New Ventures Maine honored Janice de Lima of Falmouth with the 2026 Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award at Making It Happen 2026, a celebration of scholarship, entrepreneurship, and leadership on March 26.

The Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of Maine women and their families. That is central to the core mission of New Ventures Maine: Helping Maine people succeed in the changing economy and achieve economic security for themselves and their families.

The award was presented by Senator Eloise Vitelli, the 2023 Merle Nelson Making A Difference Awardee. “Janice de Lima is a leader who is out there making a difference with her presence, with her words, and her deeds. She is an inspiration and a role model for others who wish also to make a difference. We are very fortunate to have her here in our state and she is a most worthy recipient of this award.”

Senator Donna Bailey shared remarks from Senator Teresa Pierce, the Maine State Senator representing Falmouth (District 25) and Senate Majority Leader for the 132nd Legislature. In part, Senator Pierce’s remarks read: “I’ve always been impressed with Janice’s unwavering commitment to opening doors for women and working families. We share a deep commitment in solving Maine’s housing crisis. In my time as the Senate Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Housing, Janice was a key advocate on bills to finance affordable housing projects, cut red tape, and would provide thoughtful input from residents back home as we made statewide decisions. At New Ventures Maine she has championed programs that empower women entrepreneurs and promote asset building. She has played a key role in fostering resilience during times of uncertainty and continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of women leaders. She is the embodiment of this award: always making a difference in the lives of our neighbors and residents.”

Senator Bailey also presented a Legislative Sentiment, a “significant expression of the sense of the Legislature” to honor Janice and introduced it by saying, “For those who aren’t familiar, a Legislative Sentiment is the highest honor the Maine State Legislature can bestow upon an individual.”

Janice de Lima serves as Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Norway Savings Bank.

About the Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award
The Merle Nelson Women Making A Difference Award was established in 2004 to honor the work of Merle Nelson who, in 1977, championed what she called the “economic fairness bill.” Maine legislators Merle Nelson and Barbara Trafton sponsored the original Displaced Homemakers Program legislation.

Previous award recipients include: Merle Nelson (2004), Ann Schonberger (2006), Betsy Sweet (2009), Mary Cathcart (2011), Mary Herman (2013), Mary Allen Lindemann (2015), Barbara Trafton (2019), Gilda Nardone (2021) and Eloise Vitelli (2023).