About Us

 

About EWB-USA

Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) builds a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. We’re building footbridges to provide pathways to opportunities. We’re installing solar panels to bring light where it is dark. We’re digging for water so hope can spring from the ground. Each project builds the foundation for a community to thrive for years to come. EWB-USA’s vision is a world in which every community has the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs.

 

EWB-USA Portland Maine Professional Chapter: Our Mission

The Portland Maine Professional Chapter of EWB-USA was established in early 2010 to support the University of Maine Student Chapter and engage Maine professionals with the works and vision of EWB-USA. Our members have a wide variety of backgrounds: from recent college graduates to retired professionals, engineers and non-engineers alike! We are dedicated to collaboratively developing sustainable, culturally appropriate, and safe solutions with our partner communities, and growing globally mindful volunteer and community leaders through technical work and cultural exchange.

 

Our Work

  • Infrastructure Projects

    Our largest focus is working with communities around the world on community-based infrastructure projects.

  • Events & Fundraising

    We hold fundraisers throughout the year to support our projects, encourage local businesses to support our initiatives, and host monthly general body meetings which feature fascinating scientific and philanthropic speakers.

  • Local Outreach

    We support other student & professional EWB-USA chapters, especially including hydrogeological design support. We participate in STEM activities at local schools and Portland’s annual STEM Expo. We help immigrant and refugee engineers prepare for engineering jobs in Maine.

Our chapter was recognized as the Premier Professional Chapter of EWB-USA in 2013. This award recognized us for being an outstanding example of the ideals of EWB-USA, including excellence in organization, fundraising & public relations, mentorship, and chapter & regional participation. EWB-PMP partnered with a community in Ghana to support water, sanitation, and renewable energy projects. We developed creative fundraisers at Otto’s Pizza & Bayside Bowl and sold handmade goods donated by community members at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. EWB-PMP members trained local community members and non-government organization (NGO) members to successfully monitor and maintain the projects.

Executive Officers

  • Kettie Cormier, President

    president@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Emily Kelsey, Vice Pres. & Sponsorship Chair

    vicepresident@ewbportlandmaine.org & sponsorship@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Lyndon Pilansky

    secretary@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Kevin Trainor, Treasurer

    treasurer@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Julianne Page, El Progreso, Ecuador Project Lead

    ecuadorlead@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Olivia Mead, Co-Events Chair

    events@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Tais Santos Ingraham, Co-Events

    co-events@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Maeve Carlson, EWB-USA State Rep

    staterep@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Renee Givner, Webmaster

    webmaster@ewbportlandmaine.org

  • Nadia Glucksberg, Programming Chair