2026 Educate Maine Symposium: Full Schedule

1:50pm EST

If I Could Talk to My 16-Year-Old Self: What Graduates Wish They Learned

Friday December 11, 2026 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

This breakout session will be an interactive look at how to reframe career development through the voices of recent college graduates and young professionals. Building on the impact of last year’s session, “Reframing Career Development – From What We Do to Who Do We Want to Be,” this proposal asks a new question: What do students wish they had learned before they graduated?
Participants will hear from recent college graduates and young professionals responding to a single prompt: “If you could go back and speak to yourself as a junior or senior in high school, what would you tell yourself?” Their answers will help educators examine how schools and partners can better prepare students for life after graduation. The focus will be not only academically, but professionally, financially, and personally.

Speakers

David Pease

Senior Vice President/Director of Talent, Diversity, and Inclusion., Bangor Savings Bank

David Pease is Senior Vice President - Director of Talent, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Bangor Savings Bank. His HR career spans 40+ years in business, healthcare, academia and corporate America. He has a master’s degree in human resources management from Lesley University... Read More →

2026 Management Trainees - Sam Schmitt, Miranda Knappe, Brandon Ellis, Kaden Porter, and Andrew Seile (2-5 members of th

Management Trainees, Bangor Savings Bank

The 2026 Bangor Savings Bank Management Trainees are a group of emerging banking professionals participating in the Bank's leadership development program. Through rotations across multiple departments, collaboration with senior leaders, and involvement in strategic projects, the trainees... Read More →

Friday December 11, 2026 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Breakout Session

Who You'll Hear From Business Leader, Program Participants
Subject Post-Secondary Pathways

3:00pm EST

From Classroom to Career: The Power of Cross-Sector Partnerships

Friday December 11, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

In a panel discussion moderated by Junior Achievement of Maine’s Program Team members, the panel will hear diverse perspectives from a school district partner, a business volunteer partner, and a student participant. Together, these panelists will share their experiences and insights, illustrating what is possible when schools, employers, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations work together to create scalable, meaningful experiences that strengthen career readiness and expand student’s awareness of future education and career opportunities.

Speakers

Jesseca Steele

Senior Program Manager, Junior Achievement of Maine

Jesseca Steele, Senior Program Manager for Junior Achievement of Maine, leads and delivers educational programs that inspire and prepare young people for their future work and career success. Jesseca is passionate about creating impactful learning opportunities and leverages her experience... Read More →

Mikaela Ziobro

Program Manager, Junior Achievement of Maine

Mikaela Ziobro joins JA as a Program Manager coming from a two-decade career in higher education.
Mikaela has a passion for expanding educational access and career exploration pathways for youth. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Southern M... Read More →

Friday December 11, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Breakout Session