From the president
Camille Alipalo is a junior at the University of Southern Maine. Camille serves on the Student Government Association’s Executive Board by representing UMS students on the University of Maine System’s Board of Trustees. I was fortunate have Camille in my Civic Leadership Academy course her first year at the University. I watched as Camille deepened her passion for addressing issues of inequality and political polarization. Additionally, Camille has spent time volunteering on the Portland Ballet Company’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This has provided her an outlet to connect art to techniques of social change. Currently, Camille has taken on a mentorship role with young women in the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.
Personal Statement
I’m Camille Alipalo, a senior in the Accelerated Program at the University of Southern Maine, pursuing a degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies. I have committed myself to fostering meaningful change through leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement. I have worked to amplify student voices in decision-making processes As the student representative to the University of Maine System Board. My participation in the Montagu Project Study Abroad Leadership Intensive in South Africa broadened my perspective on global leadership, strengthening my ability to build bridges between different communities and advocate for sustainable, equitable change. I’m deeply committed to leadership development, mentorship, and artistic expression outside of academia. As an Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute alum, I have cultivated a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, and the importance of building collaborative spaces that drive meaningful change. Through this experience, I have strengthened my ability to bridge perspectives, inspire action, and champion civic engagement. Additionally, as a professional dancer with Portland Ballet, I have seen firsthand how artistry and movement can serve as powerful tools for connection and storytelling. The discipline and creativity required in ballet have shaped my leadership philosophy, reinforcing the value of resilience, teamwork, and expression in fostering both individual and collective growth. With a foundation in governance, mentorship, and the arts, I am committed to continuing this work—advocating for inclusion, fostering dialogue, and shaping opportunities for long-term social impact.