Hello! My name is Maya-Gawonii, and I am the owner and heart behind Cowrie Crossings. Cowrie Crossings is a Black, Tsalagi, and Egyptian, queer-run mom-owned business built on a foundation of care and courage.

I work as a community educator, doula, and healer. I bring a deep dedication, vision, and a heart rooted in justice, equity, and dignity for all oppressed peoples. I’ve been organizing in political and grassroots movements since 2008, always guided by a belief in the collective power of the people.

As an Afro-Indigenous and Arab mother to a 12-year-old, I show up to this work with tenderness and fire; holding space for joy, grief, and transformation. I believe we are moving forward towards a world where black and indigenous teachings are centered, care is honored, and everyone benefits from the collective wisdom of lived experiences.

For over a decade, I have been dedicated to creating spaces where the possible takes shape. My journey has taken me through over a decade of community outreach honing my skills in fostering connection and transformation. I am trained in facilitation skills and sociology, and spent undergrad partly at CSUMB and partly at UC Santa Cruz.

When I’m not creating spaces for transformation, you might find me on stage practicing stand-up comedy, curled up with a good fiction book (I’m always open to recommendations!), or spending time with my twelve-year-old at the local comic book spot (my favorite shop is Cape n Cowl in Oakland!). I’m a strong believer that laughter, healing, and resistance go hand in hand, and that a liberated future is not only possible, but already on its way.

At Cowrie Crossings, I’m here to walk with you. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Feedback for Maya-Gawonii from past participants:

“Maya-Gawonii is a wonderfully kind, helpful, patient and supportive person. I would highly recommend working with her in any of her mediums. Maya-Gawonii showed so much compassion for everyone in our call and made such a wonderful space for growth.”

Social Media: @mayagawoniiwrites on Instagram