A women’s advocacy organization has recognized a Brunswick woman for making a positive impact on Maine women and families.

Mary J. Herman, of Brunswick, was awarded the 2013 Merle Nelson Women Making a Difference Award by the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community at an April 9 reception held for legislators and donors.

Herman is the principal in Mary J. Herman Consulting and the wife of Maine’s junior U.S. senator Angus King, a Brunswick independent.

“With a background in teaching and a nursing degree from the University of Maine at Augusta, Mary has dedicated her professional career to advocating for Maine people, small businesses and nonprofits,” Women, Work and Community Executive Director Gilda Nardone said in a news release. “Whether working in the Legislature — first with the Maine Women’s Lobby, later with the lobbying firm, Cohen-Herman — or as first lady of Maine, Mary has made a difference.”

Nardeone said Herman has been a friend and supporter since the ’80s.

The award is made biennially and recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of Maine women and their families.

Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community helps individuals in transition find jobs, start businesses, enroll in higher education and build assets.

¦ MAINE CENTERS for Women, Work, and Community helps individuals in transition find jobs, start businesses, enroll in higher education and build assets. The organization has grown from one site to 17, serving all 16 Maine counties.