In celebration of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has asked artists to contribute essays that reflect on themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, singer/songwriter Maya Elizabeth shares a personal journey of healing, moving from self-doubt and anxiety to strength found through sisterhood and music. In her special essay for Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series, she emphasizes the power of women's support for one another.
Maya Elizabeth is a singer/songwriter, artist, mentor, and voting member of the Recording Academy. She co-created an empowering event series titled From M.E. To You: A Mental Health Concert. Since she was six years old, she has utilized songwriting as a means of self-expression, combining it with therapy to heal her self-esteem, manage anxiety, and embrace her unique musical identity. With a background in business marketing (where she graduated as Valedictorian from Howard University School of Business in 2016), she has cultivated her independent music career and has influenced a growing global audience. Elizabeth released her debut album, Soulhouette: This Is M.E., in 2016. In 2023, her popular song “It’s Ok to Be Falling” sparked the "From M.E. To You" mental health concert series. Other notable anthems include “Sister Song” (2024), “I Do” (2024), and her EP Space to Fill (2021).
As a performer, worship leader, and mentor, Elizabeth uses her platform to promote healing, truth, and love. Her inspirational soul music resonates particularly with women striving to heal their self-image, embrace their true purpose, and lead a fulfilling life. Whether you're watching her perform live or streaming her music, you'll undoubtedly feel seen, rejuvenated, and empowered.
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By Maya Elizabeth
I have faced significant struggles with Self-Worth. It feels timid and unaware of its own strength, yet it can shift my mood and silence me. It whispers that I don’t fit into the competition and magnifies Doubt’s voice in my head. As women, I believe many of you have experienced this at some point. It's entirely human to feel this internal conflict—the burden of imposter syndrome, the pressure to fulfill expectations, and grappling with wounds that make us feel inadequate.
Instead of surrendering to this struggle or entirely rejecting that part of myself, I’m learning to rebuild my Self-Worth by challenging its toxic beliefs. I believe the most powerful way to do this is through sisterhood. The extraordinary women in my life and within this music industry have reminded me of my worth, reinforced that my voice matters, and affirmed my place in the world. I've witnessed many of you stepping into your power and embracing your authenticity with both strength and grace. Regardless of our acquaintance, your successes have also uplifted me.
Maya Elizabeth © Kent Edwards
This has inspired me deeply: witnessing other women thrive, express themselves, and support one another compassionately.
I want to acknowledge Kayla Waters, Maurette Brown Clark, Dr. Chelsey Green, and numerous other remarkable women in music whom I admire. Their uplifting spirits remind me that there is no competition among us—we all belong and contribute something unique and precious. Their artistry encourages me to stay true to myself and persist in sharing my own voice. For those who may not know them, I have created a Spotify playlist called "Sisters You Should Support" featuring them and others.
No matter your industry or age, we need one another. Being part of supportive sister circles has been vital to healing my Self-Worth. When we create space for vulnerability and actively listen, we can help each other confront doubts and provide affirmations that rewire unhealthy thoughts. Healing is not just an individual journey—it’s a shared experience.
This ethos drives my music. My mission is to promote healing, truth, and love. I strive for my music to serve as a safe haven for women on similar journeys—those restoring their self-image, battling anxiety, and seeking their purpose. I want my music to remind you that you are enough. You possess the strength to silence Doubt. You deserve to find joy in your authentic self, and the world is richer for it.
One of the songs I am particularly eager to share with you, especially for Women’s History Month, is “Sister Song.” This song celebrates all the women who have inspired and supported me along my journey. It's a tribute to my mom and sisters, who provide the background vocals on the track.
The response to “Sister Song” has been overwhelming. I've received messages from women like you—those aged 24-44 dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and the complexities of life. Many have shared how my lyrics resonate with their struggles, and how the song has fostered a sense of empowerment and community. This connection means everything to me. You are the reason
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Singer/songwriter Maya Elizabeth offers a reflective journey on healing, navigating through self-doubt and anxiety with the help of sisterhood and music. She highlights the shared strength that emerges when women support and uplift each other in a special essay for Atwood Magazine's Women's History Month series.