Maya Kelly

Maya Kelly is a metro editor from Providence who covers community, crime and activism as well as business and development. A concentrator in urban studies and data fluency, she is passionate about intersecting storytelling with data analysis. When Maya's not at The Herald, you can find her hanging from an aerial silk, bullet journaling or in the middle of a forest.

A male undergraduate with curly brown hair is filling out The Herald's spring poll at a polling station on the Main Green. The sun is shining, and two Herald staffers, one wearing a white blouse, the other a dark green shirt, are standing behind the polling station.

University News

Trump, summer plans and campus housing: The Herald’s Spring 2025 poll

By Maya Kelly and Ciara Meyer | April 10

The Herald polled 1,145 undergraduates on campus’ most pressing issues.

Protestors gathered in front of a statue in Kennedy Plaza. Two demonstrators' homemade signs read "Hands off."

Metro

Thousands protest Trump administration, Elon Musk in Providence

By Maya Kelly and Michelle Bi | April 5

The protest was one of over a thousand similar rallies nationwide expected to take place on Saturday.

Metro

Community members protest renewed Israeli airstrikes, shattered ceasefire agreement

By Maya Kelly and Zarina Hamilton | March 18

Over 100 people gathered at Textron’s headquarters in downtown Providence on Tuesday evening to protest Israeli forces’ recent attacks in Gaza. Earlier that day, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down as Israel launched a series of aerial strikes targeting the Gaza Strip.

Lisa Guillette stands in front of a green and blue foster forward sign. She has blonde hair and is wearing a tan cardigan over a white collared shirt.

Metro

Foster youth advocate Lisa Guillette named RI Woman of the Year

By Maya Kelly | March 6

Guillette works with Foster Forward to support youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

A neon sign, lit up at night, reads "New York System, Eat Hot Wieners, Sandwiches."

Metro

The Heritage Group to acquire longtime RI staple Olneyville New York System

By Maya Kelly | March 5

The Heritage Group’s acquisition of ONYS follows a flurry of similar purchases in Rhode Island.

A red "Help Unwanted" sign against a brown-washed background.

Metro

RI unemployment higher than neighboring states and nation, report details

By Maya Kelly and Michelle Bi | February 20

The Herald reviewed a report on Rhode Island employment. Here are the major takeaways.

A picture of Ceremony on Brook St. with a customer entering the store.

Metro

Ceremony employees seek unionization over wages, benefits, working conditions

By Maya Kelly and Ethan Schenker | February 12

Employees at Ceremony’s two locations are seeking unionization.

A photo of the brick turret of the historic Atlantic Mills building sticks up into a clear blue sky.

Metro

Atlantic Mills tenants fight for preservation amid pending building sale

By Maya Kelly | January 24

Atlantic Mills in Olneyville, one of Providence’s oldest mill buildings, is currently pending for sale. Tenants have expressed concerns surrounding the purchase of the building and the preservation of the historic space.