11/28/2024
As we reflect on the first year of the Marian Work Study program, we are filled with gratitude. We’re thankful for the mentors who believed in us, the donors who contributed their time, talent, and resources, the students who helped pioneer this initiative, and the lives that have been positively impacted. Together, we’ve built a stronger community, one that is driven to empower CT youth. But above all, we are profoundly grateful for our team and, in particular, Mayamiko Msusa, who helped lay the foundation of this nonprofit.
Maya, originally from Malawi, Africa, faced great hardship early in life but overcame immense challenges and today she embodies resilience in every sense. After graduating high school, Maya moved to Russia to pursue a STEM degree, despite not knowing the language. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there—she later came to the United States to earn her Master’s degree in Data Analytics.
Maya’s natural leadership abilities are evident and she is hardworking, meticulous, humble, and always ready to guide others. Because of these qualities, when it came time to build the Marian Work Study initiative, we didn’t just invite Maya—we practically begged her to join us. Having been mentored herself, Maya understood the power mentorship has to transform lives and agreed. What was meant to be a three-month internship commitment turned into an additional year of invaluable service.
The successes we’re seeing, the doors of opportunity opening, and the achievements of our students are, in large part, due to Maya. Marian is a complex program with many moving parts, and without her dedication, her attention to detail, and her love for our students, our pilot year would not have been as effective, efficient, or transformative.
Maya is one of the most beautiful and supportive women we know. As she searches and prepares to step into a role in her chosen career field, we want to take a moment on this Thanksgiving Day to recognize her for all she has done. We give thanks to God for her life and the incredible impact she has had on this program