Mission

Maira Zaidi is a high school classicist whose interests lie at the intersection of Classics, Indo-European linguistics, and journalism. As a first-generation Pakistani-American studying Latin, she noticed very few students engaging with the field, and fewer still who shared her background. In 2023, she founded Acta Diurna Classics to help more young people discover Classics and see themselves as participants in the field. What began with a single post has since grown into four interconnected programs, each created and led by Maira.

In an age of artificial intelligence, Maira sees Classics as more relevant than ever: close reading, analytical thinking, careful argument, and the ability to weigh sources are skills no machine can replace. Classical inquiry also keeps alive the questions technology cannot answer: how to live well, govern justly, and understand one another.

Acta Diurna Gazette. Maira curates and publishes daily news, events, and academic opportunities, making announcements scattered across universities and cultural institutions easier to find. The gazette connects more than 10,000 followers worldwide with resources from over 100 institutions globally.

Veritas. As writer and editor of the journal, Maira explores ancient history, literature, and philosophy and their connections to modern life. Across four volumes and 16 issues, she has published more than 40 original articles drawing on over 120 sources, broadening access to classical scholarship.

The Case for Classics. Maira produces and hosts conversations with leading scholars, educators, and professionals about their path into Classics and the possibilities a classical education offers. Featuring university professors, classicists, and bestselling authors, the podcast reaches listeners worldwide.

Schola Latina. Maira organizes and teaches grant-funded, free Latin programs that combine language instruction with ancient history. Across three summers, she has introduced young learners to Latin through live instruction, making classical education accessible and welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds.

For her contributions to the field, Maira received the Vergilian Society’s 2026 Rudolph Masciantonio Prize for Inclusive Excellence in Latin and the Classical Humanities. Her educational work has also received grants from the Paideia Institute, the Ascanius Institute, and the Classical Association of the Atlantic States.

Yet for Maira, the truest measure of impact lies in the messages she receives from students who have discovered a language course, summer program, research opportunity, or internship through something Acta Diurna Classics shared.