Maryan first aimed to be a biomedical researcher, studying biology and biochemistry at San Diego State University. But through her involvement in health education, she grew frustrated with apparent health disparities and the structural barriers that produced them. After graduating, she switched routes to the nonprofit sector, interested in working directly with the community to create a more just and healthy life for all. In 2017, she started out as a policy intern with Mid-City CAN before transitioning to her present role as a coordinator for Mid-City CAN’s events and leadership programs, where she helps inform and empower leaders in the community.

Maryan is also passionate about building electoral power in communities of color and other marginalized groups. She joined a local campaign in 2017, primarily working with youth on college campuses for over a year as they organized and engaged neighborhoods across the city of San Diego.

When she’s not delving into the world of electoral politics or building leadership opportunities, you can catch her drinking a chai latte at the beach or in the library obsessing over books (especially that one amazing series called Harry Potter).