Arden Shore President & CEO Dr. Dora Maya Honored as among Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 Notable Latino Leaders
Arden Shore Child & Family Services proudly announces that Dr. Dora Maya, President and CEO, has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of its 2024 Notable Latino Leaders. This distinguished honor celebrates Dr. Maya’s 25 years of visionary leadership at Arden Shore and her exceptional contributions to child welfare and mental health services in Illinois.
Dr. Maya has redefined child welfare services through her remarkable leadership to prioritize equity, cultural inclusivity, and long-term well-being. Andrea Durbin, CEO of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, praised Dr. Maya, stating, “Dora provides true dedication, intentionality, and advocacy on behalf of children, youth, and families. Her biggest strength as a leader is standing up for the values driving the collective mission and vision to promote living in a world where they can reach their full potential and thrive.”
Under her leadership, Arden Shore has become a leading provider of bilingual and culturally responsive services for children and families, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities. Dr. Maya’s achievements include launching a behavioral health program that has become a teaching site for bilingual Medicaid counseling services, overseeing a 120% growth in Intact Family Preservation Services, and expanding Foster Care by 90%. Arden Shore is now a $10 million organization, where she manages a team of 50 employees serving thousands of children and families annually. Shelly Christian, Senior Vice President at Old National Bank and Arden Shore’s Board President-Elect, added, “Dr. Maya consistently energizes and inspires her team with her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to child welfare. Her deep insights, charisma, and passion make her a standout leader who prioritizes community and leads by example daily.”
As an immigrant from Cali, Colombia, and a former foster parent, Dr. Maya profoundly understands the challenges underserved communities face. She has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for families with limited resources and those affected by the child welfare system. Her impact extends beyond Arden Shore through active participation in organizations like the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, Illinois Partners for Human Service, and the Latino Policy Forum.
Julia Wold, Vice President of The Lake County Initiative at The Grainger Foundation, remarked, “I have observed her deep understanding of the foster care system and its strengths and weaknesses. I also know she works daily to provide the best possible service for parents and their children.” This award highlights Dr. Maya’s decades-long career as a tireless advocate for vulnerable children and families, her leadership in building collaborative partnerships, and her commitment to systemic improvements in child welfare and mental health services.