Economy, Diplomacy, Education, Security, and Emergency Preparedness
Leadership in the High North
For an Empowered Maine Arctic future.
Leadership in the High North Alliance
Advancing Maine’s role in the Arctic and Northern region.
2026 agenda
Leadership
Darryl W. Lyon
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Darryl W. Lyon is a University of Maine Interdisciplinary Doctoral student focusing on Arctic Security in the Atlantic High North. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College (2017), a Master of Science in Business (Sigma Beta Delta) from Husson University (2008), and a Master of Arts (Communication) from the University of Maine (1995). Darryl earned a graduate certificate in Climate Science and Adaptation from the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute in 2024.
As the Maine National Guard’s High North Action Officer, Darryl played a pivotal role in creating and developing the National Guard Arctic Interest Council. He designed and facilitated an Arctic geopolitical simulation at the Arctic Summer Institute (University of Maine School of Law). Darryl has presented at the Arctic Encounter – London, the US Army War College, the Air Force Command and Staff College, the 52nd International Arctic Workshop (University of Massachusetts, Amherst), and at the World Affairs Council of Maine’s Governor’s breakfast. He publishes regularly on the Arctic Today website.
As of 2025, he started coordinating “Leadership in the High North 2026” with his Co- Founder Mariam Jabbar.
Mariam Jabbar
In 2025, after meeting Darryl, we came together to create something meaningful, organized, and intentional!
As a refugee, I came to the United States for safety, education, and a future that my native country could not provide.
I wear many hats daily as a student, a linguist, a model, Miss Greater Portland for America Strong 2025 and 2026, and a photographer.
My studies have taught me that education is a privilege, and our network is a blessing. My Journey in life has taught me that there is always disaster in the world, so when we have the opportunity to bring love and positivity to build a community of authentic, enthusiastic individuals, it is our human duty to pursue it.
I met Darryl Lyon at the annual Governors Breakfast hosted by Maine International Affairs Council. A couple of months later, we started organizing Leadership in the High North as a passion project.
As students and community leaders, we recognized the challenges of limited opportunities in Maine. By drawing on our individual strengths, networks, and skills, we create an environment that offers opportunities by bringing students and experts from multidisciplinary fields together under one roof who share the same passion.
Thank you to those who trusted our vision!
A special Thank You to Our Support Team and Sponsors!
---
We could not do this without your support and trust.
We are stronger together!