Maxine Adams, in her non profit career has worked as a counselor for the Family Freedom Center, Displaced Homemakers Program, and as Advocacy Program Director for the American Cancer Society. Her work in the Minnesota Statewide Arts system has included service on the Forum of Regional Arts Council Board of Directors, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Board of Directors, and the MN Book Awards selection panelist.

She is also the recipient of the 2014 Legacy Partner Award and the 2017 Larry Redmond Award for advocacy on behalf of the arts.