ANASTASIYA MAKSAKOVA
Supporting causes for women and championing all women to take care of themselves.
Anastasiya Maksakova is a Multi-Family & Commercial Development Professional with Comcast focusing on new construction and redevelopment projects across 40 counties in PA, MD, OH and WV. She joined the organization after spending 10 years at BNY Mellon. Anastasiya started at Comcast when she was nine months pregnant and heading off on maternity leave. That support was just the beginning of a rewarding career with a company that puts people first. “To work for an organization that understands the needs of women as professionals and mothers is absolutely incredible. I’m able to contribute to the growth of the company while being there for my son, Alexander.”
Anastasiya grew up in Russia and crossed the ocean at the age of nineteen to join her mother, who was already in the States. Her ability to be strong and adapt are traits she attributes to both her mom and her grandmother. Now a proud citizen of the United States, Anastasiya has settled into Pittsburgh and is looking forward to raising her son here with her husband, Brian.
Anastasiya joined United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) in 2017. She loves nothing more than being hands-on and meeting new people. She has participated in collection drives, the quilting events and has also helped plan WLC wine events. “There is so much you can be involved with. Pick something you are passionate about and donate your time and skill sets. We lead by example for our peers, but also for our kids who see us actively involved.”
Anastasiya’s passion centers on support for women. “When I think about WLC and its mission to help women in difficult situations, it reminds me how blessed I am with a roof over my head and financial stability. But I know it could be any one of us losing a job, experiencing a divorce or a healthcare crisis. And suddenly, we are the one in need. Access to United Way and programs like Southwest PA’s 211 hotline is an absolute lifeline.”
As critical as it is to support our community, Anastasiya also believes women need to give themselves permission to take care of themselves. “Being able to take some time off and focus on your personal wellbeing and health is so important. I schedule personal time because I have to feel good, physically and emotionally, to take care of my son. Whether it is working out or going to the salon, women shouldn’t feel the need to put themselves last. We must take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others.”
In addition to being a wonderful advocate for women, Anastasiya is an incoming member of the parent school board at Alexander’s school and is learning to play golf in her free time. She also leads programming efforts at Comcast’s Women’s Network (employee resource group) and supports Boy Scouts of Laurel Highlands Council.
To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County, Terri Dominick at Terri.Dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County, or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler County.
Photo by Jen Worley Photography.
