2024 - Meet Maya Wade

Maya Wade of Elgin, Illinois, decided to attend Elgin Community College (ECC) originally to pursue law. That changed drastically after her former pastor asked her to take over the video responsibilities at their church. 

“I didn’t know anything about video,” Wade said. “He said it would be super easy, which it was not, but it was fun, and I fell in love with going around and filming things.” 

Self-taught Wade became the head of video production for the church after proving her natural talent and dedication, leading her to take her newfound hobby and make it into a business. After doing some research, she developed My Wade Studios, her very own video production company.  

“I feel like I did it backward,” Wade said. “I started my own company and then returned to school to learn more about the technical aspects and build my portfolio. The programs here have been great. I’ve learned so many different skills which have broadened my horizons on different artists.” 

Through Wade’s pursuit of an Associate in Arts degree and certificate in videography at ECC, she’s also had the opportunity to explore other art mediums, such as wood making, 3D printing, and screen printing, and truly fell in love with photography. “It’s good to have different mediums so you don’t get burnt out on one thing,” Wade said. “Even if it's not a skill to make you money, it’s a skill that will save you money. Now, I don’t have to pay someone to make a business card or a logo, for example. I’ve learned how to do it myself.” 

Wade said choosing to come to ECC has allowed her to gain these different skills in art at an affordable price, something a four-year university might not have allowed her to do. Wade’s goal is to build a strong portfolio to help her get into Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she can continue refining and building her skills and have the networking opportunity the college can offer her.  

“I’m really close with my instructors, and I’m always looking for their feedback,” Wade said. “I let them know from the beginning what my goals are, and they’re great at making sure I’m pushing myself to create the portfolio I need.” 

This past year, Wade became a student worker for the ECC art galleries and recently participated in the current art exhibition in ECC’s Safety-Kleen art gallery, which was produced entirely by student workers. 

Again, Wade had to step out of her comfort zone to work with her team and create a piece of wall art inspired by artist Sol LeWitt.  

“We aren’t traditional artists,” Wade said, “but we came together as a group and supported one another. It challenged us because we had to be meticulous; there’s not much to hide behind, and it ended up being great.”  

Wade works her new skills into her ongoing production company, and she continues to schedule and run video and photo shoots while working to get her podcast, titled “Closeted Conversations,” back up and running. 

Wade hopes to cross ECC’s commencement stage in the spring of 2026 and continue to SCAD with a finished portfolio in hand. “I just want to make ECC proud,” Wade said. “I want to come back and show people that if I can do it, you can too.” 

Get to know the incredibly driven and talented Maya Wade a little more below. 

What’s one thing you do outside of ECC? I love basketball and sports. I was an athlete before I got into the arts. I always thought I would be either an athlete or an attorney. I’m super competitive and have good sportsmanship, but I’m also a sore loser. I also Iike to read and write; I’m now dabbling in a short novel.  

What’s one thing that makes your day? Seeing other people smile.  

Where’s your favorite spot on campus? One of my favorite spots is the little garden space outside of the second floor of Building B. ECC has stunning architecture in general, but right there, you get a little bit of everything. It’s a very tranquil spot. 

Where’s one place you dream of travelling and why? Anguilla. It’s a tropical island, and I want to go there because Janet Jackson said it’s her favorite island, and I love Janet Jackson. She has a residency in Las Vegas right now. I never wanted to go to Vegas, but I told myself that if I make the President’s List, I’m going to go.  

Shout out an ECC staff member or peer! All of TRiO is amazing. And obviously, Juan Fernandez. We love Juan! Candace Inc has also been a great source of resources and comfort. I also love Mary Scherer. That’s my tribe.