FUTURE LEADER: Prince George's student pursues filmmaking while uplifting her community

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Seventeen-year-old Maya Jai Pinson has spent her life in front of the lens.

Her first professional assignment came at the age of one; modeling for a department store.

"Once I hit 11, I said I want to be on camera and acting," she said.

The Prince George's County high school senior has been involved in dozens of television and film projects including a movie she acted in, produced, and directed.

"I'm Ready" earned the 17-year-old a 2021 Garden State Film Festival award. "I'm Ready is about a coming-of-age girl who's interested in dating," Pinson said.

"I wanted to write and make 'I'm Ready' to serve as a bridge to promote open communication, trust, and honesty between teens and their parents," she told 7News.

The honors student has also written a children's book and enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, and softball.

The athlete and filmmaker also finds time to volunteer for charities like the Ronald McDonald House and encourages other students through motivational speaking and tutoring.

"Any chance I get to help someone else, I'm going to jump for it," she said.

Pinson is currently working on a new film called "Old School Rollers" and plans to release a children's book next year.