Maryann is Executive Vice President at Justice + Joy, focusing on strategic communications, development, and organizational strategy. She has 26 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector and is deeply committed to working toward a liberated, abundant future where there is no ‘other.’ Maryann’s debut picture book, TÉO’S TUTU, was named an Amazon Best Book of 2021 for 3-5 year olds; a 2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Book by the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children’s Book Council; and a 2023 Rainbow List book by the American Library Association. It has also received positive reviews from School Library Journal, Horn Book, and Kirkus Reviews. Her second picture book, NISHA KNOWS BEST, is forthcoming from Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House in spring 2026. Maryann received her B.A. in English from the City College of New York, CUNY, her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Solstice MFA Program, and a Professional Certificate in Human Rights from Columbia University. She serves on the board of directors of Baldwin for the Arts, a residency fellowship program for Artists of the Global Majority founded by Jacqueline Woodson.
