Maya Shwayder

Boston

Multimedia Journalist at Freelance

Freelance Journalist at WBUR-FM (Boston, MA)

Writing things @BostonSymphony and elsewhere | @Harvard, @Columbia alumna | native Detroiter | she/her | occasionally a little overdressed

Articles

Watertown School’s DEIB Director Aims to Create Spaces Where Folks Can Connect

2 weeks ago | watertownmanews.com | Maya Shwayder

Now in her second year in the role of the Watertown Public School’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Dr. Ceronne Daly said she approaches her work with a goal to build connection not just between her and students, but between families. Her work incorporates programs that started before DEIB began, and she seeks to make it part of what students and families experience in the Watertown Schools. “We’re not doing DEI as an add-on,” Daly stresses.
Judge Keeps Pause on Program Offering Federal Workers Incentives To Quit

2 months ago | portside.org | Noah Weiland |Maya Shwayder

Judge Keeps Pause on Program Offering Federal Workers Incentives To Quit Published February 11, 2025 A federal judge said on Monday that the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program would remain paused until he ruled on its legality, hours before a deadline for roughly two million federal workers to accept incentives to quit.
Judge Keeps Pause on Program Offering Federal Workers Incentives to Quit

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Noah Weiland |Maya Shwayder

A federal judge said on Monday that the Trump administration's deferred resignation program would remain paused until he ruled on its legality, hours before a deadline for roughly two million federal workers to accept incentives to quit. Federal officials had set a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Monday for employees to join the resignation program, known as " Fork in the Road," part of an Elon Musk-led initiative to drastically slash the size of the federal government.
Teixeira Is Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

Nov 12, 2024 | nytimes.com | Maya Shwayder |Eileen Sullivan

A federal judge sentenced a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman on Tuesday to 15 years in prison for posting secret intelligence reports online. In court documents, the government has described the airman, Jack Teixeira, as among the most "prolific leakers" of classified information about national defense secrets in the country's history.
Ortiz work provides the highlight in NEP’s ambitious season opener

Oct 21, 2024 | bostonclassicalreview.com | Maya Shwayder

The New England Philharmonic is a talented all-volunteer orchestra. While their passion is undeniable, their resources and scale differ from larger professional ensembles. It’s good to keep this in mind when attending a concert like NEP’s season opener, which, was well-executed and enjoyable even with a few missed moments Sunday evening at Jordan Hall.
Ethel Kennedy, Matriarch of Family Dynasty, Honored at Cape Cod Funeral

Oct 14, 2024 | nytimes.com | Maya Shwayder

About 200 people, along with prominent members of the Kennedy family, crowded into a Catholic church on Cape Cod on Monday for the funeral of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and a powerful figure in the family's political dynasty. Mrs. Kennedy, who never remarried after her husband was assassinated in 1968 in Los Angeles, died last Thursday at 96 from complications of a stroke she had this month.
Anoush’ella: A Sweet Taste of Armenia in the Heart of Watertown

Oct 4, 2024 | watertownmanews.com | Maya Shwayder

Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food.
Restaurant That Transformed Historic Building into Dining Destination to Celebrate 9th Anniversary

Jul 10, 2024 | watertownmanews.com | Maya Shwayder

Nestled within the historic Watertown Arsenal, Branch Line stands as more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to community, perseverance, and the art of culinary craftsmanship. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this coming October 2024, Branch Line has become a beloved fixture in Watertown, owing much of its success to its deep roots in the neighborhood and its commitment to quality and hospitality.
City Council & Planning Board Weigh In on Watertown Square Area Plan

Jul 1, 2024 | watertownmanews.com | Maya Shwayder

Traffic flows and affordable housing remained front and center issues for city officials who gathered on June 27th to discuss — for the second time this year — the comprehensive redevelopment plan for Watertown Square. The discussion among the City Councilors and Planning Board members circled around what the sticking points of the Watertown Square Area Plan were and how, exactly, they should move forward. “Watertown Square is a failed concept. It’s been failing for 30 years. We need housing.
Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra illuminates a gray Sunday with lively, thoughtful program

Jun 10, 2024 | bostonclassicalreview.com | Maya Shwayder

In a city like Boston, chock full of some of the big-name music ensembles playing in large, storied halls, one can wonder how a small group like the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra carves out a niche for itself. “Strings of Light” — the group’s Sunday afternoon program which closed out an impressive 46th season — made a strong case for more intimate musical gatherings.