Maxine Chang Reyes – Acclaimed singer, philanthropic leader, and woman of service

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Educating the youth and taking on the responsibility of being a positive role model for them will always be near and dear to my heart.”

As soon as I saw her story, I knew she would be the perfect woman of power to feature in this edition. She is a proud mother and military wife, inspirational singer, Air Force Veteran, philanthropist, author, teen mentor, certified marriage coach, mindfulness coach and University of Pennsylvania/U.S. Army certified master resilience trainer.

She has a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership, BS in Management, AS in

Information Management and is currently in progress of doctoral studies. After 22 years of honourable service, Maxine retired from the military. Her loves include singing, and storytelling on camera and on stage.

This soul-centred leader has inspired and entertained a wide range of audiences that include President George W. Bush, the dignitaries of Qatar, coalition troops in Afghanistan, and she has sang at the opening of: Orlando Magic, Miami Marlins, and Charlotte Hornets game, as well as the Wounded Warriors of the Armed Forces.

She is the Founder and CEO of Courage Grace Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit that supports Girls Confidence and Youth Education programs through scholarships, mentorship and The Arts. Many of her causes support the Military Families Community. She also decided to begin work in the corporate world and accepted a position managing a program that honours Military Veterans and first responders. As a philanthropic leader, Maxine has mentored hundreds of individuals while gaining notoriety for her exceptional leadership style and her outstanding community service.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce honoured Maxine’s philanthropic and leadership excellence with their “Military Person of the Year” award. On July 14^th, 2016, Maxine’s incredible level of community involvement earned her a day, now and forever known as “Captain Maxine Reyes Day.”

I was excited to sit down with this powerful woman, and she openly shared with me parts of her life, all that made sense as to why she is the woman that she is today.

“I come from a musical family,” Maxine began. “My grandfather played the banjo, my dad was an entertainer in Miami. Have you heard of the group Innnasense? Prince Patrick is my dad.

I was too shy to take the stage on my own, but in middle school I got braver. I created a girls group and we would sing old country songs, R&B songs. They wanted me to sing solos, but I was like nope. I will stick to singing my harmonies. I was just way too shy.”

Maxine admits that she was a track star, and she even got a scholarship, but she put that all away when she came to America. After her first year in high school, Maxine migrated to South Florida, USA. She lived with her grandmother in Pembroke Pines for a while and attended Cooper City High. She later transferred to Miramar High where she graduated and was voted most talented at her senior prom by her peers due to her singing talents

“I went into modelling, and followed up with singing. I sang a lot of country Christian songs. I loved the Grace Thrillers. I didn’t like the drama clubs in high school, because I thought they were corny.”

She chuckles.

“I ended up doing a talent show and sang two songs. Wouldn’t you know it? I completely forgot the words to the song because I was so nervous.  I did a duo with my friend and nailed it. We came in first place; that’s when I knew I was on to something.

I began to focus on my education, but still participated in talent shows. I got named most talented in high school, and I decided to go into the military. I didn’t have a mentor to help me navigate the educational system. I spoke with some friends who were joining the air force. I talked to my girl and said, let’s go into the marines; let’s be tough girls.”

By now, she had grown accustomed to moving and decided to join the military to serve the land she now embraces as home, further her education and professional skills and explore the world through military travels!

“My friend went first,” Maxine tells me, “And she told me not to go into the marines, so I decided to join the military.”

Maxine tells me that her life turned upside down.

“It was completely different. It was such a high level of stress. I had a “Why” so I wanted to focus on that. I had two uncles, who were in the military, but I didn’t get to hear their stories, but I was the only woman from my family to do something like that.

I got married a year after joining the military. Twenty-six years later we are still together. I was deployed to the Middle East (Afghanistan), and that was a very extreme experience. I experienced some trauma while I was there. My close aunt died of cancer while I was deployed, and because of this I didn’t get my closure. Music became a coping mechanism for me.

After 22 years later, I transitioned back to be a civilian, and once again, music became my safe place. I decided that I was going to follow my very costly passion. I had to hire an agent, and public relations representative. I wanted a wider audience, because my music has no boundaries. My music is inspirational.”

Maxine’s newest single “Rise Above the Storm” was written while cleaning her kitchen in the middle of a rainstorm.  It was during the peak of the pandemic and the election campaigns in 2020. It was in the height of a time when the nation was going through major unrest, aggression, disappointments, murders, and betrayals. Although changes were being made, citizens didn’t see them as satisfactory and some had lost hope.

“I was sad for us! I turned to what comforts me the most and what helps me to cope: music and reading the Holy Bible.”

Peace and Love!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we

will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of

the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their

surging.”

Psalm 46:1-3.

You can find Maxine speaking at women’s empowerment events, at teens and youth events and at schools locally and internationally. She collaborates with local businesses to serve causes that affect the youth, the military community and the community that she lives in. Maxine is passionate about Veterans mental and physical wellness, the arts, youth mentorship, girl’s confidence and education.

Maxine has paved the way for the women she has influenced and inspired over the years. She believes in speaking up for the rights of the youth and women everywhere, while removing all societal limitations. Maxine encourages others to live their lives to the fullest and leave a lasting legacy in their wake.