Hello! I am Amberlynn Esperanza, your Miss Maine for America Strong 2023!

I found pageantry when researching ways to develop my communication skills, personal and professional branding, and how to overall be a better leader in my community. Meeting the current titleholders was what sealed the deal for me as they were so inspirational and are truly giving back to others while representing the State of Maine that we know and love.

As your Miss Maine for America Strong 2023, I am on a mission to drive women empowerment in our business communities and for the Immigrant, underrepresented, and minority groups. I am a first generation Filipino-American, proud to represent the Asian, and Pacific Islander communities in Maine. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are near and dear to my heart. Working in the Banking and Finance industry, historically a male dominated industry, I want to empower women to serve in more leadership roles and positions.

With over 12 years in the banking industry, I work as a Commercial Lending Development Officer for Mascoma Bank, a Certified B Corporation committed to the people, businesses and communities of Maine. I was most recently recognized as one of Mainebiz’s top 40-Under-40 most dynamic individuals changing Maine’s economy. In February of 2023, I was appointed by Governor Janet T. Mills to represent the finance sector as an officer on the Board of Directors for the Maine Technology Institute as Treasurer. Additionally, I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Startup Maine, and the President of PROPEL, an organization that represents all emerging young professionals in the Greater Portland area.

Prior to my reign as Miss Portland, I was selected to be in the class of 2021/2022 Leadership Portland, a nine day interactive civic engagement and leadership program exploring issues impacting education, economic development, government, justice, business, health, environment, racial equity, arts and culture. I now look forward to traveling statewide through the Maine Development Foundation’s Leadership Maine Program, to learn first-hand about critical issues facing our state as a whole. Through this program I will see and experience Maine’s diverse regions, assets, economies, issues, and people through direct interaction.

I have lived in Maine my whole life, growing up in Old Orchard Beach and attended the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology for Accounting and Finance credit while I was still in high school. As a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, I majored in Business Administration and minored in Accounting. In addition, I have also been recognized for my commitment to volunteerism including serving on the 2021-2023 United Way of Southern Maine’s Campaign Cabinet, Junior Achievement, Spurwink’s Development Committee, and partnering with the USM Foundation’s Women in Leadership event series. I currently reside in Downtown Portland and enjoy going out to new restaurants, dancing with the salsa community, and playing golf year-round.  

                                                                                                                 I truly believe It is never too late to achieve your dreams! As your Miss Maine for America Strong, I hope to inspire the                                                                                                                       next generation of women leaders.

                                                                                                                 With Gratitude,

                                                                                                                 Amberlynn Esperanza