Maya, a proud Pilsen native and alumna of Chicago Public School, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Executive Director of UNO, a nonprofit committed to girl empowerment, mentorship and public health.

Prior to her current role, she has demonstrated her commitment to enriching the quality of life for communities of the South and Far Southside of Chicago as the South Region Director at the Chicago Park District, where she oversaw more than 100 park field houses, staff members, and the programming for community residents, youth, families and seniors. Her leadership extended to chairing the citywide Teen Committee and was on the Girl’s Committee, fostering opportunities for youth development and girl’s equity, particularly providing access to sports and physical activities.

With more than 25 years as a public servant with experience in community relations and outreach, Maya has continuously championed issues vital to underserved communities. Her journey began managing municipal, state and national elections post-college, sparking a lifelong passion for community advocacy. She later held pivotal roles for the City of Chicago and State government where she worked in the department of Human Services and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Maya holds a BA in Communication from DePaul University and an MA in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois Chicago. Maya is also a 2019 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. Beyond her professional and familial responsibilities, she leads by example as a triathlete, completing her fifth Half Ironman in 2025 in Monterrey, Mexico. Her pursuits of excellence mirror her dedication to empowering girls and promoting holistic community health and well-being.