Born and raised in a rural corner of the San Francisco Bay Area, Maya’s background is rooted in the lived experience of place-based and community-centered solutions. Her multi-generational family legacy of lateral service to BIPOC communities is rooted in the United Farmworkers Union, the Civil Rights movement, the desegregation of San Jose urban school districts, healthcare on rural reservations, teen substance abuse prevention, and youth leadership development.
Maya joined HRI in July 2022, stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director in January 2024. Formally promoted to Executive Director one year later, she is proud to steward the organization forward through its next cycle of growth and expansion.
Currently reconnecting under the guidance and council of her deeply beloved Indigenous elders, Maya carries Otomi, Caxcan, and Spanish heritage on her Mexican side, as well as English, Scot-Irish, and Ashkenazi Jewish paternal lineage as part of the European diaspora. When she’s not juggling meetings and deadlines she can be found reading, playing in the Pacific (whenever tides allow), and planning her next adventure.
Hellos and questions can be sent to maya@hricommunity.org

Dr. Barbara Bain is Upper Klamath Shasta-Kanaka living on Chumash and Upper Klamath Shasta lands. She is a recognized a member of the Shasta Nation of Northern California.
Dr. Bain is an Indigenous psychologist who holds a PhD in Depth Psychology, a Master of Science in Cultural Resource Management, and an advanced certification in Dream Tending. Dr. Bain is considered one of the top 40 dreamworkers in the world today and is an is an adjunct professor at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is also the owner and operator of Indigenous Awakening Consulting.
In her professional work beyond HRI Dr. Bain presents, moderates, teaches, and publishes on the decolonization of California Indians as well as the personal and community wellbeing of Indigenous peoples world-wide. She lives in Santa Barbara, California with her two sons and can be reached at barbara@hricomunity.org

Leadership Team