A Presque Isle photography company hosted the first annual Wicked Wise Women Gala Oct. 17 at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle, marking the culmination of a year-round portrait project centered on women, community and confidence.
A partnership between Heather Mladek Photography and Ignite PI, the gala was created to celebrate women showing up for women while supporting the Hope and Justice Project, a local nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic abuse.
The evening brought together community members, business owners, advocates and supporters for a gathering centered on strength, generosity, and the power of women lifting one another up.
Wicked Wise Women is a year-round portrait project that celebrates the women of Aroostook County through meaningful photography experiences, Mladek said. The gala served as a culminating celebration for that work, bringing the project’s mission into a shared space where women could gather, connect and be recognized for who they are.
In addition to the gala itself, the company and Wicked Wise Women also gathered donations from participants to support the Hope and Justice Project and its free store, which helps survivors access everyday essentials. The collection included personal care products, household items, food, baby supplies, school materials and other practical necessities, reflecting the same spirit of women showing up for women that defines the project.
The event blended purpose with an elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoyed an experience designed to feel memorable and joyful, including a 360-degree video booth that added a fun, interactive element to the evening and gave attendees a way to capture the celebration in motion.
More than just a social event, the gala was intended to honor the stories, resilience, and leadership of women in the region.
“Wicked Wise Women has always been about creating space for women to feel seen, celebrated and supported,” said Heather Mladek, company owner. “This gala was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when people come together with a shared heart for community. It felt like the start of something bigger than one night.”
Mladek said the first annual gala represents a new chapter for the Wicked Wise Women project, which continues to grow as both a portrait experience and a community-minded platform.
By pairing the event with a local nonprofit serving survivors, the evening reflected the values at the heart of the project: compassion, courage, and the belief that women’s stories matter.
The company plans to build on the momentum of this year’s event and continue developing Wicked Wise Women as an annual celebration with even more opportunities for collaboration, outreach and impact in the years to come.
