Maia serves as the Knowledge & Learning Director on the CREATE programme that aims to counter violent extremism in East Africa, in partnership with Mercy Corps. In this role, she leads research and programme learning activities across the region. She was previously the Research & Learning Director on the Kenya NiWajibu Wetu project, led by DAI. In addition to these project-based roles, Maia also provides technical assistance on other projects within Wasafiri’s conflict portfolio.

Maia has long been interested in understanding the dimensions of conflict in order to identify concrete policies and actions to promote peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction. She specialises in research on conflict drivers, violent extremism, and stabilisation in conflict zones, and brings to Wasafiri regional expertise in East and West Africa. Maia holds a BA in International Affairs and International Development from The George Washington University, and an MA from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in international affairs with concentrations in conflict management and international economics.