PORTLAND — Uprise Partners CEO Malinda Gagnon has become the 18^th member of the Truc Huynh Alumni Giving Society at the Mitchell Institute.

The prestigious society recognizes Mitchell Scholar alumni who have followed in the footsteps of the late Truc Huynh, an altruistic Mitchell Scholar who passed away in June 2022. Truc paid it forward after benefiting from Mitchell Institute scholarships to attend Bowdoin College – by giving enough to match and eventually surpass the amount of the scholarship he received.

Gagnon, who grew up in Bethel, says her education would not have been possible without the Mitchell Institute and grant money from Bates College, where she studied English Literature and Political Science. Through her company, Uprise Partners, Gagnon has given table sponsorships for the Mitchell Institute’s annual gala. The most recent installment has brought her into the Society.

“Access to education is of utmost importance to my husband and me – and has become a pillar for our company,” Gagnon said. “Growing up in rural Maine, we understand the significance of financial support for education. I am so grateful to have the support of Brian and the entire Uprise Partners team. It’s through their hard work and success that our company is able to give at this level.”

Uprise Partners has been donating to the Mitchell Institute since 2023, and Gagnon says they will continue to do so – to continue creating opportunities for future generations.