Maya Penn

Maya Penn is a climate solutionist, award-winning founder, filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist, animator, 3 time TEDTalk speaker, and author. Starting her work in 2008 at just 8 years old, now in her early 20s Maya has been working for nearly 17 years. Through her nonprofit Maya’s Ideas 4 The Planet founded in 2011, she’s launched humanitarian and environmental justice initiatives in the US, Haiti, Senegal, and Cameroon. Through her production company Upenndo! Productions, Maya is creating the next generation of nature-based storytelling and media, and has written, directed, and lead animated an original short film titled ASALI: Power of The Pollinators executive produced by Viola Davis featuring the voice talents of Whoopi Goldberg, Monique Coleman, Calum Worthy and more, and creating job opportunities for young artists and storytellers in 11+ countries around the world on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Maya is a global change maker and educator with talks that have been translated into over 40 languages, and books on sustainable entrepreneurship that have been used in curriculum in schools around the world. She is certified by Cambridge Business School in Circular Economies and Sustainable Strategies, and has consulted global companies and nonprofits. Maya was a judge for the 2024 Berlin Fashion Film Festival, and Junk Kouture’s world finals in Dublin. Maya was inducted into the first ever Youth Impact Council by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and was an early ambassador of the Royal Foundation’s Earthshot Prize. Maya graced the Cover of Vogue alongside musician Billie Eilish speaking together on climate action. Maya received a commendation from President Barack Obama at 16 years old for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship. Maya is a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Champion. Maya was awarded the Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award at 16 years old, by Dr. Bernice King.