Maya Soetoro-Ng
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Maya Soetoro-Ng (born August 15, 1970) is an American educator, author, and activist. She is the half-sister of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Maya grew up in Hawaii and earned a degree in International Relations from Barnard College, followed by a Master’s degree in Education from Columbia University. She has dedicated her career to education and social justice, focusing on cross-cultural understanding and promoting global citizenship. She has worked as a teacher and administrator, as well as a peacebuilding educator in various organizations worldwide.
Maya Soetoro-Ng is also the author of the children’s book "The Lotus Seed", which draws on her experiences with her family’s heritage and the power of cultural identity. Her writing explores themes of family, identity, and peace, aiming to teach young readers about the value of understanding different cultures and backgrounds. In addition to her work as an author, Maya has been an advocate for human rights and community service, speaking out about the importance of education in fostering global change.
Notable Quotes by Maya Soetoro-Ng:
“The most important thing we can teach our children is to be kind to others, to make the world a better place, and to be proud of who they are.”
“I believe in the importance of story. I believe in the power of story to change people's lives.”
“In the face of difficulty, we must find the strength to imagine the future.”
Maya Soetoro-Ng’s work continues to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse world we live in. Her advocacy for cultural empathy and peace remains an important message in today’s globalized society.