Maya Burke

Background

About Maya Burke

I am passionate about educational equity and the transformative power of education to empower individuals, equipping them with the tools to build the life they envision. My goal is to ensure access to quality education in areas where it is often unattainable, particularly for individuals who face barriers, whether social or physical, that limit their equitable access. I am particularly interested in addressing barriers to education for women and girls. I have lived and worked in New Zealand, India, and France, experiences that have honed my ability to adapt to diverse educational landscapes and work environments. Drawing from my extensive international experience and passion for education, I aim to expand my impact beyond Washington, DC and the United States by working with communities worldwide. At Lana Learn, I worked in the Washington, DC education sector, focusing on providing equitable access to educational resources for students in under-resourced schools. I successfully managed programs across the DC area, impacting over 500 students by designing and implementing educational initiatives that have helped students in Title I schools improve their grades, increase attendance and participation, and begin to see college as a realistic goal after high school. In my current role as a Program Manager at Legacy International for the U.S. State Department-funded Professional Fellows Program, I facilitate professional exchanges between the United States and the MENA region, with a focus on economic empowerment. Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I have a deep-rooted midwestern work ethic. I place a high value on time spent with family and enjoying nature, whether it’s paddleboarding on the lake or camping with my dog and partner. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking, running, reading, exploring farmers' markets, and traveling. Recently, I have developed a love for pottery and spend a few times each week at the wheel working on my latest creation.