Elaine Hamel

Former contractor Elaine Hamel's keynotes focus on her work empowering young girls. Hamel utilized her background in construction to create 'Girls at Work,' a charity that focuses on helping at-risk girls discover the potential they've been denied by way of their tragic life circumstance.

Girls in the program work as part of a building team that fosters strength, courage and aptitude. The premise, to put it simply, is that building, experimental learning and power tools will cultivate a sense of power within these youths. Hamel founded the nonprofit organization in 2000, and she remains its executive director.

Hamel was invited to speak at the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard event, where she explored the ways in which her organization encourages a positive mindset.