Maya Russell

Maya Michelle Russell is a 17-year-old artist whose music reflects courage and connection. A 2025 National YoungArts Award winner, Maya first discovered the power of songwriting when she wrote a protest song for her parents to change schools – and it worked! That moment revealed how music could move people and create change.

Maya has since become a dynamic artist across disciplines, performing on stages throughout Seattle, including the 5th Avenue Theatre, Intiman Theatre, and Teen Summer Musical; and singing the national anthem for the NFL, NHL, and NWSL. She is a two-time Starbucks “Up Next” artist and an STG “More Music” performer, once sharing the stage with Grammy Award winner Mavis Staples.

A senior at Holy Names Academy, Maya serves as co-class president and recently served as Regional “We Are One” Chair for Jack and Jill of America, championing inclusion and accessibility for youth of all abilities. She is spending her first semester at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in South Africa, expanding her perspective on what it means to lead and change the world.

Listen to Maya’s Winning Song Below!

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