Our Team
Deajah Baskin- Founder & Director
Deajah is the Founder and Executive Director of Building Beyond Bars. Her passion for this work is deeply rooted in her own lived experience. During the eight years her mother was incarcerated, Deajah carried both financial and emotional responsibilities well beyond her age; working as a teenager to purchase food, supplies, and stamps so she and her mother could remain connected through letters. Despite the challenges, she turned this hardship into resilience and purpose.
Along her journey, Deajah was fortunate to connect with mentors who guided her toward educational and professional opportunities. With their support, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Berea College in 2021, and she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management at the University of Cincinnati, set to graduate in 2026. These achievements were made possible through scholarships and grants, inspiring her commitment to ensuring that others have access to the same kind of guidance and resources. She also earned her Life Coaching Certification in 2025, equipping her to provide individualized support and mentorship.
Professionally, Deajah has built a diverse background in public service, working as a childcare worker, outreach coordinator, family service worker, housing specialist, and training and engagement coordinator. Across these roles, she has developed expertise in program development, resource coordination, and community engagement, all grounded in compassion and strategy.
In 2025, she founded Building Beyond Bars with a clear mission: to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities for children navigating the challenges of parental incarceration. Drawing from her personal story and professional experience, Deajah believes that every child deserves the encouragement, stability, and opportunities needed to break cycles and build meaningful futures.
Maya is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently in her third year of graduate school, pursuing her master’s degree in Adolescent Counseling. Her educational journey has shaped her passion for understanding the unique challenges that young people face and providing them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Over the years, Maya has built a strong background working directly with youth in a variety of settings. She has served in a juvenile detention center, where she gained firsthand experience supporting young people navigating both personal struggles and systemic challenges. She then worked in children’s services, where she developed a deeper understanding of family dynamics, trauma, and the importance of early intervention. Currently, she works with foster youth in Hamilton County, where she continues to be a steady advocate and resource for adolescents who are often in transition and searching for stability.
Her professional path has allowed her to see both the difficulties and the resilience of at-risk youth. Maya is deeply committed to making sure they know they are not defined by their circumstances. She strives to build authentic connections, create safe spaces for open conversation, and provide guidance that empowers youth to recognize their strengths and potential. For her, the most rewarding part of this work is seeing young people begin to believe in themselves and take steps toward brighter futures.
Maya’s passion extends beyond her career. She believes in the power of empathy, mentorship, and opportunity to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Her goal is not only to support youth in the moment, but also to plant seeds of hope, resilience, and confidence that can carry them forward long after. Through her dedication, she hopes to continue being a voice of encouragement and an advocate for lasting change in the lives of the youth she serves.