We had the good fortune of connecting with Maxx Fenning and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maxx, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important thing I’ve learned since founding PRISM is how people can push each other to greatness. Our organization wouldn’t be where it is today– in fact, it likely wouldn’t exist at all– if it weren’t for the amazing minds that coalesce into this community we’ve created.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I sometimes say a stumbled into my field. I had always thought that I wanted to go into Computer Science, but it was just happenstance that I decided to go to a GSA meeting at my high school the week people were signing up for elections. I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to run for Vice-President, and that choice launched me into an entirely new trajectory. I didn’t realize the significance of that day until I took a deliberate look at what got me where I am now.

This isn’t to say that the 4 years that followed were built entirely off of these impulse-driven acts. Quite the contrary, my work with PRISM in particular, which incorporated when I was just 17 years old, consisted of me juggling 60-hour workweeks with a part-time day job and going to school full-time. Oftentimes, the universe gets the ball rolling for you; it’s your job to guide that ball into the hole.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s impossible to not include some of the queer hotspots in Miami. South Beach has the most beautiful, clear water during the day, and Wynwood has some stellar nightlife (not to mention 1-800-Lucky, which has amazing food).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
PRISM FL, Inc and all of the amazing people in it, as well as my mom, dad, and sister for propping me up along the way.

Website: www.prismfl.org

Instagram: @maxxfenning

Other: TikTok: @maxxfenning

Image Credits
PRISM FL, Inc.

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