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Next step: Recruitment/Volunteer Coordinator, Mentorship Partnership of Miami County

Picture perfect plans. A photographer, Maiya plans to grow her business, Maiya Lynn Photography, after graduation. She also obtained a position as the recruitment/volunteer coordinator at Mentorship Partnership of Miami County. And, she’s getting married in June.

Dandelion dynamo. Maiya’s business acumen revealed itself early on, and a marketing career seemed predestined. “I remember picking dandelions in my grandparents’ yard when I was little and selling them individually, or if you bought a bag, I would cut you a deal!”

Teen philanthropist. While in high school, Maiya founded a nonprofit, The Community Food Truck Blessing Box, to provide nonperishable food to community members facing food insecurity. She now oversees 18 boxes in five Ohio cities with responsibilities for volunteers, fundraising, and promotion. “I wanted to create a way for people—especially teens and kids—to get food while protecting their dignity. They can simply walk up (to a blessing box), grab what they need, and go on their way, no questions asked.”

Story seeker. A third generation ��«Ӱҵ student, Maiya ultimately chose ��«Ӱҵ because she’s “a big people person.” Her first visit to ��«Ӱҵ sold her. “So many smiles, so many people held the door open, and I just loved that. I realized ��«Ӱҵ was a place where you get to know people’s stories and make great memories.”

Meaningful mentors. Maiya has encountered many important mentors at ��«Ӱҵ, including Danielle Foster, assistant professor of marketing. “She’s been an amazing role model and shows up every day to class with a smile.”