WASHINGTON, D.C. — Monica Wilcox Charette of Oakland has been named 2025 Maine Mother of the Year. Charette will be recognized and represent Maine at the 90th National Convention of American Mothers in San Juan, Puerto Rico in April, where one honoree will be named American Mother of the Year.
Monica Wilcox Charette Submitted photo
A native of Aroostook County, Charette is a graduate of Presque Isle High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maine at Orono. She is a journalist, photographer, author and podcast creator/host, according to a news release from Lisa Newell, president, Maine Chapter of American Mothers.
Charette has a 35-year career working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as director of public relations for the former Mid-Maine Medical Center, fund development director at Mount Merici Academy. She served the last 10 years as communications director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.
Charette is the founder and executive director of ShineOnCass Foundation, a nonprofit created 10 years ago to carry forth the legacy of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette, who died in a Maine hayride accident in 2014. According to American Mothers, Inc., Charette has used this platform to champion youth mentoring, animal welfare, youth literacy, provide scholarships for athletics, music and art, and establish multiple community scholarships and awards for service-focused high school students in central Maine.
She also helped inaugurate multiple youth mentoring programs in her community and created free lending libraries for children at Boys/Girls Clubs and YMCAs in Waterville and Augusta. She and her son Colby co-host Holding the Light Podcast to support bereaved families of child loss.
Charette also volunteers as a weekly coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters ShineOnCass youth mentoring program, which matches high school Bigs with Littles from Atwood, Williams, and Messalonskee Middle schools. She also serves on the Oakfest, Maine Committee and is a member of the Waterville Area Women’s Club.
For information about American Mothers, Inc., visit americanmothers.org or email Newell at lulunewell@gmail.com.
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