Fuel the Vision: Empower Communities Through Pené Vivan

Hi, I’m Maija-Liisa (My-yah Lisa)—and this has been a journey 12 years in the making.

Since I was young, I’ve felt called to support and advocate for others.

In middle school, I volunteered as a buddy for students in special education classrooms. By high school, I launched a community service club and partnered with our art program to host a benefit show for Haiti. I once dreamed of becoming an art therapist, but life guided me toward a 12-year journey of self-discovery, caregiving, and community connection.

Over the years, I’ve worked in early childhood education, behavioral therapy, home health, community day programs, and public education—with a special passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and caregivers. I also cared for my late mother for five years as she battled Huntington’s Disease, which shaped everything I believe about the importance of dignity, empathy, and resources for those doing this work behind the scenes.

In 2020, I co-founded a nonprofit called The Knowledge Exchange to expand educational access and enrichment opportunities for our community. I’m also a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), dedicated to creating meaningful, community-driven solutions through collaborative leadership.

Through every role and every challenge, one truth has stayed with me:

We need spaces where people feel seen, supported, and free to express who they are.

What I’m Building

I’m launching Pené Vivan – Community Spaces, a community-rooted initiative that brings joy, healing, and learning into everyday spaces through:

The name Pené Vivan comes from my heritage: “Pené” means “always” in Potawatomi, and “Vivan” means “alive” in Creole. It reflects my belief that every person deserves a place where they feel fully alive—emotionally, culturally, and creatively.

I don’t need a building to build community. I will partner with libraries, community centers, schools, and nonprofit groups to bring these expressive spaces where they’re needed most.

Why I Need Your Help

To bring this vision to life, I’m raising $6,000 to help cover:

Stretch Goals:

If we go beyond our goal, I’ll be able to:

This Is Bigger Than Me

Since 2012, I’ve been asking: How can I help?

This is my answer.

I want to be representation for people who look, think, and feel differently—so they know they’re not alone. I want to create expressive, accessible, healing spaces in a world that often overlooks the quietest needs.

If you’ve ever felt unseen—or wanted to be part of something more inclusive, creative, and compassionate—I hope you’ll consider supporting this dream.

Thank you for your belief, encouragement, and light.

With love and purpose,

Maija-liisa Penn

Founder, Pené Vivan – Community Spaces

How You Can Help:

Let’s create a world where we are always alive—together.