Maven invited us to reimagine how communities thrive when we are intentional about creating a robust ecosystem of support for talented QTPOC social impact leaders in the areas of civic engagement, economic independence, health equity, access to the arts and public education. It incorporates and begins planning how to become an effective community resource.

Maven invites its first group of extraordinary social impact leaders to form a learning community in South Florida after gaining its tax-exempt status as a nonprofit organization. Our team organized impactful workshops, arts & culture events, community dialogues, and well-being activities at no cost to participants–a practice that continues today for all initiatives.

As word spread about Maven’s impact in providing operational skills, deeper professional connections, and wellness activities, additional opportunities to build community arise. We launched our first cohort in Central Florida, provided organizational support in Boulder, Colorado, and convened change agents who are building more just communities in Miami for our first Maven Rising.

Recognizing a need to support Mavens who are scaling their community initiatives, we launched our first advanced learning lab. Maven also elevated stories of alumni success in our first annual Impact Report.

Building on the momentum of a growing community well-being initiative, Maven increases access by building a digital platform and institutes Maven Camp, a gathering where leaders unplug, share big ideas, and focus on individual care and collective healing.

Our anniversary year was special in that we were joined by our first multi-city professional development cohort and traveled internationally; produced creative digital content to influence the equity narrative and increase access to learning beyond the classroom; and expanded our ecosystem of support to include extraordinary leaders in North Carolina.

Maven enters a new era of reimagining what is possible in building more just communities when leading with experimentation and values-aligned collaborations.