COVER PHOTO BY CHRIS JOHNSON
Introducing Maisha Beard: I am Cheryl’s Daughter
We are thrilled to present Maisha Beard, the latest cover woman for Rochester Woman Online, whose story is one of profound resilience, transformation, and purpose. Maisha’s journey has been shaped by both great loss and extraordinary love, serving as an example of how life’s challenges can mold us into our truest selves. Driven by her mother’s indomitable spirit and memory, Maisha describes herself as “Cheryl’s Daughter,” a title she holds with deep pride and reverence. It signifies her mother’s strength and legacy, qualities that continue to guide Maisha as she carves out her own impactful path.
As the founder of The Maisha Experience, LLC, a speaker, author, poet, and now the creator of a nonprofit, Mai’Mission Inc., Maisha works tirelessly to inspire, advocate, and uplift. Her organization honors her mother’s legacy, focusing on supporting breast cancer awareness, especially among Black women, who face disproportionate challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Through her advocacy, Maisha is committed to closing the gaps in healthcare, encouraging proactive breast health, and ensuring every woman has access to quality care.
Maisha’s journey is a testament to love, purpose, and resilience. Each of her professional roles—from her voice-over work to her public speaking—intersects with her mission to serve and inspire, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her community. Her story is one that speaks to the heart, and through it, she is creating ripples of change, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations. Join us in celebrating this remarkable woman as she shares more about her journey, insights, and the causes closest to her heart.
Tell us a little about yourself, Maisha. How did you become the person you are today?
Wow, what a profound question! The full answer could fill the pages of a memoir. I am continuously on a journey of “becoming” the highest and truest version of myself. In this moment, I am who I am because of my beloved late Mommy, Cheryl Denise Moore. Losing her to breast cancer left an ache that reshaped my very existence. Since that fateful morning of March 23, 2023, at 4:13 a.m., I have been reborn, navigating a world forever altered by her absence. Behind the cover of this publication stands a woman who has had to relearn how to live and breathe without her. Who am I? I’m still figuring that out. But I transmute pain into purpose and obstacles into opportunities. I strive to embody loving kindness, always circling back to love, even in my most human moments.
You describe yourself as “Cheryl’s Daughter.” What does that title mean to you, and how does it influence your journey?
Being “Cheryl’s Daughter” means carrying the spirit of the strongest, most courageous woman I know. Her strength keeps me breathing, and her courage pushes me through the pain of her passing. I am the living testament of her nurturing spirit. Being her eldest is a gift that no one can take away. I speak of her in the present tense because it lifts my heart; she is with me, always. I AM Cheryl’s Daughter!
What does the “Maisha Experience” encompass, and what do you hope people take away from it?
The Maisha Experience, LLC, is a celebration of authenticity. It’s about using my voice to inspire and offer insights drawn from my life. One of my main speaking topics is “Breast Cancer – Why my mother?” I aim to raise awareness about life’s fragility and the necessity of proactive breast health, especially among Black women, who face staggering disparities. Black women have the highest mortality rate from breast cancer, with healthcare disparities, socio-economic factors, and environmental influences contributing to this crisis. My mother’s story is one of perseverance; as a nurse, she inspired me to advocate for the health of Black women. I’m committed to carrying forward her legacy as a 3 time breast cancer survivor and advocate.
According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 38% higher breast cancer mortality rate than white women, despite a lower incidence. It’s vital we address these disparities through systematic efforts to ensure access to high-quality screening and treatment for every woman. For more information on ongoing initiatives, visit American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women study.
What inspired you to become a speaker, writer, author, poet, and voice-over artist? How do these roles intersect in your work?
My father, Dr. James L. Beard, is a remarkable speaker whose influence guided me to find my own voice. After separating from my husband in 2009, I poured my emotions into writing my first poem, igniting a passion that only grew. Now, with a Master’s Degree in English focused on Creative Writing, all my roles intersect beautifully. I’ve voiced commercials for the City Government, represented Mayor Evans at various engagements, and served as a speechwriter for former Mayors. Each thread of my career is woven with purpose, striving to close the racial wealth gap and uplift our community.
Can you share the story behind starting your non-profit, Mai’Mission Inc.? What motivated you to create this organization?
Mai’Mission Inc. was birthed from profound pain and heartache, yearning for my beloved Mommy. After her last breath on March 15, 2024, at 4:13 a.m., I knew I had to find purpose in my pain. I promised her I would continue her legacy of caring for others. That’s why we’ll offer the Cheryl Denise Moore Scholarship for future nurses, starting in 2026.
We aim to partner with schools, supporting high school seniors who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, providing reference letters and essays about the importance of breast health. Our mission also includes partnering with organizations to support breast cancer patients, offering resources and advocacy, and helping survivors feel beautiful again through our “I’m a Survivor” photoshoot—all free of charge. Mai’Mission Inc. is my mother’s legacy, rooted in love, a beacon of hope.
What do you think is the most important aspect of raising awareness about breast cancer?
For me, as a Black woman, recognizing the harsh reality that we have the highest mortality rate from breast cancer is essential. It’s heartbreaking! As noted by the American Cancer Society, despite improvements in survival rates, significant disparities remain. We must ensure access to high-quality screening and treatment for every woman. The ACS recently launched the VOICES of Black Women study, aiming to understand cancer risk and outcomes better. You can learn more and participate at voices.cancer.org.
I participate in this study because I am dedicated to dismantling disparities and lowering the mortality rate among Black women. We cannot remain silent—our lives depend on it!
What is the most powerful message you’ve received in your life, and how did it change you?
The most powerful message came from my mother on her deathbed: “Maisha, there’s nothing that you can’t do. You are my daughter! You make me proud!” This affirmation ignites my spirit as I strive to prove her right, earning my Master’s degree in English while grieving her death, and now pursuing my second Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on public policy and the nonprofit sector. Her words guide me as I work to serve others with love and dedication as she served as a nurse until Cancer stopped her. Cancer is an evil beast and is relentless. It took my Mommy and I will fight against it for as long as live!
What is the most impactful message you’ve given to others through your work as a speaker?
During the 2024 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, I served as EMCEE and invited the audience to say the names of their angels. I encouraged survivors and those currently in treatment to share their names, creating a powerful moment of love and remembrance. In that space, everyone felt seen, cherished, and empowered, reminded of their inherent worth.
You refer to yourself as a “Sunflower Soul & Goddess.” What does that mean to you, and how does it reflect your personality?
“I know that life may seem a bit strange at times, but through all of the pain and confusion, you have to remain divine…” These lyrics from Londrelle’s music resonate deeply with me. A sunflower always turns toward the sun, standing tall through the rain. I embody this spirit—a “Sunflower Soul”—a reminder that my life reflects my mindset. The term “Goddess” signifies my belief that I manifest my reality through the divine will of The Most High Creator. I am a Sunflower Soul Goddess!
Who has been your biggest inspiration in life, and why do they hold such significance for you?
This is a tough question! My biggest inspiration is my father. He has overcome incredible obstacles—transforming from addiction to a Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist who has saved over 10,000 men from their own darkness. Even after surviving a stroke, he stood as a pillar of support for me and my siblings after Mommy’s passing. Their bond, despite their separation, was a testament to love and family, guiding me through my own journey.
How do you balance your roles as a creative professional, non-profit leader, and advocate?
Ha! Ask me again next year!
What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey with Mai’Mission Inc. so far?
Being the EMCEE for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event has been a truly illuminating experience, allowing me to honor my mother’s legacy and share my mission.
How do you hope to inspire others through your story and your work?
I leave it to the hearts of those I touch; each person receives what they need for their personal journey. May my story be a flicker of hope that ignites their own light.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for yourself, The Maisha Experience, and Mai’Mission Inc.?
I aspire to be a radiant beacon for those who are hurting, to provide hope for those who feel lost, and to keep my mother’s legacy alive through Mai’Mission Inc. “When a wound is healed in love, it leaves a beautiful scar.” Mommy is healed now, an angel watching over me. She entrusted me with her legacy—a beautiful scar I carry with love.
