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In 2025-26, The Third Place will:
• Identify key corporate partners in each of our five advisory regions to support community-driven recruitment and retention of BIPOC professionals across sectors.
• Improve collaboration between BIPOC-led outdoor, health care and wellness initiatives to expand impact, streamline services, reduce duplication of efforts and identify business development opportunities.
• Expand consulting services to deliver sector-specific, community-informed workforce inclusion strategies that address recruitment, retention, and equity.
• Diversify revenue by scaling earned-income opportunities through training, ERG support, and consulting services for Maine-based employers.
• Hire a Program Director to manage SHIFTMaine sector network priorities and steward strategic partnerships across health, education, business, and the environment.
These goals will deepen our impact, strengthen Maine’s cultural infrastructure, and position The Third Place as a trusted resource for inclusive talent development, equity-centered collaboration, and cross-sector innovation.
The Third Place raises funds to support racial equity through community connection, cultural infrastructure, and workforce inclusion. Businesses and donors can contribute by sponsoring high-impact events and sector initiatives that promote visibility, leadership, and belonging for Maine’s BIPOC communities.
• Sponsor regional cross-sector networking events that connect BIPOC professionals, employers, and community leaders across Maine.
• Sponsor one of our 11 sector organizing groups, including Banking & Business Services, ECO-BIPOC, STEM, Arts & Culture, Education (K-12 and Collegiate), Health care & Wellness, Nonprofit Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Media & Communications, and Real Estate & Trades.
• Sponsor flagship events and programs like the Black Women’s Leadership Alliance, Annual Juneteenth Celebration, and Maine Black Excellence Awards – each offering visibility, engagement, and community impact.
• Invest in our upcoming BIPOC Sector Summit, a new convening to evaluate sector-specific challenges and priorities for Maine’s BIPOC communities.
We welcome businesses and other institutions to become a Community Impact Partner for 2026 with a yearly leadership gift of $7,500+ to invest in long-term infrastructure, staffing, and operations. Partners receive opportunities to table at two networking events per year, inclusion of logo and link in nine e-newsletters to 1,200+ BIPOC college students, entrepreneurs, and professionals across Maine. Mutually tailored benefits are available to higher levels of giving.
Individual donations are always welcome year-round and can be provided through our website or directly at https://givebutter.com/thirdoperating.
• Share your expertise by volunteering as a guest speaker or workshop facilitator at a SHIFTMaine sector meetup.
• Serve as a strategy advisor for one of our regional or sector-based networks to help guide programming and partnerships.
• Connect BIPOC employees or colleagues to The Third Place’s professional and cultural networks for mentorship and engagement.
• Support events and convenings through volunteer roles in planning, outreach, and day-of logistics.
• Offer pro bono services in areas like marketing, HR, legal, or business development to strengthen organizational capacity.
• Host a COMPASS or SHIFT networking event at your business or institution.
Established: 2017 Inc. Employees: 1 Full Time/ 4 Volunteer Staff
Annual revenue: $174, 687
69% Foundations
14% Corporate business
7% State government
6% Consulting services
4% Individual contributions
47 Portland St., Suite 2
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 387-1932
The Third Place was awarded the 2024 Catalyst Award from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce for advancing equity in the Greater Portland business community through connections and relationship building.
The Third Place is a cross-sector network that connects Maine’s Black professionals, students, and entrepreneurs to career, social, and economic opportunities.
The Third Place hosts events across the state. However, our focus is concentrated in five regions: Lewiston/Auburn, Greater Portland, Augusta/Waterville, Biddeford/Saco and Bangor/Orono.
Adilah Muhammad
Founder & Executive Director
Florence Edwards, DDS, Board Chairperson, Dentist, Restorative and Aesthetic Dental Associates
Kevin Loney, Treasurer, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Management, Bowdoin College
Edward Obare, Secretary, Senior Research Scientist, IDEXX
Faith Douglas, Board Director, Talent Acquisition Partner, Redwood Materials
Eisha Khan, Program Manager, MaineHealth
Khadija Elbarkoui, Founder/Owner, Coelle Travel
Aziza Perkins, Real Estate Agent, Elevate Maine Realty
Raphael Okutoro, Program Coordinator, University of Maine
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
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Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Whether you’re a developer, financer, architect, or industry enthusiast, Groundbreaking Maine is crafted to be your go-to source for valuable insights in Maine’s real estate and construction community.
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