The University of Maine at Presque Isle announced on April 8 that Kyle Poissonnier, founder of Catalyst for Change Wear, will be the next speaker in its Libra Distinguished Lecture Series. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room and will also be available virtually through Zoom.
Poissonnier’s talk, titled “Keep Doing What You’re Doing,” will serve as the keynote address for UMPI’s 23rd Annual University Day. This year’s theme is “Empowering the Future: Curiosity-Driven Discovery.” The university encourages both campus members and the public to attend this free event.
Poissonnier started CFC Wear in 2016 with a single suicide awareness hoodie and has since raised over $100,000 for about 60 charities focused on mental health and suicide prevention. His company’s popular design, “Just a kid from Maine,” is now owned by more than 40,000 people and appears across all U.S. states and over 40 countries. CFC Wear is currently owned by one in every 26 Mainers and is noted as the only Maine clothing company carried by L.L. Bean’s Flagship store.
In addition to his business achievements, Poissonnier has spoken to more than 20,000 people at various events including schools and business functions. He said about his talk title: “Later, during the most difficult time in my life, I found its true meaning… When someone does something with all their heart, they allow others to dream, to be inspired, to be loved.”
During his visit to campus, Poissonnier will meet with business and social work students from UMPI to discuss entrepreneurship and using a business platform for social impact. Following his keynote speech on April 14th will be a full day of student presentations during University Day on April 15th.
The Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999 at UMPI with four to six speakers each year representing diverse disciplines from within Maine and beyond.
