About Us

Elizabeth Stefanski

Executive Director

Eli, as she often goes by, joined the Maine Women's Fund (MWF) as its Executive Director in December 2006. As an accomplished social investor, Elizabeth brings to the fund a decade's experience investing in grassroots organizations around the world, deep knowledge of the new philanthropic tools available for affecting social change, an established track record in fundraising and management, as well as expertise in the area of resource diversification and nonprofit capacity building.

Prior to joining Maine Women’s Fund, Eli was the Chief Program Officer for GlobalGiving. GlobalGiving is online philanthropic marketplace that enables donors to find and fund social entrepreneurs around the world. During her tenure, the GlobalGiving Foundation scaled from $70,000 to grassroots organizations to over $5 million to grassroots organizations around the world. Prior to GlobalGiving, Eli served as the International Director for Ashoka's Citizen Base Initiative, where she managed program operations in India, Thailand, Bangladesh, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and expansion into Central and Eastern Europe.

Eli is passionate about social change, in the US and abroad and believes that given the proper resources, individuals will take responsibility for themselves, communities, and broader surroundings. Eli is an avid blogger, yogi, and epicurean. She and her family camped on Chebeague Island while she was growing up. Currently, she, her husband Scott, her new baby, Willa, and dog George live in the East End of Portland. She can be reached at elizabeth@mainewomensfund.org.

Shannon Nichols

Director of Philanthropic Services

Shannon, also known as the VP of pretty and fun, joined the Maine Women’s Fund in 2004. Previously, she was the development director Shalom House, Inc., a service provider for people with mental illness. Shannon has more than 14 years of marketing and fundraising experience with nonprofit organizations. She has worked for affordable housing developers in Denver, Colorado, and an arts organization in Maine.

Shannon is a graduate of the New Girls’ Network program, a leadership development initiative of the Maine Women’s Fund. When she's not working, Shannon can be found around her home town of Raymond, organizing events and campaigns for her church, the Raymond Village United Church of Christ, spending time with her husband and making forts and having sword fights with her two young sons.

Brianna McCabe

Commnuity Outreach Coordinator

Bri quickly warmed her way into our hearts as a volunteer over the summer of 2006 while she was waiting for her permanent resident status to be approved (She’s originally from Nova Scotia, Canada.) She continued with the fund as an AmeriCorps volunteer, for almost a year, dedicating her service and skills to our mission. By August 2007, we just had to hire her, which is when she took on the role of Community Outreach Coordinator. In this role, Bri manages the Fund’s Volunteer Program, coordinates and creates our e-communications and works with our Regional Advisory Councils.

Brianna graduated with a liberal arts degree from Acadia University in Nova Scotia in 2004. She came to Rome, Maine in 2002 for a summer job at Pine Tree Camp and in a subsequent summer at camp she met Chris, the man she married, and has happily settled into Maine life. She can best be described by her love for her family and friends, anything food related, drinking tea and making to-do lists.

Kristin Chase Duffy

New Girls Network Coordinator

We are delighted to welcome Kristin Chase Duffy to the Fund as a part-time contractor focused on the New Girls Network. As the New Girls Network coordinator, Kristin will coordinate activities that focus on building the New Girls community, fostering connections and promoting philanthropy. Over the next few months, you'll be invited to events where you can meet other cool women, share ideas, inspire each other --- all while creating positive social change for women and girls within our community!

Kristin has spent 13-years developing, directing and implementing marketing and communication initiatives. She began her career in public relations at The Cambridge Hospital and Cone Communications. After spending eight years in the technology industry, Kristin moved into a contract and consulting role and returned to Maine. Since 2003 she has worked with a variety of organizations managing business and marketing strategies and leading client relations. Kristin holds a M. B. A. and B.A. degree in Communications from Bentley College.

Rebecca Matthes

Volunteer Blog Contributor

Inspired by amazing female role models throughout her life – Mom being first and foremost - Rebecca decided to give back what so many lovely ladies have given her by volunteering time at the Maine’s Women Fund. One way she does that is through a weekly blog contribution. Researching a variety of topics that relate to women's economic security, Rebecca shares what she learns through articles, books and interviews. 

Rebecca holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Southern Maine. She is married to Mike, a person she absolutely adores. She enjoys listening to music, watching movies and is a fan of the fine arts. She is also entertained by her three elderly kitties – Autumn, Wilma and Henry.