Maurisa Li-A-Ping, 
 M.S.Ed., M.F.A.

I’ve always been the person asking a million and two questions, steadily curious about the world around me. That curiosity led me to a life as a learning strategist and cultural worker, where I explore how people grow, make meaning, and connect through learning, art, and relationships. 

 

My journey began with poetry as a means to express my feelings and make sense of the world. My commitment to poetry opened doors, leading to a fully-funded scholarship at St. John’s University, where I became curious about how learning happened outside the classroom. This curiosity inspired me to further my education in Higher Education Student Affairs at Indiana University, where I explored how poetry and creative practices can foster identity development, team building, and storytelling for students.

 

As I worked with students, educators, and non-profit leaders, I noticed that learning wasn’t just about the content being presented—it was about the methods and processes used to cultivate growth. And as a result, Learning Praxis Consulting was born. I partner with mission-driven organizations to co-create learning cultures that foster continuous growth, accountability, and organizational success.

 

No matter where my work has taken me, I always return to writing—it is the lens through which I see the world. After years of professional work, I returned to academia at Randolph College's Creative Writing program, where I began to explore: What might life feel like if I made more space to honor my interiority in addition to my resistance?

 

That question reshaped my creative work and led to the creation of Tulips in the Garden: A Black Queer Supper Club—a soft landing space for Black Queer Women, Femmes, and Gender Expansive millennials in Durham, North Carolina. Throughout the year, we gather to share nourishing meals, celebrate Black Queer joy, and support our local community.

 

And when I’m not being a learning strategist, writing, or stewarding community, you’ll find me laughing with my mouth wide open, painting my nails bubble gum pink, or baking something sweet.