Nardone named Women Making a Difference Award recipient

PHOTO: Presentation of Women Making A Difference Award, from left, Merle Nelson, Gilda Nardone, Barbara Trafton. (Mouse Island Creatives photo)

AUGUSTA — Gilda Nardone, of Brunswick, who is retiring as executive director of New Ventures Maine after 43 years, has been named recipient of the Merle Nelson Women Making a Difference Award by the organization.
The award was presented at a Dec. 8 celebration of Nardone’s 43 years as NVME executive director, held at the Senator Inn. She retired at the end of the year.
The award was established in 2004 to honor Merle Nelson, who as a legislator in 1977 championed what she called the “economic fairness bill” designed to give women a “hand up, not a handout.” The award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of Maine women and their families. Barbara Trafton, of Brunswick, who, with Nelson sponsored the original Displaced Homemakers Program legislation in 1977, joined Nelson to present Nardone with the award.
Nardone became executive director of what was then Displaced Homemakers in 1978. It later became Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community, and in 2015, became New Ventures Maine. Nardone has been an advocate for women pursuing career changes, entrepreneurial opportunities and financial literacy throughout her tenure.
“No one deserves this award more than Gilda,” said Nelson. “For 43 years she led the program with skillful leadership, humor and wisdom, empowering thousands of Maine women. I am proud of her and the work she has done. We had a vision in our legislation; Gilda made it into reality.”
Trafton added, “Forty-three years ago Gilda was handed a newly enacted statute and a few thousand dollars, but with vision, leadership and heart, she created a statewide organization that has transformed the lives of thousands of Mainers.”
U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, in video remarks told Nardone, “You’ve made such a difference for Maine. It’s an honor for me to thank you on behalf of all of the people of Maine and, especially, those thousands whose lives have been changed by the work that you’ve done.”
Nardone said that the previous recipients of the award, “have inspired me beyond measure in my life’s work to make a difference in Maine.”
Previous recipients are Nelson (2004), Ann Schonberger (2006), Betsy Sweet (2009), Mary Cathcart (2011), Mary Herman (2013), Mary Allen Lindemann (2015) and Trafton (2019).