Hi! I’m Maya and I am the African American Facilitator as well as an CFS/ILS Case Manager here at Self-Determined Futures. I have always had a passion for serving my community and helping individuals reach their full potential. After earning my B.A in Communication Studies from California State University, San Marcos during the height of the pandemic, I began my career working as a community navigator for 2-1-1 San Diego, where I assisted with providing resources to community members that were displaced or negatively impacted by COVID-19. This experience further ignited my motivation to advocate for marginalized communities and bridge the gap that often exists between them and the resources they need. Since then, I have worked in several social service organizations as a healthcare advocate, case manager, and service coordinator. I hold a Board Certification in Patient Advocacy and a Professional Service Coordinator designation.

In my current role, I am responsible for facilitating our African American Support Group Grant Program in partnership with the San Diego Regional Center. This program seeks to outreach to Black members of the developmental disability community as well as their families and caregivers. For a community that is often overlooked and underserved, This program is a rare opportunity to hear from the Black community and highlight the unique barriers they face in getting the care they need. I feel incredibly fortunate to serve my community in this capacity and I look forward to growing this program to its full potential. As a CFS/ILS case manager, I work with participants and their families to guide them towards self empowerment and independence through support and education on community resources.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my senior cat, Cleo. I also love spending time in nature, going on hikes, and roller skating at Mission Beach. I love to bake! My current specialties are sugar cookies with homemade icing, zucchini bread and pumpkin pie.  

I periodically do volunteer work  with the Regional Task force on homelessness and Habitat for Humanity. When I’m not working, you can usually find me playing The Sims franchise or watching silly reality T.V shows.