Maira is a native of Cartagena, Colombia, who grew up around community meetings led by her mom to improve the quality of life of their low-income neighborhood. Kitchen table conversations, Socratic circles, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations has always been present in her life.
As a communicator (sometimes as a journalist, others as a strategist), she has always been passionate about building bridges so marginalized populations can have access to a thriving life. Activating communities’ voices so they can use their natural power is the motto that has guided her professional experience for over two decades.
Maira has more than a decade of teaching experience as a college professor in Colombia, Mexico and the United States. She also has worked as a research consultant in Colombia and Mexico, evaluating several programs that involved community engagement.
Maira completed a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Florida, writing her dissertation on early literacy practices at home and beliefs about education among the Hispanic community in Jacksonville. Based on the results of her dissertation, Duval County Public School created the first bilingual Voluntary Prekindergarten Program at West Riverside Elementary School. In addition to her doctorate, Maira holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication.
Maira currently serves on the board of 904ward, and Volunteers in Medicine.
Maira worked at the Jacksonville Public Education Fund for over 8 years. During this time, she led the ONE by ONE Movement that achieved the passing of the Half Penny for Schools in Duval county (a tax referendum to improve facilities in one of the largest urban districts in the United States).