WISE-Women's Initiative's that Strengthen and Empower

Joanne Shea Bollinger, a member of Lewiston-Auburn Rotary, is Board President of WISE-Zambia (Women’s Initiatives that Strengthen and Empower) a non-profit “born” in Maine. WISE gained 501(c)(3) status in 2005 with the mission of moving vulnerable women and children in western Zambia toward self-sustaining lives. The NGO works in three areas of community development in the poorest province of Zambia: education, agricultural training and production, and vocational training. Joanne’s most recent trip to the project was May, 2019; it was her 8th visit since 2013, when she first traveled to the country and quickly developed a passion for the project. In the US she focuses on sharing the WISE story, working closely with the US Director, and fundraising around the country. Her passion is WISE’s scholarship program which currently supports 200 secondary students from remote areas who would have no options for school beyond 7th grade, especially young girls at risk of early marriage. As of August 2019, WISE has 19 students enrolled in colleges and nursing schools throughout Zambia. A very special connection has been forged between WISE and the Nkwazi Rotary Club in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city.

Joanne grew up in Auburn, graduated from ELHS, and enjoyed a career as a music educator and singer throughout New England and in IL.