Introducing yet another changemaker who will be joining us in LA this week from Minnesota! Maia’s a native of South Minneapolis and has been an active force in the dance community—in Minnesota and nationwide—for over 20 years. She leads her own production company dedicated to giving all performers and audiences an equitable and engaging platform through performing arts. Learn a bit about this energizing changemaker and what’s inspiring her before you join her in LA this week!

Q: Who are you, what drives you, what are you working on, and why are you inspired to make the world a better place?

MM: I am the Curator & Director of Maia Maiden Productions. Our mission is to provide an equitable and engaging platform for Hip Hop, people of color, women, and youth through performing arts. I am honored to be attending Upswell as a 2018 Bush Foundation Fellow!

Q: What’s your favorite Sunday morning activity?

MM: Going to the grocery store or farmers market early in the morning! This gives me time to reflect and reset for the week ahead.

Q: Changemaker is an intentionally broad term. What does it mean to you? 

MM: Being a changemaker means you are making a conscious decision to elevate thoughts, ideas, communities, and people to make a positive impact on the world. This is forward trajectory. This is conscious spirit. To say it will be hard is an understatement!

Q: What excites you most about Upswell?

MM: Innovative ideas, exciting conversations, and creative connections!