Heather Maxwell

Available to hire

I'm Heather Maxwell, a television host, writer and producer with international broadcast experience across Africa and beyond.

About

I’m Heather Maxwell, a television host, writer and producer with international broadcast experience across Africa and beyond. My work with Voice of America, CBS/Fremantle and regional networks has me shaping live content, features and audience-engaging programs from Nairobi to Lagos and beyond. I thrive on cross-cultural storytelling and delivering engaging, polished on-air performances.

As a lead vocalist and performer, I bring musical versatility to my hosting and narration. I’m fluent in French and Swahili, skilled in voiceover and AI voice modeling, and experienced in theater and live performance. I love connecting people through culture, music and compelling storytelling.

  • Joined January 2026

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Government
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Professional Services
  • Travel & Hospitality

Projects · 5

This is my studio version of Linda Ronstadt's Americana, country rock classic "When Will I Be Loved", recorded in 2025. vocal music

  • Vocalist

I wrote and recorded this song "My Light" in 2023. music vocal original

  • Arranger
  • Music Composer
  • Singer
  • +2

This is a live performance of the classic "Body and Soul" at the Voice of America in Washington DC. video live jazz vocalist improvisation

  • Singer
  • Vocalist

I wrote, produced and presented over 300 entertainment features for TV and multimedia for the Voice of America. Some included live on-air interviews and performances with musicians from around the world. Others were bite-sized, short-form video content for television and multimedia platforms on Africa 54 and Music Time in Africa (both programs on the Voice of America). video entertainment music

  • Music Producer
  • Songwriter
  • Vocalist

In my capacity as a music expert and French speaker, this is one of my appearances as a guest on the weekly television program "Vous et Nous" - Voix de l'Amerique, Washington DC. 2025. video french presenter host broadcaster

  • Music Editor
  • Music Producer
  • Presenter
  • +2

Work experience· 8 roles

English Voice Coach & Speech Evaluator · micro1Dec 2025 – Present · 1 yr

Provide advanced English voice coaching focused on pronunciation, pacing, articulation, vocal clarity, and natural conversational delivery. Evaluate spoken English performance for fluency, tone consistency, and audience engagement across live and recorded formats. Support AI and speech-related projects requiring nuanced assessment of spoken-language performance and vocal quality. Deliver feedback on rhythm, emphasis, intonation, and natural speech flow to improve communication quality.

AI Trainer & Music Domain Specialist · Handshake AIAug 2025 – Apr 2026 · 9 mos

Developed and evaluated domain-specific prompts for large language models in the music domain. Conducted AI-driven audio analysis of timbral, rhythmic, and melodic components to strengthen model understanding of complex musical topics. Maintained high standards for scientific accuracy, clarity, and musical depth in model outputs.

Broadcast Presenter, Producer & Narrator (English/French) · Voice of America (VOA) – Music Time in Africa & Africa 54Sep 2012 – May 2026 · 13 yrs 9 mos

Served as an English-language presenter and narrator, with regular French-language voice performance for international radio, television, and digital platforms reaching 100M+ weekly viewers and listeners. Recorded scripted and semi-scripted narration with clear diction, expressive delivery, and broadcast-quality audio. Reviewed and adapted scripts in English and French to improve spoken flow, cultural accuracy, and ease of delivery. Delivered live and pre-recorded performances using teleprompters and cue-based prompts. Produced and voiced 150+ podcasts annually while maintaining vocal consistency and clarity across high-volume output. Collaborated with engineers and editors to ensure clean, high-fidelity recordings across platforms.

Fulbright Scholar (Teaching & Research in French & Bambara) · Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers Multimédia (Fulbright)Aug 2011 – May 2012 · 10 mos
Fulbright Scholar (Teaching and Research in Ethnomusicology) · Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers Multimédia, Bamako, MaliJan 2011 – Jan 2012 · 1 yr 1 mo
French & ESL Instructor · Louisa County Public SchoolsJul 2008 – Apr 2011 · 2 yrs 10 mos
Voice Actor, Vocalist & Audio Producer · Heather Maxwell MusicDec 2007 – Present · 19 yrs
Professor of Music · University of VirginiaJan 2003 – Jan 2008 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Education· 7

Ph.D. · Indiana University1998 – 2003

Folklore and Ethnomusicology

M.A. · Indiana University1995 – 1998
B.A. Music (Voice) and Ethnomusicology · University of Michigan1983 – 1989
Studies in African Musicology, Xylophone, and Dance · School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon1987 – 1988

Independent research abroad with University of Michigan

Certifications and awards

Arts Envoy Program2030 – 2026

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