A native of Buffalo and an alumnus of the University at Buffalo Department of Art (B.F.A., Photography, 2001), Maki joined HI in 2016 as the program adminstrator. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the Humanities Institute including finances, events logistics, and general support for all programs. With over twenty years of experience providing administrative support for locally owned and operated small businesses including a commercial photography studio, an architectural firm, and a web development company, Maki brings a diverse skillset to her role with HI.

An active supporter of the Buffalo arts community, Maki enjoys the multiple opportunities to collaborate with area arts organizations (and local businesses, in general) on HI's public programming.