Mariya graduated from Emerson College in 2009 with a BFA in Visual & Media Arts (Film Production). Since then, she has been involved in organizing a number of film series and events, including Loring-Greenough Film, the People's Cinema, Illuminating Visions, and Backyard Band/with.

Mariya is the Production Manager at the biannual video art magazine, Aspect, and in her free time makes short 16mm films.