NEW YORK, NY, July 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Maya Kurien has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kurien has built a distinguished career defined by her commitment to public service, advocacy and leadership across government, nonprofit and private sectors. In 2025, she founded Main Street Wisdom, where she serves as Founder and Principal. Drawing on her extensive experience in real estate, policy and nonprofit management, she established the firm to support mission-driven organizations, particularly those navigating complex real estate challenges. Her international perspective, shaped by academic and professional experiences abroad, informs her approach to problem-solving and client service in the United States. Rather than adhering to a single consulting methodology, her approach recognizes that nonprofits often need a versatile partner who can adapt to evolving challenges, sometimes identifying and addressing needs before they are fully defined.

Prior to launching her business, Ms. Kurien held several senior roles at The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) from 2021 to 2025. As Vice President of Advocacy, she led strategic initiatives that bridged industry interests with public policy goals. Notably, she spearheaded a coalition that secured broad support from the real estate sector to expand childcare space in New York City, strengthened retail theft protections, and secured the long-term extension of several economic development tax incentives critical to statewide job creation. Over two years of dedicated advocacy, her leadership resulted in both state and city governments allocating funds, expanding tax credits for property owners and streamlining regulations—an achievement recognized by national and local media outlets for its impact on families and communities. From 2021 to 2023, she served as REBNY's Vice President of Policy and Planning, where she addressed housing affordability and urban development.

Ms. Kurien's earlier career was rooted in public service within the New York City government. In 2021, she was Executive Director of Government Affairs at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), overseeing legislative strategy and stakeholder engagement for one of the nation's largest municipal housing agencies. From 2019 to 2021, she contributed as a senior legislative analyst in government affairs at the same department, following her role as a federal policy analyst for one year. In these capacities, she worked on federal and local housing policy initiatives that shaped affordable housing programs citywide.

From 2013 to 2018, Ms. Kurien held a series of government and legislative positions with the New York City Council, New York State Senate, New York City Mayor's Office. Notable positions include her time as a budget analyst at the Office of Management and Budget in the Office of the Mayor of New York City and as a legislative aide to then-Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal in the New York State Senate.

Ms. Kurien's dedication extends beyond her professional roles into civic leadership and industry engagement. She is currently a fellow at the Economic Club of New York and has served on the board of directors for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce since 2024. She also chairs Hope Community Inc., a nonprofit focused on affordable housing, and has previously been affiliated with the board of directors for the 5BORO Institute, as well as a member of Women in Housing and Finance (WHF) NYC.

Educationally, Ms. Kurien's background underpins her expertise in policy analysis and cross-cultural understanding. She earned a Master of Science in Public Policy from University College London in London, United Kingdom, in 2017, an experience that broadened her global outlook on governance and reform. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Social Anthropology at SOAS University of London in 2012.

Throughout her career, Ms. Kurien has been recognized for her achievements and contributions to public life. She was named among Asian Trailblazers by City & State in 2025 and included on their NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Star list in 2024. Earlier honors include being selected as a Ready to Lead: New American Women Fellow by New American Leaders in 2016 and as a Hope Institute Fellow by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that same year. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, traveling the world, and following Manchester United Football Club as an avid fan.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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