Maya Dizack

Racine, Wisconsin

Maya’s Bio

Photo of Maya Dizack Flyin Ryan Adventure Scholar

Maya Dizack is 20 years of age, an aspiring scientist, and if her mission is completed, will be the youngest documented woman and woman of color to paddle the Mississippi River solo. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in human health and the environment at University of Vermont. Outside of school, you can often find her backpacking, sea kayaking, or rock and ice climbing; there is no such thing as an “off season”. Building on her experience with backcountry travel, water quality research, field research, and a plethora of coursework in natural science, she looks to this project as a capstone of her abilities and knowledge so far. She will be using her award to complete her project of sea kayaking from the headwaters to the mouth of the Missisippi River while conducting water quality research and organizing outreach events for community members. The goal of her research is to better understand the baseline of health in the Mississippi River.

READ – Maya’s Primary Recommendation

READ – Maya’s Secondary Recommendation

READ – Maya’s Essay

My Core Values

  1. Childlike not childish
  2. Fail boldly
  3. Thrive in challenge
  4. Humans are animals
  5. You are your own soulmate
  6. Love unconditionally
  7. Forgive yourself, forgive others
  8. Accept and except non-closure
  9. Speak your truth
  10. Always take the second best
  11. Grace is staying kind in cruel situations
  12. Pursue pursuit
  13. It takes only one person to say yes

Meet More Scholars

The Foundation has awarded more than 150 Adventure Scholarships to people who have a dream, believe in the Core Values Matter philosophy and were able to demonstrate financial need. Our Adventure Scholars are a distinctive group of students, athletes, and others. We believe you'll find someone here you can identify with, or perhaps you will help us make this outstanding team of individuals even more diverse and inclusive.

See All Adventure Scholars

Alisha Isensee

Bellevue, Washington