MayaSpoken is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, activist, public speaker, healer and educator. She uses the gift of words to share her story, advocate for others and promote safe spaces and practices for healing and self-expression.
At 22 years old, she gave her first Ted Talk and became the author of poetry novel Warriors in Broad Daylight. MayaSpoken is the founder of Tell ‘Em Girl Women’s Spoken Word Showcase and Loud Black Girls, two platforms giving women identifying individuals the space to be themselves loudly and unapologetically. In 2019, she released her first single ”Without You” and is now pursuing her Bachelors Degree.
Where it all began…
After being silenced during years of sexual and physical abuse and trauma, a 17-year old MayaSpoken graced the stage of the city of Ottawa Youth Spoken Word Competition to share her story through spoken word. While her goal was only to share her story with anyone who would listen, Maya finished in first place, beginning a journey that would impact more people than she could ever imagine.
“Every time you share your story, someone else discovers that they no longer need to be silent about their own. ”
— Mayaspoken
Her Mission
“I am committed to creating a world where the voices of women and Black and Indigenous folx are celebrated, amplified and demarginalized. I want to help women step into the power of radical self-love, care and boldness.
Prioritizing health & wellness is an act of rebellion for many who look like me and I am passionate in using my story and voice towards showing others that they are worthy of pursuing healing and a life that prioritizes their wellness.
I am a teacher. Through personal experience and research, I communicate important and valuable information to others so that I may help guide them along their journey of unlearning and learning.
I am a warrior. In my journey of advocating for healing for the communities that surround me, I acknowledge the trauma in which we have been forced to endure. I am committed to standing against the injustice that we have continued to face so that our descendants may live a different reality.”
Tell ‘Em Girl x Loud Black Girls
After discovering liberation through spoken word, MayaSpoken was inspired to provide women identifying individuals with an opportunity to do the same through women’s spoken word showcases, workshops, mentorship, and more.