“Growing Our Tree Streets!”

The Center for Wisdom’s Women announces the next in its semi-annual Wise and Strong Women Speak programs set for Friday, March 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.   The annual spring event is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The program for the first time, will be held in the former chapel of what is now Sophia’s House.

The focus of this spring’s program is “Growing Our Tree Streets” and features architect Gabriella Russell and entrepreneur Amy Smith – both of whom are involved in efforts to revitalize the downtown Lewiston area and who are committed to the health and wellbeing of our Lewiston community

Gabrielle Russell was raised and schooled in Auburn. She spent 5 years at Tulane University in New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor & Master of Architecture and explored other subjects like photography, art, African and Hip-Hop Dance styles.  As a student she worked in Tulane’s Architecture School wood shop, as well as for a professor at his Furniture Design / Build business.   Realizing after graduation, how unique, fresh and innovative Maine was, Gabby decided to return home.  She worked locally to complete her design internship and has since tried to strengthen her professional development by working in commercial construction and by owning and renovating properties. She was the architect for the Sophia’s House project.   Gabby works at the local architecture firm, Platz Associates and has been honored with many design and community awards.  She is a Maine Licensed Architect, a LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a TEDxDirigo Speaker, and is a founder and current President of Grow LA.  She lives with her young son in Auburn.

Amy Smith is the founder and president of Healthy Homeworks, a Lewiston non-profit whose mission is to help renters, owners, and community stakeholders collaborate as shared stewards of the aging housing stock. Its popular “Build a Bed” program teaches groups of residents how to use tools and work together as a team, by building beds. Each participant gets to keep one bed, the rest are available for sale, with proceeds going to support the program.

Amy owns and manages multi-family properties in Lewiston’s Tree Streets neighborhood. Her rental company is also the rental manager for Sophia’s House. Amy also serves on the Healthy Neighborhoods Planning Council, and served on the 2019 ad-hoc committee that recommended the creation of Lewiston’s new Multi-family Rental Registration program.

Now in its seventh year, these “Wise and Strong Women Speak” evenings are designed to give voice to the often unspoken stories of women. They have evolved into a magical community experience that inspires all who attend.

The Center’s Herban Works products will be for sale at the event.  Light refreshments will be offered. There is no charge for attendance, although donations are encouraged to support The Center for Wisdom’s Women.

Those who attend are invited to bring contributions of hygiene items (full size, unopened containers only please) for the Center’s hygiene pantry! Most needed are shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste.

No reservations are needed, just come and bring a friend.  Sophia’s House is located at the corner of Blake and Walnut St. Parking is available on the street or a few blocks away in the Park Street garage. FMI: 513-3922 www.wisdomswomen.org