Maya Shewnarain

Maya is your favorite Auntie/Elder -  teaching and guiding towards liberation and healing with stories and presence. She walks in connection and care with the collective. Maya lives in her authenticity - filled with humor, love, light and accountability for herself and others.

In 2025, Maya and Alexa Grae co-host the podcast Wise Outside, which offers to explore wisdom from both inside and outside perspectives. Maya is also a writer and creative explorer - using the mediums of oral storytelling, written word, podcasting, dancing and whatever else she may be called to, for expression.

Maya continues to guide folks and teach within and outside of various spaces for over 30 years. Maya was born in Guyana, and you can currently find Maya walking the streets of her beloved Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago disrupting patterns, and bringing the vibe of the village to wherever she is. Maya delights in cooking and sharing meals with friends and neighbors, and in showing up with presence and intention for those she loves and those all around her.

Alexa Græ

Alexa Grae, (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist, vocalist, and composer. Recently, they were a  part of The Apollo Theater's works in process as ‘Vox’ in Derek McPhatter’s cyber punk rock opera: water riot. Alexa premiered their techno-opera, Tone Pillar, (dir. Stephanie Acosta), for Out-FRONT! Fest2026 curated by Pioneers Go East Collective. They have collaborated with Stephanie Acosta, Isaac Pool, Jessie Young, Same As Sister, and Pioneers Go East. Alexa released their studio song cycle ‘SEEN’ with the premiere of ‘Sur La Nuit’ an operatic - electronic music video (Matthew Ozawa & Jon Wes) at The Art Institute Chicago with Open Television. They have performed with Haymarket Opera Company, Madison Opera, The Savannah Philharmonic, and Northwestern University Orchestra.