Maya D. Wiley, born on January 2, 1964, in Syracuse, New York, is a distinguished American lawyer, professor, civil rights activist, and politician. As of February 2025, she is 61 years old. Throughout her career, Wiley has been a prominent advocate for justice, equality, and fairness, dedicating her life to civil rights and social justice initiatives.
Educational Background
Wiley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Dartmouth College in 1986. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School, equipping her with the legal expertise that would underpin her future endeavors.
Professional Career
Wiley’s career is marked by significant roles in both the public and private sectors:
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Legal and Advocacy Roles: She has worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Open Society Institute, focusing on civil rights and social justice issues.
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Public Service: From 2014 to 2016, Wiley served as counsel to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, advising on legal matters related to the Mayor’s policy agenda. She also chaired the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) from 2016 to 2017, overseeing investigations into police misconduct.
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Academia: Wiley has been a professor at The New School, where she founded the Digital Equity Laboratory, and served as the senior vice president for social justice at the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment.
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Media: She was an MSNBC legal analyst from August 2018 to January 2021, providing insights on legal and political matters.
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Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: In May 2022, Wiley was appointed as the President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a position she continues to hold, leading efforts to advance civil rights and social justice nationwide.
2021 New York City Mayoral Campaign
In 2021, Wiley ran in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City. She received endorsements from prominent figures such as U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former presidential candidates Julian Castro and Elizabeth Warren. Despite these endorsements, she placed third in the primary, behind Eric Adams and Kathryn Garcia.
Personal Life
Maya Wiley is married to Harlan Mandel, the CEO of the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). The couple resides in Brooklyn, New York, with their two daughters. Details about their marriage, including the engagement and wedding dates, are not publicly disclosed.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Maya Wiley’s net worth and salary are not publicly available, her extensive career in law, public service, and academia, along with her leadership role at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, suggest a substantial income. The average salary for a civil rights attorney in the United States is approximately $33,536 per year, though this can vary based on experience and position. Given her prominent roles, Wiley’s earnings are likely above this average.
Table: Maya Wiley’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maya D. Wiley |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Place of Birth | Syracuse, New York, USA |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dartmouth College (1986) |
| Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School | |
| Career Highlights | Counsel to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (2014–2016) |
| Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (2016–2017) | |
| MSNBC Legal Analyst (2018–2021) | |
| President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (since May 2022) | |
| Political Involvement | Candidate for Mayor of New York City in 2021 |
| Personal Life | Married to Harlan Mandel, CEO of MDIF |
| Two daughters | |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $300,000 and $400,000 |
Conclusion
Maya Wiley’s dedication to civil rights and social justice, combined with her extensive experience in law, public service, and academia, has established her as a leading figure in American advocacy. Her leadership at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights continues to influence policies aimed at promoting equality and fairness across the nation.
