Maxine Hankins Cain was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. She received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Norfolk State University; a master’s degree in reading from the University of Michigan ; and a doctorate degree in school administration from Union University and Institute. During her 43-year professional career she served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, principal in Lansing and Detroit, Director of Elementary Education , and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy in Lansing, Michigan. She has also served as Vice President of Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission for several years and presently serves as its President. In addition, Maxine serves as the Sister Cities International (SCI) State Representative for the state of Michigan. In this capacity, she is responsible for increasing and supporting the number of sister/friendship partnerships with local municipalities in Michigan and cities abroad …focusing on education, cultural experiences and economic development. Another statewide position held is that of being appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer as a member of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, which is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct. In 2023, Maxine was appointed chairperson of an international project entitled “Libraries and Literacy”, a part of the SCI/Africa Summit, held in Cape Town, South Africa. Maxine continues to be involved as a national keynote speaker, workshop presenter and storyteller of iconic figures such as Harriette Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer and Mammie Till. She is a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, a Diamond Life Member of the NAACP, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, AARP of Michigan’s Volunteer committee, and Lansing Lucidas’ Toast Masters International Club. Maxine continues to mentor and support youth through her involvement with “Life of Purpose,” a metropolitan Detroit based program that identifies the strengths of youth and meet them at their point of need.