Danielle Parent

I am honored to nominate Danielle Parent, Director of the Maine Resiliency Center (MRC), for the Finest Under 40 Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to the people of Lewiston following the mass shooting on October 25, 2023. Danielle’s work has profoundly impacted victims, survivors, first responders, and the community at large reflecting her deep commitment to healing and resilience.
In response to the tragedy, Danielle demonstrated extraordinary leadership by launching the Maine Resiliency Center in less than three weeks. The MRC opened on November 13, 2023, and has since provided a wide range of essential services, from trauma counseling to long-term community wellness initiatives. Her ability to act swiftly and organize resources in such a short timeframe speaks to her unparalleled skills in crisis management and program development. Under her leadership, the MRC has become a beacon of hope for those impacted by the tragedy.
A hallmark of Danielle’s leadership is her special connection with those directly affected by the shooting. She has built meaningful relationships with survivors and victims’ families, becoming a trusted and empathetic presence during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Danielle’s deep compassion and attentiveness to individual needs have helped survivors feel supported and heard personally and profoundly. This extends to her unique efforts to engage with the Deaf community—recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Danielle has gone above and beyond by making an effort to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to better communicate with Deaf individuals impacted by the tragedy. Her willingness to bridge this gap has ensured that no one is left behind and that every voice in the community is acknowledged.
Danielle’s work with first responders is equally impressive. Recognizing the emotional toll the shooting took on those who were on the front lines, Danielle was able to gain their trust, which was crucial in providing them with the right type of support. First responders often avoid traditional trauma services, but Danielle has become a trusted advocate through her genuine care, discretion, and tailored peer-support programs. She developed wellness initiatives to resonate with their needs, focusing on natural group support and aligning with their preferences and culture. Danielle’s advocacy for their well-being has been invaluable in helping them process the trauma they experienced.
Moreover, Danielle has been deeply committed to forming meaningful relationships with those often marginalized in the wake of such crises. She has ensured that the MRC’s programs are trauma-informed, inclusive, and accessible to everyone in the community. Danielle has focused on creating safe spaces where individuals can receive trauma-informed care, participate in wellness activities, and engage in supportive group settings. Her efforts have centered on building trust, fostering healing, and promoting long-term resilience for all those impacted.
Danielle’s ability to lead compassionately, build trust, and foster collaboration among diverse community members and organizations is unparalleled. Her work, from victim support to building sustainable resiliency programs, ensures that the Maine Resiliency Center is a lasting resource for the people of Lewiston. Danielle is the heart and soul of this mission, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
I am proud to nominate Danielle Parent for the Finest Under 40 Award. Her visionary leadership, dedication to inclusivity, and unwavering support for those impacted by the Lewiston tragedy make her a deserving candidate.

• Ruby Bean