Hiking, cycling, traveling internationally, and passionate about fashion and design history.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Navigating city life, overcoming first-generation student challenges, starting student publications, mental health advocacy, communications and recruitment strategies, writing and public speaking, and connecting within the LGBTQ+ community.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
“The Mitchell Institute helped me find my voice and confidence. Serving on the Alumni Council lets me give that same support back to Scholars finding their own path.”

Sadie Michaud

Sadie Michaud

2017 Mitchell Scholar · Skowhegan Area High School

2017 Mitchell Scholar from Skowhegan Area High School. Sadie earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maine and an Associate in Nursing from Kennebec Valley Community College. With experience in both long-term and primary care settings, she brings compassion and commitment to her work in healthcare.

Background & Education
University of Maine — B.A. in Psychology (2020).
Kennebec Valley Community College — A.D.N. in Nursing (2023).
Locations: Skowhegan → Bangor → Farmingdale, Maine.
Career & Experience
Registered Nurse — experience in long-term care (Maine Veterans’ Home, Augusta, ME) and primary care (Lincoln Medical Partners, Damariscotta, ME).
Currently taking time to care for her firstborn son while exploring future opportunities in healthcare and education.
Outside of work
Reading, baking, sipping tea lattes, exploring new cafés and towns in Maine, and spending time with her corgi, Hiro, and her family.
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Offering insight into navigating career changes, exploring higher education opportunities, and developing strong communication and empathy-driven leadership skills.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
Sadie values the community and mentorship that the Mitchell Institute provides and is passionate about supporting Scholars as they navigate both personal and professional growth.
Trevor Lyford

Trevor Lyford, MPH

2014 Mitchell Scholar · Penquis Valley High School

2014 Mitchell Scholar from Penquis Valley High School. Originally from LaGrange, Maine, Trevor earned his Honors Degree in Public Health from Brown University and an M.P.H. from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. He is currently pursuing his M.D. at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Background & Education
Brown University — B.A. in Public Health, Honors (2018).
George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health — Master of Public Health (2022).
Eastern Virginia Medical School — Doctor of Medicine, Class of 2026.
Journey: LaGrange, ME → Providence, RI → Norfolk, VA.
Career & Experience
Medical Student — Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Founder — First-Generation / Low-Income Student Association, EVMS.
Rural Health Club President — EVMS.
National Health Policy Chair — American Medical Student Association.
Outside of work
Digital and graphic design, basketball, New England sports, exploring local breweries, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two dogs — plus being a proud dad!
How I can help Scholars & Alumni
Mentorship in healthcare and public health, leadership development, balancing academics with well-being, and navigating professional transitions in medicine.
Why I serve on the Alumni Council
“The Mitchell Institute has given me unwavering support throughout my personal and professional journey. The least I can do is give back to the community that shaped me and continue to help Maine students achieve their goals.”

Joining the Council

Coming June 2026

We are excited to welcome four new members to the Alumni Council this June. Stay tuned for their full profiles.

Jasper Makowski
Joining June 2026

Jasper Makowski

2022 Mitchell Scholar · Foxcroft Academy

A Dover-Foxcroft native, Jasper graduated from the University of Maine in 2026 with a B.S. in Microbiology and is now pursuing his M.D. at Tufts University School of Medicine through the Maine Track program — with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care physician.

Carolyn Hardy
Joining June 2026

Carolyn Hardy

2014 Mitchell Scholar · Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School

An environmental engineer at Geosyntec Consultants, Carolyn works on groundwater treatment and remediation with a focus on emerging contaminants including PFAS. She also serves on the board of the Norway Opera House, supporting historic preservation and community revitalization in Western Maine.

Carlin Bliss
Joining June 2026

Carlin Bliss

2020 Mitchell Promise Scholar · Casco Bay High School

Carlin graduated from Bay Path University in December 2024 with a B.A. in Justice Studies, a minor in Forensic Psychology, and a certificate in Youth Development. She currently works as the Enrichment and Rentals Coordinator at Breakwater School in Portland.

Alex McAuliff
Joining June 2026

Alex McAuliff

2009 Mitchell Scholar · Waterville High School

An Assistant Professor of Politics and European Studies at Bates College, Alex teaches courses on international politics, peace and conflict, and feminist foreign policy. She previously worked in the Maine Senate and as a dialogue facilitator in Northern Ireland and at Seeds of Peace.