Maya Penn is an inspiring American entrepreneur, human rights activist, philanthropist, animator, and the CEO of her eco-friendly fashion company, Maya’s Ideas. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she launched her business at just eight years old, showcasing her remarkable entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Penn gained widespread recognition after speaking at the TEDWomen event in San Francisco, where her insights and creativity captivated audiences. She has since delivered two official TED Talks and one TEDxTalk, establishing herself as a prominent voice for change.
In addition to her work in fashion, Maya is a talented animator and artist. She began drawing cartoon characters early in her childhood and created the animated series *The Pollinators*, which highlights the vital role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. At TEDWomen 2013, she premiered clips from *The Pollinators* and another animated series, *Malicious Dishes*. In 2022, she completed her first animated action-adventure short film, *Asali: Power of The Pollinators*, further showcasing her passion for storytelling and environmental advocacy.
Maya is deeply committed to social justice, supporting organizations like One Billion Rising and Girls, Inc. In 2011, she founded her nonprofit, Maya’s Ideas 4 The Planet, dedicated to promoting sustainability and education. Her impactful work has earned her a spot on Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 list of visionaries and influential leaders in 2016.
Maya’s influence extends across various media, as she has been featured in numerous magazines, podcasts, and TV programs. She also guest-edited the 17th edition of Eluxe Magazine, focusing on sustainability and Generation Z. Through her diverse talents and unwavering commitment to positive change, Maya Penn continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
