Twalena Maxwell is a cultural leader, interdisciplinary artist, and community advocate dedicated to preserving and celebrating Indigenous identity, heritage, and creative expression. She currently serves as Director of Cultural Events and Community Engagement for the Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.), where she helps shape and lead the planning, design, and execution of heritage events, educational gatherings, and community programming initiatives that advance Indigenous education, advocacy, and cultural preservation.

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With a background in event planning, event décor design, outreach, and community program coordination, Twalena brings practical experience in transforming creative vision into structured, meaningful experiences. Her work focuses on developing culturally centered events and initiatives that foster connection, storytelling, and intergenerational engagement, while supporting accessible community programming and relationship-building.

As an artist and jewelry maker, she expresses cultural identity and symbolism through handcrafted work rooted in intention, tradition, and personal narrative. She is also an interfaith minister, bringing a spiritually inclusive and compassionate perspective to her leadership, grounded in respect for diverse beliefs and a commitment to healing, unity, and understanding.

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Twalena is currently a dual major in History and Psychology, bringing a layered perspective that strengthens her approach to cultural preservation, educational programming, and community engagement.

Her leadership approach is guided by service, collaboration, and cultural integrity. She believes cultural programming is a living expression of identity and resilience, and she is committed to creating spaces that honor ancestral traditions while engaging contemporary and future generations.

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In her role with T.A.I.N.O., she continues to collaborate with elders, peers, and community members to strengthen cultural engagement efforts. Her vision is to build intentional programming that uplifts Indigenous identity through education, creativity, and community connection.

 

I am honored to join the T.A.I.N.O. leadership team and look forward to contributing to our shared mission through cultural events and community engagement.