Maya Wiley, born January 2, 1964, in Syracuse, New York, is a distinguished American civil rights attorney, professor, and activist renowned for her leadership in social justice and racial equity. At age 61 in 2025, Wiley has a net worth estimated at $1–5 million, amassed through her legal career, media roles, academic positions, and advocacy work. Married to Harlan Mandel and a mother to two daughters, she balances a high-profile career with a private family life. This article explores Wiley’s biography, career milestones, salary, personal life, and relationships, offering unique insights into her journey as a trailblazer.
Maya Wiley’s Biography: A Legacy of Activism
Born to George A. Wiley, a prominent civil rights leader and chemist, and Wretha Frances (Whittle) Wiley, a white academic and racial justice advocate, Maya D. Wiley grew up in Washington, D.C., immersed in a family committed to social change. Her father, who founded the National Welfare Rights Organization, tragically drowned in a 1973 sailing accident when Wiley was nine, profoundly shaping her resilience. Her mother, who passed away in 2013 from Alzheimer’s, instilled progressive values. Wiley has an older brother, Daniel, but keeps family details private.
Wiley graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Psychology (1986) and earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School (1989), where she served as executive editor of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Her early aspiration to become a judge reflects her commitment to justice, influenced by her parents’ activism.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maya D. Wiley |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1964 |
| Age (2025) | 61 years old |
| Birthplace | Syracuse, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American (African and Caucasian descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Parents | George A. Wiley (father), Wretha Frances (Whittle) Wiley (mother) |
| Siblings | Daniel Wiley (older brother) |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology, Dartmouth College; J.D., Columbia Law School |
| Current Residence | Brooklyn, New York |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Professional Affiliations | Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The New School, MSNBC |
Career Milestones: A Champion for Justice
Wiley’s career spans law, advocacy, academia, and media. Early in her career, she worked at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the ACLU, focusing on racial justice issues. She served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (Civil Division) and co-founded the Center for Social Inclusion (now part of Race Forward) in 2002, addressing structural racism in education, digital equity, and economic opportunity. As a senior advisor at the Open Society Foundations, she tackled race and poverty issues.
From 2014–2016, Wiley was counsel to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the first Black woman in this role, expanding minority- and women-owned business contracts. Her controversial term “agents of the city” shielded mayoral communications from public disclosure, drawing criticism but highlighting her strategic acumen. As chair of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (2016–2017), she advanced the case against officer Daniel Pantaleo in the Eric Garner chokehold death.
Wiley served as a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC (2018–2021), offering insights on racial justice and criminal reform. She is the Senior Vice President for Social Justice and Henry Cohen Professor at The New School, where she founded the Digital Equity Laboratory. In 2021, she ran for New York City mayor, placing third in the Democratic primary with endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and Julian Castro. Since May 2022, she has been President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, leading 230 organizations in advocating for voting rights, fair housing, and AI equity. In 2023, she represented the coalition at Vice President Kamala Harris’ AI discussions and Senator Chuck Schumer’s AI Insight Forum. In November 2023, she was named the Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. Chair of Civil and Human Rights by the District of Columbia School of Law Foundation.
Her 2024 memoir, Remember, You Are a Wiley, reflects on her parents’ legacy and her activism, earning praise for its introspective depth.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Impact of Advocacy
Maya Wiley’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1–5 million, accumulated through legal consulting, media roles, academic positions, and speaking engagements. Her salary as a civil rights attorney averaged $33,000–$110,500 annually, per industry estimates, with higher earnings as MSNBC legal analyst (approximately $83,000/year) and Leadership Conference CEO (estimated $200,000–$300,000/year). Speaking engagements at events like Sage College’s 2019 commencement yield $10,000–$20,000 each. Her book deal for Remember, You Are a Wiley and contributions to Time, The Guardian, and Essence add to her income.
Wiley’s $2.75 million Brooklyn home, shared with her family, reflects her financial stability, though she avoids ostentatious displays of wealth, focusing on impact over luxury.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Maya Wiley is married to Harlan Mandel, CEO of the Media Development Investment Fund, whom she met at Columbia Law School. They wed in the 1990s (exact date private) and have two daughters, Naja Wiley-Mandel and Kai Wiley-Mandel, both in their teens as of 2025. The family resides in Brooklyn, New York, with cats Yuzu, Suki, Maxie, and Romeo. Wiley frequently shares family moments on Twitter, emphasizing her role as a proud mother. Her daughters’ feminist activism, particularly Naja’s, mirrors Wiley’s values.
Wiley’s dating history before Mandel is not documented, reflecting her private nature. Her marriage to Mandel, a white business lawyer, echoes her parents’ interracial union, reinforcing her commitment to bridging divides. The 1973 loss of her father, witnessed during a sailing accident, profoundly shaped her resilience, as detailed in her memoir.
“My parents showed me what it means to rise to the occasion of your time. I’m still learning how to be a Wiley.” – Maya Wiley, PBS News Hour, 2024.
Family Life: A Grounded Advocate
Wiley’s family life centers on her daughters, whom she raises with Mandel in a Brooklyn brownstone. Her brother, Daniel, remains out of the public eye. Her parents’ activism—George’s leadership in the National Welfare Rights Organization and Wretha’s debate team advocacy—continues to inspire her. Wiley’s philanthropy includes Room to Read and Saris to Suits, supporting education and women’s empowerment, with $500,000 raised for literacy programs by 2024.
Unique Insights: A Voice for Change
Wiley’s impact is profound. A 2024 NYU study noted her NYC mayoral campaign increased voter engagement among women of color by 18%, citing her platform on affordable housing and police reform. Her Digital Equity Laboratory at The New School has influenced broadband access policies, benefiting 10,000 low-income households by 2025. Her critique of AI bias at the 2023 Senate AI Forum shaped federal guidelines, emphasizing equity in technology.
Despite controversies, like the “agents of the city” flap, Wiley’s integrity shines. Her 2021 police reform proposal to cut NYPD budgets by $1 billion sparked debate but reduced gun violence by 15% in pilot programs, per a 2023 NYC report. Her MSNBC appearances, blending legal clarity with everyday language, earned her the nickname “voice of reason” on X.
Social Media and Public Presence
With 90,000+ Twitter followers (@mayawiley) and 20,000+ Instagram followers, Wiley engages fans with policy insights and family snapshots. Her 2024 X post on voting rights garnered 10,000 retweets, amplifying her influence. Her LinkedIn profile (linkedin.com/in/mayawiley) highlights her 500+ connections and leadership roles.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Justice
At age 61, Maya Wiley’s $1–5 million net worth, built through law, media, and activism, underscores her impact. Married to Harlan Mandel with two daughters, she continues her parents’ legacy as President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Her 2024 memoir and ongoing advocacy inspire change. Follow her journey at civilrights.org or her Wikipedia page.
