Maya True Wasik
Chapel Hill,NC
Summary
Curious by nature, adaptable by experience—I thrive in fast-paced environments where storytelling meets impact. I’m committed to using media as a tool for awareness, accountability, and change. As a video producer and creative communicator, I specialize in translating complex issues into compelling visual narratives. With a foundation in documentary filmmaking, photojournalism, investigative reporting, and cross-disciplinary research, I bring stories to life through sharp editing, intentional cinematography, and a deep respect for truth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Communication Specialist
Center for Galapagos Studies
Chapel Hill, NC
06.2024 - Current
- Selected as Undergraduate Research Fellow (July 2025) to create a documentary on young scientists’ impact on Galápagos conservation.
- Developed social media strategies to enhance viewership for UNC's Center for Galapagos Studies.
- Managed web design of the Center of Galapagos Studies
- Helped to drive $2 million in fundraising through local and international partnerships.
- Initiated community-focused fundraising campaigns with local businesses to support environmental initiatives.
- Collaborated with researchers to write articles that showcase the Center’s conservation efforts and scientific breakthroughs.
- Designed newsletters for over 20,000 subscribers
Co-Founder, Photographer, and Journalist
Shots of Life
South-East Region, USA
06.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: A music publishing company run by college students for college students
- Reviewing and documenting performances across the Southeast, featuring major acts like Glass Animals, Kevin Abstract, PARTYNEXTDOOR, CRUMB, and The Marías, alongside emerging local artists such as Mason Wasik, Satellite Dog, and The Davie Circle Band
- Talent management and acquisition
Videographer and Content Creator Intern
Article 41
Chapel Hill, NC
12.2024 - 01.2026
- Partnering with UNC student-athletes and coaches to create and deliver compelling multimedia content enhancing personal brands and maximizing sponsorship opportunities within rapidly evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) market
- Shot and edited raw footage into a final product using Adobe Premiere.
- Cultivated skills to create impactful, high-view content in fast-paced startup environment
Apprenticeship
Agile Labs Services, LLC
Raleigh, NC
12.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: A bio-pharma services company providing innovative infection protection and sterilization.
- -Provide innovative infection protection and sterilization services for pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, government agencies, and rural healthcare facilities.
- Operate in high-risk environments—including disease outbreaks and chemical leaks—wearing full hazmat suits to decontaminate medical spaces.
- Assist with the setup and relocation of critical medical equipment in sterile and post-contaminated environments.
Bartender/Head Barback
Moon Room
Raleigh, NC
06.2025 - 08.2025
Hostess
Vinos Finos
Raleigh, NC
06.2025 - 08.2025
Bartender/Server
TRU
Chapel Hill, NC
07.2024 - 12.2024
Journalist and Researcher Intern
Beacon Media
Chapel Hill, NC
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Bilingual reporter and researcher for Beacon Media, a pro-democracy nonprofit amplifying diverse voices in rural North Carolina.
- Conducted interviews with community leaders and activists, producing non-partisan reports focused on social and economic equity
- Created bilingual content to foster inclusive dialogue and raise awareness of critical issues affecting diverse communities in rural North Carolina.
Cultural Ambassador
Rotary Exchange
Rome, Italy
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Selected as a U.S. Rotary Cultural Exchange Ambassador Scholar for a three-month immersive program in Rome, Italy.
- Delivering international presentations about U.S. culture at Rotary meetings
- Developed conversational Italian language through daily immersion.
Actor & Model
KUTalent Agency
Raleigh, NC
01.2015 - 08.2023
- Company Overview: Full-service talent agency representing talent nationally in varied facets of the entertainment industry including film, television, commercial, industrial, voice-over, and print
- I have worked on films, short films, and commercial projects (both in front of and behind the camera) working as an actor, writer, director, editor, and producer
- Full-service talent agency representing talent nationally in varied facets of the entertainment industry including film, television, commercial, industrial, voice-over, and print
Internship
Arenas Immigration Law Firm at Headquarters Office
Raleigh, North Carolina
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Completed a summer intensive internship assisting immigration lawyers and paralegals with visa applications and political asylum cases.
- Conducted legal research and provided administrative support to streamline case management.
- Developed and maintained an online client database to improve organizational efficiency.
- Delivered Spanish language translation services to support effective communication with immigrant clients.
Apprenticeship & Internship
The Comedy Conservatory / Moonlight Stage Company
Raleigh, NC
01.2016 - 12.2022
- Performed nationally with several improv troupes
- Assisted and coached several classes in comedy and theater
- Served in teaching and production assistant roles at Moonlight Stage Company
- Performance areas include theater, improv, original music, stand-up comedy, and screenwriting
- As a student and multi-year seasonal intern, I have collaborated, produced, written, and directed several short films and multimedia projects
Raleigh Digital Connector Internship
Raleigh Digital Connectors
Raleigh, NC
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Year-long internship program serving the community through technology, community service, and leadership opportunities by providing technical training, mentoring, and service to communities
- Worked and collaborated on community-based technology projects
- Rebuilt and distributed computers to underserved communities and populations
Education
Media/Journalism And Global Studies -
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina02.2025
IB International Student -
United World Colleges - Costa Rica And New Mexico Campus
01.2023
Needham Broughton High School - AP Honors Student
Needham Broughton High School
Raleigh, NC01.2021
Global Leadership Forum - Social Justice/Global Leadership
United World Colleges
New Mexico01.2020
Skills
Languages
- Proficient in English/Spanish
- Conversational in Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian/Italian
Storytelling & Writing
- Script Writing (Creative & Non-Fiction)
- News Writing and Reporting
- Investigative Researching
- Copywriting
Production & Direction
- Audio-Visual Directing/Producing (Short Films, Documentary, Social Media)
- Production Assistant
- Cinematography
- Interview Filming and Editing
Visual Media & Design:
- Photography/Photojournalism
- Creative Branding and Marketing Content
- Social Media Strategy
- Web Design and Management
Post Production & Technical Tools
- Adobe Premiere
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom and Lightroom Classic
- Wordpress
- Audio Mixing
- Color Grading
- R-Studio (Program Coding)
- Tableau Software
Global Communication
- International Public Relations
- International Team Building
- Fundraising Outreach
- Human Rights Advocacy
Soft Skills
- Critical Thinker
- Creative Problem Solver
- Collaborator
- Musical Preformer: Piano, Guitar, and Vocals
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Slack
Websites
Volunteer Experience
- Peruvian Hearts
- MeFine Foundation
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
- Humans of UNC
- Her Path to Healing
Hobbies and Interests
PADI certification
Timeline
Bartender/Head Barback
Moon Room
06.2025 - 08.2025
Hostess
Vinos Finos
06.2025 - 08.2025
Videographer and Content Creator Intern
Article 41
12.2024 - 01.2026
Bartender/Server
TRU
07.2024 - 12.2024
Communication Specialist
Center for Galapagos Studies
06.2024 - Current
Co-Founder, Photographer, and Journalist
Shots of Life
06.2024 - Current
Journalist and Researcher Intern
Beacon Media
10.2023 - 12.2023
Cultural Ambassador
Rotary Exchange
06.2022 - 08.2022
Internship
Arenas Immigration Law Firm at Headquarters Office
06.2022 - 08.2022
Apprenticeship
Agile Labs Services, LLC
12.2020 - Current
Raleigh Digital Connector Internship
Raleigh Digital Connectors
08.2020 - 05.2021
Apprenticeship & Internship
The Comedy Conservatory / Moonlight Stage Company
01.2016 - 12.2022
Actor & Model
KUTalent Agency
01.2015 - 08.2023
Media/Journalism And Global Studies -
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
IB International Student -
United World Colleges - Costa Rica And New Mexico Campus
Needham Broughton High School - AP Honors Student
Needham Broughton High School
Global Leadership Forum - Social Justice/Global Leadership
United World Colleges
Similar Profiles
Bryony WhitelawBryony Whitelaw
Intern at The International Center for Terrorism Studies, Potomac Institute for Policy StudiesIntern at The International Center for Terrorism Studies, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
Max HoegenauerMax Hoegenauer
QMS Summer Student at GalapagosQMS Summer Student at Galapagos
Steven AlejandroSteven Alejandro
Cyber Analyst III on UAM/Insider Threat Program at Galapagos LLCCyber Analyst III on UAM/Insider Threat Program at Galapagos LLC
Alejandra Garcia RodriguezAlejandra Garcia Rodriguez
Cashier at Pet Supplies PlusCashier at Pet Supplies Plus
Ashrith YelavartiAshrith Yelavarti
Medical Scribe at UNC Orthopedic Spine Surgery & UNC Podiatry SurgeryMedical Scribe at UNC Orthopedic Spine Surgery & UNC Podiatry Surgery