Maya graduated summa cum laude with high distinction from the University of Minnesota in 2005, with degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology. In high school, Maya served as co-chair, alongside the Lt. Governor of Minnesota, of the state-wide non-profit Minnesota Alliance with Youth. Maya has served on the Board of Directors of America’s Promise and the Volunteer Resource Center of the Twin Cities, and was appointed to the Minnesota Commission on Out-of-School Time. In 2001, Maya won the National Forensic League’s national championship in Lincoln-Douglas debate, and in 2004, she was awarded the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for commitment to public service. She was also named one of Glamour Magazine’s Top Ten College Women of 2004.