Maya is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology with a certificate in Global Health. Growing up in the Chicago area, she saw how racial and economic inequities can shape health outcomes and access to care. This kickstarted her passion to work to advance health equity. Maya became especially interested in women’s health after shadowing an OB-GYN and hearing the heartbeat of a baby in the womb for the first time. Watching the nervous excitement of an expecting mother during that moment inspired her to pursue a future in women’s health and deepened her interest in the connection between clinical care and public health.

This summer, Maya is excited to work with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness through the UW Rural and Urban Scholars in Community Health Program (UW-RUSCH). She is interested in how the FFBWW works with governmental organizations and doula partners to promote the wellness of women and to address maternal mortality and low infant birth weight. Ultimately, Maya hopes to become an OB-GYN practicing in an urban community similar to the one she grew up in while contributing to research and public health efforts to advance health equity.