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Maya Thompson arrived in the United States as an undocumented child at the age of seven. Now, she and her husband, Alex, reside in a repurposed car dealership, where the spacious layout allows their children, Leo, Mia, and Sam, to zoom around on their bikes. Through her initiative, the Kindness Stores, she assists those in need with dignity and respect. Her Instagram showcases efforts to restore historically significant cemeteries. Maya’s striking outfits are all thrifted, and her game day attire features the slogan, “I JUST HOPE BOTH TEAMS HAVE A GOOD TIME.” Maya Thompson is the supportive mom friend you’ve always wanted.
Not only is Maya the wife of Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor and Senate hopeful Alex Thompson—who proudly calls himself SLOP (Second Lady of PA)—but their home in a revitalizing small town is a testament to community resilience, a cause Alex has passionately championed. Despite being born in Brazil, Maya embodies the spirit of her adopted home, with a backbone forged in the steel mills of Braddock.
Born an Undocumented Immigrant
Maya reflects on her mother’s adventurous spirit: “She came here with two children, no English, no job, and no connections, but she was in search of hope and opportunity.” Her mother, seeking to escape Brazil’s violence, was determined to create a better life for her family. One night, during dinner, her aunt casually mentioned being robbed seven times that year, leading Maya’s mother to fear that her children would normalize such violence. “She returned home with a suitcase and said, ‘Pack your favorite things, we’re going on an adventure.’ I was seven, and at that age, everything felt significant.”
They arrived in New York, settling in Queens, where her mother, a Ph.D. holder, took up cleaning jobs while Maya enrolled in ESL classes. “My mother’s resilience taught me that you can always start anew. She went from running hospitals to cleaning houses overnight.” Maya obtained her green card in 2004 and became a U.S. citizen in 2009.
How She Met Alex
By 2007, Maya had established herself in Newark, owning a home and working. Yet, during a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, she stumbled upon a story about Alex, a young mayor revitalizing a deserted town. “I couldn’t fathom how people could leave their homes and belongings behind. Over 90% of the community had vanished overnight.” After returning home, she couldn’t shake off the thought of Braddock. Learning that steel from Braddock had constructed the Brooklyn Bridge—a city landmark she adored—she took it as a sign. She penned a letter to the borough, sharing her nonprofit work focused on food access, expressing her desire to explore the town further.
Alex received her letter, reached out, and within a year, they were married. “It felt like destiny. I connected deeply with the community and its narrative. I fell in love with Braddock, and then with Alex.” The moment she stepped into the car dealership that became their home, she knew it was right. “We wanted to challenge societal perceptions of value. Just like our community, this building was once abandoned, yet it held potential.”
Her Advocacy
Maya considers the Kindness Store her “baby nonprofit.” “In our community, many have much while others have so little. How can we bridge that gap?” Growing up in New York, she often collected furniture from the curbside. “Experiencing poverty firsthand in Brazil made me acutely aware of excess. I’ve always wondered why, with so many hungry people, food is wasted.”
The Kindness Store emerged from this realization. “Unlike traditional food pantries that often require proof of need, we created a dignified space where individuals can shop for what they need without judgment.” Instead of dehumanizing processes, families can choose what they require, reinforcing their dignity. “We wanted to ensure that families have a shopping experience.”
Initially, Maya had to reach out to businesses to donate. “Now, they come to us—Whole Foods, Costco, and Trader Joe’s—partners that help feed hundreds of families with excess, not expired food.” As for her children, she chuckles, “I actually went into labor with Sam at the Kindness Store, so one of them was almost born there! My hope is for them to grow up kind and happy.”
Engaging with Diverse Communities
Maya emphasizes the importance of connecting with those who may not share her views. “I listen. I often converse with individuals who have biases against immigrants. I believe in second chances and finding common ground.” She admits receiving more hate mail than Alex. “I’ve been mistaken for my children’s nanny or Alex’s housekeeper. I could wallow in self-pity, but instead, I try to find humor in it, turning it into a teaching moment.”
She recalls a poolside interaction where a woman praised her children’s bilingualism but then implied they were lucky to have a “help.” Maya felt a lump in her throat but responded with grace, saying, “Thank you, I hope they keep me around,” knowing the woman would soon realize her kids were hers when they called out “Mom!” repeatedly.
Maya’s choices, including home births, stemmed from her desire for maternal outcomes to improve for women of color. “It’s not bravery; it’s a necessity. I wanted my mother by my side, and I was worried about how I’d be treated in a hospital setting.”
She advocates for support among mothers, emphasizing that parenting is challenging regardless of the approach. “It’s easy to be kind, and if anyone can show that, it’s me.”
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Summary
Maya Thompson’s journey from an undocumented immigrant to the Second Lady of Pennsylvania is inspiring. From her advocacy work through the Kindness Store to her commitment to community and dignity, Maya embodies the values of resilience and kindness. Her story is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of challenging societal norms.