Maya’s approach is shaped by years of engagement in Indigenous-led networks focused on ecological knowledge, cultural revitalization, and relational accountability. She is committed to strengthening how communities and organizations hold and move information and resources, and to co-creating liberated futures grounded in land, relationship, and responsibility.
Maya Soto
Maya Luz Soto (Boriken Taino and Settler [European]) resides in Yanaguana/Somi Se’k (San Antonio, TX), the traditional homelands of the Coahuiltecan, Estok G’na, and Lipan Apache. Her work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, collective care, and community-led futures.
Prior to joining IRIS, Maya worked primarily across program development, communications, and operations within Indigenous-led and community-based initiatives. Her practice focuses on building the systems and structures that support sustained collective work, including program design, implementation, and the internal coordination needed to keep projects and teams functioning effectively over time.
Her experience spans advocacy and justice work, including efforts addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), as well as Indigenous food systems, land-based education, and community organizing. Across these contexts, she has supported communications work, particularly in translating complex initiatives into accessible materials for different audiences.