About Anya

Anya had no idea what she was getting myself into when she came to MYL as an ambassador in 2013. But the seminar left an impact on her and she returned every year. She knew she wanted to join the board but not until she was out of college and able to devote more time to it. Anya is from Lewiston and moved to Brooklyn, NY for college. She graduated with a degree in architecture last year and works for a firm in the city specializing in affordable housing, homeless shelters, and public schools. In the evenings and on the weekends, she'll be reading in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, biking around the city, enjoying a latte on a park bench, or exploring an art exhibit. When she comes home to Maine, she loves taking walks at the ocean and spending a quiet weekend in Boothbay.

The no-judgement zone that we create at Maine Youth Leadership is freeing. To enter into a space where one can feel safe being vulnerable, embracing one's uniqueness, and is seen, heard, and accepted—even if only for a few days—is life changing. Having experienced it as an ambassador, I wanted to help create the experience for others in any way that I could. I've returned to MYL in nearly every staff capacity, from junior counselor to board member.