Meet the Committee Members Behind Southside Collaborative: Cindy Maya

When Cindy first connected with Southside Collaborative, she had no idea how deeply involved she would become or how meaningful the experience would be. A chance encounter at a vaccine drive during high school sparked a conversation with Margarita, the collaborative's former director, setting Cindy on an unexpected journey that continues today.

"It was just a major coincidence, and I'm really grateful that it happened," Cindy shared warmly, reflecting on how a simple conversation led her to three rewarding years of community-focused work.

Now a biology student at Texas A&M San Antonio, Cindy's academic goals align perfectly with the collaborative's mission. Pursuing the pre-Physician Assistant route, she views her involvement as essential, connecting classroom learning to real-world community health needs. "This work is really important for me so I can understand what the community needs right now because it all impacts health in the end," Cindy explained.

For Cindy, serving her community is especially personal. She and her family—parents, grandparents, and extended relatives—have deep roots in the South Side. "We really love it over here," Cindy said. "It's calm and peaceful, and that makes this work extra special for me."

One particularly heartwarming connection Cindy made through her work was with Connie, a regular attendee of the collaborative's weekly health clubs. It turned out they were neighbors, reinforcing Cindy's belief in the collaborative's role as a vital community connector. "Connie's awesome. She's ready to go every week, excited to see what activities we have," Cindy remarked. "The health clubs give seniors and others a critical space to socialize, especially since many can't drive far."

Cindy's schedule will soon intensify as she completes her degree. Yet her commitment to the collaborative remains strong. "I might have to step back a bit, but I told Edward [Southside Collaborative's Director] I want to stay involved however I can. I really don't want to let this work go. It's just too important."

Cindy envisions the Southside Collaborative growing even more influential, empowering the community itself to take the lead. "I really see the community becoming empowered," she said. "We want our neighbors to take ownership, driving the work forward. I see it getting bigger—so much so that you'll hear 'Southside Collaborative' everywhere."