Office Manager
Maya Torres grew up in the Foothills of Glendora, Southern California, where the blend of cultures and easy access to both mountains and coastline shaped her adventurous spirit.
Her passion for exploration was sparked at age 12 when she participated in an exchange student program in Moka, Japan, living with a host family and studying full-time. That experience deepened her curiosity about different cultures and set the foundation for her global adventures. During college, she studied abroad for six months in Sunshine Coast, Australia; backpacked through Bali; and lived and studied for a month in Fish Hoek, South Africa. She ultimately completed her business degree while living and working full-time in Oahu, Hawaii. Wherever she goes, Maya prioritizes giving back, volunteering with environmental organizations and supporting conservation efforts in the communities she becomes a part of.
Before joining AdventureSmith Explorations, Maya worked on the launch team of a start-up in Waikiki, where she taught silversmithing workshops to travelers from around the world. Working in the heart of a global tourist hub strengthened her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, problem-solve on the fly and provide top-tier customer service in a fast-paced setting.
Now, as AdventureSmith Explorations’ Office Manager, she ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the company, acting as the first point of contact for clients and supporting sales, operations and marketing teams.
Maya’s love for travel extends beyond her own experiences; she’s passionate about sharing them, too. She has created detailed, personalized travel guides for the places she’s lived, including San Luis Obispo, Oahu and Lake Tahoe, featuring her favorite local spots for surfing, hiking, coffee and hidden gems. When she’s not in the office, you can find her chasing waves, snowboarding fresh powder, trail running or working on her latest silversmithing project.
One of her most memorable travel experiences was celebrating her birthday with a small village in the Balinese mountains, where her students surprised her with a handmade cake and a traditional dance performance. The moment was a powerful reminder of the generosity and kindness that exist across cultures, something she carries with her into every new adventure.
Next on her bucket list? Alaska—to take a small ship cruise, witness the northern lights, encounter incredible wildlife and maybe even surf the waves of Yakutat Bay.