Maida Coleman, Senate Minority Leader, was born in Sikeston, Missouri on July 1, 1954. She is the eldest of eight children. Maida graduated from Sikeston High School. In 1976 she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

Maida's interest in politics evolved as the result of a conversation in 1989 with former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronnie White. State Representative for the 63rd District at the time, Judge White invited Maida to a 7th Ward meeting. Maida has since held various roles in the organization, including President. She has served as Committeewoman of the 7th Ward since 1994. 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. Maida was elected Assistant Minority Floor Leader in November of 2002, and Minority Floor Leader in 2004.

Maida 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:

• Women's Safe House
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America St. Louis Chapter
• Camp Coca-Cola, STL/Wyman Center
• Children's Trust Fund Board
• MERS/Goodwill Industries
• Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund
• Missouri Womens' Council
• Missouri Ethanol and Other Renewable Fuel Sources Commission
• Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis, Trustee
• Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Commissioner
• Planned Industrial Expansion Authority, Commissioner
• Missouri Tourism Commission
• Missouri Film Commission
• 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 - CORO Foundation
• Heat Up St. Louis and Cool Down St. Louis
• St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee

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