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Updated: 34 min ago / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Tagwongo Obomsawin aims to forge a more sustainable future for Maine

Photo / Tim Greenway Tagwongo Obomsawin, 31: Manager of energy economy and innovation, Maine Department of Energy Resources
Tagwongo Obomsawin, 31 Manager of energy economy and innovation, Maine Department of Energy Resources Read about all the 40 Under 40 honorees 
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Greatest achievement: I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished through the Clean Energy Partnership since joining the department in 2022, where we’ve shepherded millions of dollars in workforce and innovation funding and impacted the lives of thousands of Maine people. Our work has led to the launch of Maine’s first climate tech incubator as well as the first dedicated clean energy job board, which has connected hundreds of job seekers with employers and training programs across the state. It’s rewarding to be part of a community working towards a more sustainable future, and I hope my work can create that same opportunity for others.

Passion project: I serve as treasurer for the Bomazeen Land Trust, an organization dedicated to returning land and waters with cultural and ecological significance to the Wabanaki people.

Lightbulb moment: I’m a goal-oriented person, so I try to set a vision and then work each day to bring that vision to life. I credit my lightbulb moments to my time at UMaine and Bard College, where I was able to explore energy and resource economics and sustainable business models and how each can be strengthened by traditional ecological knowledge and community-driven planning.

Influential book: “50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth,” by the Earthworks Group

Favorite TV shows: I really enjoy creative competition shows like “Project Runway” and bad reality TV like “Love Island.”

Personal hero: Chip Loring

Favorite quote: “Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions.” — Elizabeth King

Best way to recharge: I try to spend as much time outside as possible, whether it’s walking around my neighborhood or snowboarding at Sugarloaf. If the weather is bad, my new favorite hobby is spending time in the pottery studio.

Maine’s biggest challenge: Maine is a small state, and that comes with economic and workforce challenges. But it also means you’re usually only two phone calls away from anyone. There’s strength and quirkiness in that.

Dinner party guests: I love being around smart people with big imaginations. So I would invite Margaret Atwood, my late grandfather Paul Goodman and RuPaul Andre Charles.

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