Maia Ihemeje

Maia Ihemeje

Country of Origin: Australia · Work extends to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Occupation/Title: Founding Director · Youth Advocate · Community Justice Practitioner

Organization/Company: Yung Prodigy

Summary/About

Maia Ihemeje is committed to reimagining systems of care and justice through decolonial and community-driven approaches. As the Founding Director of Yung Prodigy, a youth-led organisation in so-called Australia, she works to liberate young people from the impacts of the carceral system. Her advocacy extends across continents, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where she supports arts-based grassroots collectives and contributes to community journalism initiatives that centre local storytellers. Maia’s interdisciplinary approach blends advocacy and creative expression as tools for knowledge sharing and truth-telling. Her work challenges extractive models, placing self-determination, healing, and global solidarity at the heart of efforts to dismantle systems of oppression.

Areas of Expertise

• Decolonial and community-driven justice
• Youth empowerment and liberation from carceral systems
• Arts-based advocacy and grassroots organizing
• Community journalism and storytelling
• Global solidarity and healing practices

Professional Experience

• Founding Director – Yung Prodigy (Australia): Established and leads a youth-led organisation dedicated to liberating young people from systemic harms of incarceration, centring community-driven justice and empowerment.
• Grassroots Collective Support – Democratic Republic of the Congo: Collaborates with arts-based community groups to strengthen local initiatives, amplify indigenous voices, and disrupt external narratives imposed without context.
• Community Journalism Contributor – DRC: Supports initiatives that elevate local storytellers, ensuring that knowledge production and truth-telling remain rooted in community perspectives.

Skills

• Advocacy and systems change
• Creative expression and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing
• Community organizing and grassroots engagement
• Strategic leadership and program development
• Cross-cultural collaboration and solidarity building

Additional Brief

Maia Ihemeje’s work reflects a deep commitment to justice, healing, and self-determination. Through her leadership, advocacy, and creative collaborations, she continues to inspire transformative change across local and global contexts. Her vision challenges oppressive systems while building pathways for liberation, solidarity, and community resilience.