Maya Ajmera // CEO of Society for Science & the Public
In Episode 21 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Maya Ajmera, the CEO of Society for Science & the Public on solving global problems through investing in world class research, big data, media, and the next generation of scientists.
----------------------------------------
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.
We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.
To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
Maya Ajmera has had an incredible life so far. She is currently the President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public (SSP) and Publisher of its award-winning magazine Science News. Founded in 1921, SSP works to promote the understanding and appreciation of science, and the vital role it plays in human advancement. It is best known for its world-class science competitions including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, International Science and Engineering Fair, and Broadcom MASTERS.
In 2013-2014, Maya served as the inaugural Social Entrepreneur in Residence for Duke University and Visiting Professor for the Practice of Public Policy at The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke.
From 2011-2014, Maya was a Visiting Scholar and Professorial Lecturer at The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at The Johns Hopkins University. While at SAIS she wrote a foreign policy book on the global plight of children and youth entitled Invisible Children: Reimagining International Development at the Grassroots (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016). She continues to serve as an adjunct on the faculty of the International Development Program and teaches the course "Social Innovations in International Development for Children and Youth."
In 1993, Maya founded The Global Fund for Children (GFC), a non-profit organization that invests in innovative, community-based organizations working with some of the world’s most vulnerable children and youth. Under Maya's 18 years of leadership, GFC grew from a seedling vision into one of the largest networks of grassroots organizations working on behalf of vulnerable children. To date, GFC has awarded nearly $40 million to over 600 grassroots organizations in 80 countries, touching the lives of nearly 10 million children.
Maya is also an award-winning children’s book author of over 20 titles, including Every Breath We Take, Children from Australia to Zimbabwe, Faith, and To Be a Kid, with nearly 5 million readers worldwide.
Maya holds an AB from Bryn Mawr College and a MPP from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband David H. Hollander Jr., a partner at Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, and their daughter.
Maya is Co-Chair of the board of Echoing Green, a trustee of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and a board member of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). She serves on numerous advisory boards, including the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) at Duke University, Washington Area Women’s Foundation, American India Foundation, The Golden Baobab Prize, and many others. In 2008, she served as a member of the Innovation and Civil Society subgroup of the Obama presidential transition’s Technology, Innovation and Government Reform Policy Working Group.
Check out:
Maya is Co-Chair of the board of Echoing Green, a trustee of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and a board member of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). She serves on numerous advisory boards, including the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) at Duke University, Washington Area Women’s Foundation, American India Foundation, The Golden Baobab Prize, and many others. In 2008, she served as a member of the Innovation and Civil Society subgroup of the Obama presidential transition’s Technology, Innovation and Government Reform Policy Working Group.
Check out:
ImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.
Podcast Made with Transistor
Podcast cover design Made with Canva
Build amazing web platforms with Webflow
Podcast cover design Made with Canva
Build amazing web platforms with Webflow
----------------------------------------
Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:
- Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
- Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
- Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
- Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
- Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
- IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
- Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
- Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.
As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.
👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com
