Greyt Big Talk w/ Maya Madison
Greyt Big Talk is a multi-disciplinary creative lecture & podcast series for inspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
Watching
Maya Madison | Greyt Big Talk
Who was in the room
77attended3different interests
Popular interests
- Architecture 1
- Community Building 1
- Nonprofit 1
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Maya Madison
Principal, Robert P. Madison International
Maya Madison is a principal at Robert P. Madison International, the Cleveland architecture firm founded by Robert P. Madison, Ohio's first licensed Black architect. A licensed architect and member of the AIA and the National Organization of Minority Architects, she brings an emphasis on community and public service to her designs and sees architecture as an art form vital to human well-being.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture, Madison has played key roles in designing performing arts centers, residential buildings, skyscrapers and airports. While she has worked on major developments, she finds her greatest fulfillment collaborating with BIPOC developers, entrepreneurs and underserved communities, creating spaces that represent and empower them and strengthen the cultural fabric around them. She is also a certified Passive House designer and an associate member of the Design-Build Institute of America.
At Greyt Big Talk in May 2024 at Karamu House, part of a program on next-generation leadership for Cleveland's built environment, she spoke on "Redesigning Communities," tracing the history of redlining in Cleveland and showing how intentional development and inclusive design can help reverse its effects and build shared prosperity.
Greyt Quote

“Move at the speed of Trust.”
Designed by Charron Leeper
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- E
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Location
Karamu House
2355 E 89th St, Cleveland, OH, 44106
Founded in 1915, Karamu House is a place of joyful gathering, the meaning of 'Karamu' in Swahili, where people of different races, religions and economic backgrounds come together through the arts. It is recognized as the oldest producing African American theatre in the nation, and is featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Karamu produces professional theatre, provides arts education and presents community programs from its home on East 89th Street in Fairfax, with spaces including the Jelliffe Theatre, an arena theatre, a lounge and an outdoor stage. Greyt Big Talk met at Karamu in May 2024, when Maya Madison gave the talk.
About this event
GREYT BIG TALK is a multi-disciplinary creative lecture & podcast series for inspiring artists and entrepreneurs. Live Audience Podcast Recordings Feature: • local culinary artisan breakfast and coffee, • live music performances • original art by local designers • startup pitches for anything our community is making • a short talk from a successful creative person • all filmed to share with our community online. Become a Member to register yourself and a guest for free, or wait for discounted FOMO Registration to open Monday, Nov 13 th at 9 am (interested in a feature, artisan maker space, company table space, or other placement within the program? email us at omg@thatsgreyt.com) Since our founding in January of 2015, we’ve hosted over 10,000 attendees in pop-up locations all over the city of Cleveland.
Thank You to our Employer Members - Brite Energy Innovators, Zorro Capital, and National Interstate Insurance to help connect artists and entrepreneurs in Ohio.
This program is made possible with additional support from Northish, Evergreen Podcasts, Edda Coffee Roasters, and our community of members.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
This Greyt Big Talk is dedicated to next-generation leadership for the Built Environment in Cleveland.
Maya Madison is an architect at Robert P. Madison International, where she brings a unique perspective to her designs, emphasizing community and public service. A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Maya sees architecture as a vital art form crucial to human well-being. Hailing from Shaker Heights, she comes from a lineage of architects, including her great uncle, the first black architect in Ohio, and both her parents.
Maya has played key roles in designing performing arts centers, residential buildings, skyscrapers, airports, and more in only a decade as a practicing architect, a celebrated and accomplished young leader transforming the built environments of tomorrow. While she has worked on major developments, Maya finds her greatest fulfillment in collaborating with BIPOC developers, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities. She takes pride in creating spaces that empower and represent these communities, enhancing the cultural fabric of their surroundings.


