Maryan (she/her/hers) is a San Diego native and daughter of Somali refugees. A Black, Muslim feminist, her greatest passion lies in building community while centering those most impacted. She received her B.S. at San Diego State University in Biology. As a student, her involvement in community education fueled her frustration with health disparities and the racist, structural barriers that produced them. After graduating, she started as a policy intern with Mid-City Community Advocacy Network (CAN) and eventually became a Leadership Development Specialist with the organization, where she supported those from underrepresented communities to serve on boards and commissions and advocate for systemic change. She’s currently the Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Community Empowerment with San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera for District 9. Outside of work, Maryan spends her time organizing with and for Black womxn and femmes as well as building electoral power for our people through the political space.