Maya Hills
Maya Hills is a dedicated youth advocate and emerging leader in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as Youth Essentials Coordinator at REAP, Inc., based at her former high school in the Portland, Oregon area. In this role, she directly supports a caseload of approximately 35 students from at-risk backgrounds, providing one-on-one guidance, after-school programming, and opportunities for student leadership through officer roles in marketing, team building, and program culture. Her work is deeply focused on creating safe, stable foundations that empower students to succeed in their post-high-school endeavors.
With over two and a half years of experience in nonprofit program management, Maya has also served as a Solutions Program Manager, developing job descriptions, quarterly and yearly roadmaps, and benchmarks for coordinators while visiting multiple school sites across the Portland metro area. Her expertise lies in program development, peer support, and forging strong community partnerships that connect school districts with local services. She emphasizes equity, advocacy, and the importance of providing students with leadership opportunities that elevate their voice and agency.
Maya is a lifelong learner who earned her Bachelor of Science in Family & Human Services from the University of Oregon in just three years and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Valdosta State University. She supplements her professional work with volunteer efforts supporting the Oregon Food Bank, Feed the Mass, the Oregon Humane Society, and local community projects like toy drives and Habitat for Humanity. Maya’s philosophy centers on education, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces that uplift both students and the educators who serve them.
• Marketing with Canva
• Heat Illness Prevention
• IRB Basic
• Inspiring Best Practices for Improving Attendance of Students Experiencing Homelessness Series (Part 2)
• Inspiring Best Practices for Improving Attendance of Students Experiencing Homelessness Series (Part 1)
• Transporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
• Basic Requirements of the McKinneyVento Act
• Determining Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Rights and Services
• McKinney Vento Homeless Education for Community Partners
• YouthSave
• Adult/Child/Infant First Aid/CPR AED
• Traditional Health Worther
• Intentional Peer Support
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
• Student Classroom Education
• NSF/NIH Responsible Conduct of Research Training for Researchers
• Valdosta State University- M.P.A.
• University of Oregon- B.S.
• Oregon Food Bank
• Feed the Mass
• Oregon Humane Society
• KGW Toy Drive
• Habitat for Humanity
• Sparrow Clubs USA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to service and my dedication to creating safe, supportive spaces for at-risk youth. By taking initiative to build new roles and programs, like developing the Solutions Program Manager position, I’ve been able to strengthen organizational structures and make a meaningful impact on the students and communities I serve. My focus on youth engagement, program development, and community support drives everything I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace leadership opportunities when they arise and to trust in my ability to make a meaningful impact—mentors and colleagues in youth services have encouraged me to step up and take initiative, which has been pivotal for my growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to trust your voice and not be afraid to speak up, even if it feels “cringe” or uncomfortable. Ask questions, make mistakes, and seek help when you need it—this is how you grow, learn, and become the confident, capable professional you aspire to be.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is staying true to your values while navigating the demands of social services work, where it can be easy to compromise your principles or get caught up in the day-to-day pressures. At the same time, the greatest opportunity—and reward—is seeing the lasting impact of creating safe, supportive spaces for students, helping them build foundations to achieve things they might never have thought possible. Knowing that your work can expand their worlds and leave a meaningful imprint is incredibly fulfilling.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and personal life are connection, learning, and balance. I prioritize spending quality time with my family and my dog, Beau, and nurturing relationships that bring joy and support. At the same time, I value continuous growth, which I pursue through my master’s program in public administration, while making sure to enjoy life’s simple pleasures like dancing and time spent outdoors.