From Classroom to Council Chambers: Maya Hardy’s Path of Service, Study, and Steadfast Commitment
For Maya Hardy (B.A. Board of Governors ’11, M.A. Mass Communication/Media Studies ’14), education was more than an expectation—it was a family value rooted in discipline, focus, and resilience. Her parents made early investments in her future by enrolling her and her sisters in Catholic schools. Maya attended St. Leo the Great and then Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, where her mother hoped the structured learning environment would minimize distractions and deliver the best education possible. That early experience laid the foundation for Maya’s belief in the power of education to change lives.
Maya is a proud first-generation college graduate. With an older sister who always earned straight A’s, Maya initially aimed for a solid 3.0 GPA—enough to meet expectations without feeling overwhelmed. But something changed once she arrived at Governors State University. Working full-time in the Purchasing Department, raising two young children, and attending classes in the evenings, Maya surprised even herself by earning the highest GPA of her academic career while completing her master’s degree. “No one saw that coming—not even me,” she says. “It made me realize just how much I was capable of when I had the right support.”
That support came from many places at GovState. The university’s employee benefit of six free credit hours per semester allowed her to complete her degrees without incurring significant student loan debt. Her supervisor encouraged her to use lunch hours for daytime classes. And many of her colleagues were students, too, creating a sense of shared purpose across work and academics. “It was a truly balanced environment—work, life, and education all came together in a way that made my success possible,” she reflects.
Maya also credits her professors for helping shape the professional she is today. Dr. Michael Purdy refined her writing skills by returning her assignments again and again until they were grammatically perfect. “I wanted to quit his class, and I saw others drop it—but I’m so glad I stayed,” she says. Dr. Ana Kong helped Maya conquer her fear of public speaking, providing supportive but direct feedback on her class presentations. Those lessons stayed with her, especially as she began working in public service and nonprofit leadership roles where clear communication is key.
Her time at GovState sparked a passion for civic engagement that would shape her career. An internship with Congresswoman Robin Kelly turned into a pivotal experience, helping Maya improve her leadership, communication, and policy analysis skills. Soon after, she became the District Administrator for Illinois State Representative Will Davis, a role that deepened her commitment to public service and opened the door to greater opportunities.
In 2019, Maya took a bold step and was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees—selected from a pool of 17 candidates after two interviews. “I’d helped others run for office, but this was my first time stepping into the arena myself,” she says. The role has been transformative, teaching her the importance of active listening, empathy, and adaptability. “Being a public servant has taught me that leadership is less about speaking and more about understanding,” she notes. As a Trustee, she’s had to balance competing interests, make tough policy decisions, and remain grounded in transparency and accountability.
Today, Maya continues her mission of service as the Regional Director of Development for the South-Southwest Suburban Region at United Way of Metro Chicago, where she fosters partnerships that improve lives across the region. Through her work, she frequently collaborates with GovState—bringing her story full circle as an alumna now investing back in her alma mater and its surrounding communities.
Balancing her roles as a public official, nonprofit leader, and mother has required intention and constant reflection. “I’ve learned to set boundaries, prioritize, and delegate,” she says. Practicing self-care, maintaining open communication with her network, and being adaptable are now key components of her success. “It’s a juggling act, but staying aligned with my values keeps everything in motion.”
To current GovState students and alumni interested in public service or nonprofit leadership, Maya offers clear and encouraging advice: “Intern, volunteer, and—seriously—network. Find your passion and align it with your purpose. Don’t be afraid to continue your education, whether through graduate school or certification programs. GovState is a great place to do that.”
One of her proudest moments as an alumna came when her son, Julian, followed in her footsteps—attending GovState, playing four years of basketball, and earning his degree. “When I was a student, a lot of these opportunities didn’t exist,” Maya says. “Seeing my son walk across that stage brought me full circle and filled me with pride.”
With deep gratitude for the education that transformed her life, Maya Hardy remains dedicated to opening doors for others through advocacy, leadership, and service. “I’ve been extremely blessed to be where I am in life,” she says. “And I’m proud to still be working alongside GovState to help others find their path forward.”
Oh—and in true Jaguar fashion, she adds: “Go JAGUARS!”
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator