Maxine Reyes is an international speaker, leadership educator, author, professional vocalist, and event host whose work brings together human connection, adaptability, communication, and purpose. She is the founder of the With Courage & Grace® brands and a 22-year combat veteran who served in both the United States Air Force and United States Army, retiring as an Army Captain.

Throughout her distinguished military career, Maxine served as a commander, senior instructor, operations officer, and budget leader responsible for personnel, organizational performance, and multimillion-dollar resources. Leading teams through demanding and rapidly changing environments sharpened her ability to communicate with clarity, build trust, and help people remain grounded while navigating change.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in the countryside of Manchester, Maxine was once a shy young girl with dreams of becoming a television broadcaster and hosting her own radio or television program. Determined not to allow fear to silence her gifts, she volunteered to sing, speak, teach, and lead whenever opportunities arose. Those experiences strengthened her confidence, refined her stage presence, and eventually became the foundation of a multifaceted career in speaking, facilitation, performance, and event hosting.

Today, Maxine is known for delivering thoughtful, personal, and engaging experiences that connect with audiences across cultures and generations. She has appeared before audiences that include the President of the United States, wounded warriors, senior military leaders, corporate professionals, collegiate students, couples, women’s organizations, and young adults. As a professional vocalist, she has performed the national anthem for major professional sports organizations and has presented at military, civic, corporate, faith-based, and international events.

Maxine is the co-author of Happily Joint: The Secret to Relationship Resiliency, a marriage and relationship workbook written with her husband that debuted as a number one Amazon bestseller in the Military Families category. As a certified relationship coach and marriage facilitator, she helps couples strengthen communication, build resilience, and create homes rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and enduring connection. She believes healthy relationships influence far more than the couple; they also shape the emotional foundation children carry into their own lives.

Her personal philosophy is grounded in living a life of plentitude: recognizing abundance, fullness, and wholeness in what matters most. While she appreciates life’s finer experiences, Maxine believes true wealth is found in health, faith, peace, purpose, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to serve. When asked to name the two things she treasures most, her answer is clear: “My health and the love and synergy of my family.”

Maxine holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Management, and an Associate of Science in Information Management. She is also a Master Resilience Trainer, U.S. Army Certified Instructor, certified relationship professional, and experienced curriculum developer and facilitator. She is currently pursuing a second graduate degree to further support her work as an educator, speaker, and thought leader.

Through keynote speaking, professional development workshops, executive coaching, and customized training, Maxine helps leaders and teams strengthen human connection, communicate effectively, and adapt without losing sight of who they are. Her approach is informed by lived experience as a Jamaican-born immigrant, 22-year military leader, commander, instructor, artist, author, entrepreneur, wife, and relationship educator who has learned to lead through change, build confidence, navigate cultural transitions, and transform personal challenges into purposeful work. Her  Human-Centered Adaptive Leadership™ offerings are available on the Services page of this website. Maxine’s combination of proven leadership, professional expertise, creative insight, and deeply personal experience makes her uniquely qualified to help individuals and organizations grow, adapt, and lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity.

Maxine also brings warmth, intelligence, and polished stage presence to corporate events, galas, live programs, and panel conversations as a host and moderator. Whether she is developing leaders, preparing artists and professionals for greater visibility, guiding couples toward relationship resilience, or commanding a stage, Maxine creates meaningful experiences that leave people informed, encouraged, and prepared to move forward with love, courage, grace and gratitude.