Maya Jenkins is an SNF Agora Academy Predoctoral Fellow. Her research interests include Black women, their politics, and how marginalized people non-violently create community change.
She recently graduated from the University of Mary Washington (UMW), where she received a BA in political science. In undergrad, as a leader in her college chapter of the NAACP, she conducted research and head-authored a report on police violence and university neglect of Black students. This research led to an increase in mental health diversion programming and the creation of more transparency initiatives with university administration and police. With the help of her chapter, Maya also created and directed a video series highlighting Black students and the passions they bring to life on campus.
Prior to the fellowship, she interned with the housing non-profit Housing Opportunities Made Equal in Virginia, Inc., to research evictions and the intersection between gentrification and displacement in Richmond.