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hometown hero

Get to know the newest Peoria Independent Hometown Hero

Maylee Acosta is the 2022 Hometown Hero in the Leader of Tomorrow category

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Maylee Acosta has been named the Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the Leader of Tomorrow category.

The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who have contributed to the city, and those who have made local achievements and distinguished contributions to the community.

Acosta will be honored at an awards luncheon next year.

In partnership with the city of Peoria, she will be interviewed by the city and aired on Channel 11.

Get to know Acosta here:

What I like most about living in Peoria.

I like that I feel safe in my neighborhood and around the city at any time of the day.

Personal background highlights.

I am one of five girls in a family of first generation migrants from Mexico. I was born in Maryvale, grew up in Phoenix, and then moved to Peoria when I was 10. My childhood was fairly humble, I remember a time where we had trendy toys and a time where my sisters and I played with cardboard boxes. From those conservative times I adopted a mentality similar to what I saw in my parents and grandparents — to always work as hard as you can.

A goal of mine is to eventually take care of my parents and offer them a life where they no longer have to work. With a goal like this driving my actions, I took advantage of any and every opportunity that came my way. In middle school I participated in math and science competitions, joined Cross Country, tried out for Soccer, Volleyball and Softball. In high school I joined science, health, business and advocacy clubs and organizations, volunteered, ran track, and got two jobs. While I always put my best foot forward in the name of my family, I grew to love the things that I did and the effort I was putting into my community. I found greater meaning for life through serving others.

Professional background highlights.
When I got to high school, I ran for student council and joined a plethora of clubs and organizations. While all were rewarding, I would like to highlight my involvement in student council because that is where I met Ian Mullane. Ian was a senior who had been accepted to Harvard University. I remember he’d made an announcement, or recommended to me personally, to apply to the Peoria Youth Advisory Board, so I did. I applied, scheduled an interview, and was accepted.

Through that experience I was able to break through my individual doubts as a leader and served as chair while also serving as a Youth Council Liaison. I participated in City Council meetings and had the opportunity to engage with youth from all over the nation. Through the Youth Advisory Board I found my passion for city governance.

While I was involved in my community I was also working at In-N-Out Burger and Lil’ Learners Preschool. During my time at Northern Arizona University, I applied for the job of a vacant student senate position and worked as a senator for a semester and a half. I applied for a resident assistant role and have been working for Housing and Residence Life for the past two years. Junior year I was highly ambitious and I ran for Student Body President. I won my election and have been working on advocacy efforts and leading an office of 40 students since then.

What does it mean to be a Peoria resident?

To be innovative, welcoming and thoughtful. When I reflect on my experiences as a Youth Advisory Board member I realize there were several instances where my community was creative in trying to revitalize older parts of the city, that Peoria has welcoming neighborhoods but even more diverse community functions, and that Peoria is thoughtful in the way it engages their youth and truly tries to represent all their constituents.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better?

I would like to believe that my curiosity, attention to detail, and initiative have contributed to the community. An instance that I can remember comes from 2018 when I served a 1-year term as Youth Council Liaison for the city of Peoria. In this role, I learned many things about the city — mostly from the Planning Department. Almost every meeting, I remember sitting through presentations regarding annexations, development approval, or changes to ordinances. I asked a question once about why streetlights were being added to a street that only had stop signs. To my surprise, Chris Jacques, the Planning and Community Development Director, said that a child died in an accident that could have been prevented with better signage. Truthfully, I never fully understood his presentations. However, this one interaction was what further ignited my interest in city planning and city governance. My perception of the Planning Department shifted, I began to see it as a direct opportunity to improve the quality of life and safety of the community. I started asking more questions. I became more aware of my city and surroundings, and grew excited to learn more about planning. One day, I sent an email to the City Clerk about a concern I had near 75th and Peoria. I noticed children frequently running across that street without a crosswalk. Unfortunately, my concern was turned away by the contact I was given. Then, about a year later, a streetlight and crosswalk was placed exactly where I had requested it. I don’t know if my request influenced that decision, but regardless, I was content in thinking that my voice was heard and that potentially, that small addition saved a child’s life.

Changes I’d like to see in Peoria.

I’d like to see more people outside! Obviously Peoria does not have the beautiful Summer weather of Flagstaff but it would be nice to see more trees that offer shade for people to bike or walk around town.

My family (what have they taught you).

My mom battled cancer for about seven years and is still fighting the effects of it. I watched the way that experience hurt her but also how she gained strength from it. She emphasized the ability to control thoughts over emotions and to this day, she claims that her positivity is the reason she never lost her hair through chemotherapy. Even though I still get overwhelmed with emotions, I am able to process them and work through difficult situations because of her constant reminders that I can regain focus and stay positive in any situation.

My dad is as kind and hardworking as they come. He works 12-hour days as a construction worker and has been since he was 16. He has taught me the importance of discipline and hard work. Whenever I feel that something is too hard or not possible, I think of my dad and how he graduated from Peoria High School with a 3.5 GPA even though he came to the U.S. at 15 without knowing English.

My interests and hobbies.

I have a soft spot for issues that address access and equity. Anything from helping the homeless to ensuring students have access to basic needs on campus, I will dedicate my time and effort to.

I like to make crafts on my Cricut or with objects that I find around the house. Whenever I can, I like to be physically active and outdoors. I also make it a priority to spend time with friends and family.

The trait(s) I admire in others.
Confidence, thoughtfulness and patience.

People who inspired me (and how).
My NAU student council advisor, Michelle Gardner, and sorority advisor, Tracye Moore. Both of these women are strong leaders in their own ways. Michelle has shown me what it looks like to be an organized and thoughtful leader that builds genuine relationships with others. Dr. Moore has helped me take on criticism constructively, be assertive and emphasized the importance of being an educated leader.

My guiding philosophy.

Comparison is a stealer of joy.

My advice to today’s youth.

Just do it. Try new things, be adventurous and step out of your comfort zone. It can be difficult to do those things after a pandemic where we’ve gotten warm and cozy in our own bubbles, but there are countless opportunities in just trying things and being present. That is where you get to explore your interests, feel out what you are comfortable with, what needs work, and it’s also where you can make unforgettable memories with others.

Name a few future goals.

Get a job! Become a City Manager.

Help the undergraduate Cap and Gown Closet I started at NAU expand and flourish! Get involved with an advocacy group or nonprofit. Visit family in Mexico.

Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman.