Mariah is the Learning and Engagement Assistant at the Better Way Foundation, where she supports strategic initiatives related to technical assistance, funder mobilization, evaluation, and grant making. She joined the foundation in 2024 as a research consultant, contributing to the development of an inclusive thought leadership framework and conducting landscape analyses to strengthen philanthropic investment in Indigenous early childhood initiatives.

Mariah earned her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, along with a Certificate in Health and Human Rights. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity, community-based leadership, and culturally responsive systems change with a focus on health ethics, nonprofit communications, and youth development. Before joining Better Way, Mariah served as a Communications Fellow with Fresh Youth Initiatives, where she led multi-phase communications strategy projects focused on aligning internal and external messaging, enhancing donor engagement, and improving digital presence.

Mariah previously worked as an Administrative Intern at the Montefiore Health Systems Einstein Center for Bioethics, supporting research and administrative efforts related to palliative care, reproductive ethics, and the history of racism in healthcare.

Mariah’s background in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, combined with her public health education, has equipped her with a unique blend of tools that enable her to analyze complex issues critically, communicate effectively, and approach problems with a multidisciplinary perspective.

Mariah lives in New York City and enjoys reading fiction, exploring new restaurants, and practicing mixed martial arts.