LEWISTON – Three local women are among 25 women statewide featured in Women, Work and Community’s recent publication, “Small Steps, Big Changes: 25 Women in the Maine Economy.”

Vicky Bowker and daughter, Cindy Pare, of Lewiston along with Mary Sylvain-Leonas of Greene are featured in the booklet, which highlights some of the organization’s successful graduates with profiles and photos.

Sylvain-Leonas completed the center’s career development training and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Augusta and a master’s from the University of Southern Maine. She is academic counselor at USM in Lewiston.

Bowker and Pare graduated from the center’s community leadership program. Bowker, who works with homeless youth at New Beginnings, has been a volunteer in area nonprofits. Pare is director of operations for the Abused Women’s Advocacy Program.

Since 1978 the center has served more than 22,000 women from across the state with free training and one-on-one services.

Program graduates have gone on to build careers for themselves, start their own small businesses, pursue higher education, gain control over their finances and become leaders in their communities and their workplaces. “Small Steps, Big Changes” celebrates their accomplishments and contributions.

More information about Women, Work and Community and its fall programs can be found at www.womenworkandcommunity.org or by calling 753-6622 or 1-800-442-2092.