Twenty-one year old Maya Babu was named a co-recipient of the 2004 MAVA Award for Excellence in Youth Volunteerism.

A junior at the University of Minnesota, Babu designed and founded the University Promise Alliance in 2003. The student-led program allows students and community residents to work cooperatively to meet community concerns through education, volunteerism and advocacy.

During the 2001 Minnesota State Fair, Babu planned and coordinated the Minnesota Alliance with Youth Project “House that Promise Built.” She enlisted over 2,000 volunteers to build the house at the Fair to demonstrate the impact adults and youth have addressing critical issues.

Donna Gillen, Babu’s nominator said “Maya’s sense of vision and purpose are unequaled for someone her age. One can predict she will always be leading and advocating for positive change.”

Recently, Babu presented at a national forum on youth engagement hosted by American’s Promise in Washington D.C. with Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The award was presented at the Minnesota Conference on Volunteerism held in Brainerd in May 2004. The co-recipient of this award was 17 year-old Kris Gansen of St. Peter, MN.