Maida Coleman was born in Sikeston, Missouri on July 1, 1954. She is the eldest of eight children. Upon graduating from Lincoln University in Jefferson City with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Maida moved to St. Louis and worked for the St. Louis American Newspaper. Her professional employment history has included:

• Secretary of State - Director, St. Louis Field Office
• St. Louis Housing Authority - Assistant Director of Housing Management
• Girl Scout Councils of Missouri - Legislative Monitor

Maida's interest in politics evolved as the result of a conversation in the late 1980's with now Missouri Supreme Court Judge Ronnie White. A former State Representative for the 63rd District, Judge White invited Maida to a 7th Ward meeting. Maida has since held various roles in the organization including President. She is now serving her second term as Committeewoman of the 7th Ward. Maida was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives from the 63rd District in 2000. She served in this capacity for one year before being elected by the leadership of the 5th Senatorial District to represent them in the Missouri Senate. She was successfully elected to office February 5, 2002.

Additionally, Maida is Vice-Chairman of the St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee. She sits on a variety of boards, many non-profit, and is a member of Central Baptist Church in St. Louis. Her affiliations, both past and present include:

• Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis, Trustee
• Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Commissioner
• Planned Industrial Expansion Authority, Commissioner
• City of St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment Citizens Advisory Committee
• St. Louis Association for Retarded Citizens
• St. Louis Public Schools Role Model Program
• Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists
• American Red Cross, CPR and Community First Aid Instructor
• Women in Leadership

Maida is the proud mother of three very fine children - John, Alaina and James.