With 15 + years’ experience at the helm of major organizations, driving program execution, building global coalitions, creating and fostering high-performing, inclusive teams, leading finances and fundraising, and strategic partnerships, and acting as a spokesperson and securing billions of media impressions, Maya Enista Smith is an award-winning, innovative leader building global movements in service to community.

Most recently, Smith served as the first Executive Director of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, where she engaged a diverse array of partners across sectors to conduct innovative research, built authentic youth-focused programming, and lead effective campaigns that fostered kindness and advanced the conversation around mental health. She continues to be a tireless advocate for mental health, kindness and the role we can each play in meeting unmet needs in the world.

With nearly twenty years of experience in the youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development fields, Smith also previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mobilize.org and began her career as East Coast Coordinator for Rock The Vote. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Smith is a proud member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2022, a recent honoree at the Anthem Awards for the Nonprofit Leader of the Year and serves on the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC). Smith is proud of her Romanian roots, as the daughter of immigrants who grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. She currently resides outside of San Francisco with her husband, David, their two children, and their dog Kai.

Women, Mental Health, Inspirational, Female Leadership, Empowerment, Women in Business, Influential Women, Women's Health, Non-Profit, Non-Profit Professionals, Women's Rights, Women's Empowerment, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Justice, Human Rights, Social Activism, Diversity Topics, DEI, LGBTQ Ally