When Maya came out as transgender, she felt like an “only” in McKinsey. Determined that this wasn’t the case, and well supported by people leaders, she sought out others and co-founded a community and safe space for trans, non-binary and GNC colleagues. Through tireless awareness building and sharing her experiences that community has now grown to over 50 people globally. To support hers and others’ transitions, Maya co-developed a “Supporting our Transgender Colleagues” guide to help managers understand the nuances of trans and non-binary identities. In 2022, her focus shifted to driving meaningful change for the community, working to co-found the Gender Identity & Expression Council as a pillar of GLAM, the firm’s LGBTQ+ ERG. Early progress has included creating an efficient name change process and the removal of visible deadnames in firm systems, establishment of All Gender bathrooms in pilot offices and partnering with McKinsey’s London office to include most transition-related healthcare and surgeries under its private health insurance, as McKinsey does in many of its other locations. Maya is a regular speaker at internal DEI panel discussions and conferences, and faculty member of Inclusion learning programs.
