Maya Herrera is an evolved human from Santo Domingo who made her way to New York City to meet Chandra Suresh in hopes that he could help her with her ability, which she believed to be a curse. She was originally on the run with her now deceased brother because they were both wanted for accidental murder. She lived with Mohinder, waiting for a way to get rid of her ability until he attacked her as a result of his ability so she got someone else to do the job. She now lives in New Jersey trying to live a normal life.

Maya and Alejandro both seem to believe that Maya is responsible for causing the deaths of people around them. They believe that they need to get to New York, where there is a doctor who can help her. Since they have been reading a copy of Activating Evolution, they are presumably seeking Chandra Suresh. (Four Months Later...)

When Alejandro finds Maya after she is kidnapped by some "coyotes", everyone else in the truck has died; their eyes have spilled black tears.

Maya's virulent ability manifests when she begins leaking black liquid from the eyes. Then, her guide to cross the border dies just like the coyotes. However, Alejandro is somehow able to reverse the condition, by gripping Maya's hands tight and praying. The guide comes back to life and flees, and all the black liquid returns to Alejandro's eyes (Lizards). Maya later learns to reverse the effects of her ability without Alejandro's ability. (Truth & Consequences)

At long last, Maya's ability is taken away by Arthur Petrelli. (Eris Quod Sum)