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Social Media. AI. The pressure from “influencers.” Today’s youth—like most of us—face a daily onslaught of distractions. That’s why for KidWorks’ youth a trusted resource like Maria Ruvalcaba is indispensable.… Continue Reading
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Social Media. AI. The pressure from “influencers.” Today’s youth—like most of us—face a daily onslaught of distractions.
That’s why for KidWorks’ youth a trusted resource like Maria Ruvalcaba is indispensable.
This year, KidWorks’ Leadership Development Coordinator celebrated her 10-year anniversary as a member of our team.
Over the past decade, Maria has been an “influencer” of the best kind: Instilling in our youth a full range of success-based characteristics that include faith, leadership, academic excellence, community service, responsibility, career-readiness, wellness and self-confidence.
No one explains it better than our students. Here’s what 18-year-old Leyla Navarro says about Maria:
“Ms. Maria is a blessing. Her strong, independent mindset has inspired me to become a better leader by stepping up for my community, just as she has done.”
Leyla (who plans on becoming a Physician Assistant or an OB/GYN) adds:
“I met Ms. Maria halfway through my high school years and she has made a huge impact in my life by listening to my crazy stories or simply by asking how my day is going. I enjoy Ms. Maria because we share similar interests. Plus, whenever we talk, we are always laughing.”
Maria spearheads our Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team, currently comprised of 18 students from eighth grade through high school. It was formerly known as the Youth Leadership Team.
Under Maria’s stewardship, YCL encourages our youth to get involved in their city and become servant leaders in their neighborhoods through community service projects as well as networking with other youth in partner organizations.
“YCL encourages youth to be respectful, responsible, accountable, challenge themselves out of their comfort zone, to try new things—and more than anything, to experience joy and passion in all they do.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
Maria adds, “YCL creates that space for youth to learn the value of collaboration and to act. They are not on the sidelines standing idly by as they see the hardships faced by their families and neighbors. Instead, they are encouraged to work together to make a positive impact in their communities.”
All of this has led to meaningful results.
“Most of the new parks around Santa Ana have design elements that came about as a result of our youth collaborating with the city’s parks and recreation department and urban planners to speak into what elements should be included,” Maria says.
She adds, “In my role, I create the leadership lessons that the afterschool program assistants teach to students every Tuesday. I also support the afterschool program team at youth events, the college and career team with the college visits and engaging alumni who have benefitted from KidWorks’ programs.”
“Maria’s impact can be seen in the confidence, leadership and growth of the students she has mentored over the years,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Associate Director of Programs. “She has cultivated youth leaders who are not only engaged in their schools and communities, but who also understand the importance of servant leadership and giving back.”
Gerardo adds, “Maria leads with a relational, empowering and growth-oriented approach. She believes in giving students ownership and responsibility while walking alongside them with encouragement and accountability.”
“She has a natural ability to connect with young people, making them feel seen, valued and capable of more than they often believe possible for themselves.”
“Over the years, Maria has grown into leadership. Early on, her strengths in relationship-building and youth mentorship were clear. She has continued to expand her skills in leading teams. She has grown in her ability to empower others, delegate leadership and cultivate future leaders around her.”
Erika Sanchez, our Senior Director of Programs, says:
“Maria’s style is focused on long term impact. She warmly welcomes young students into the fold and allows them to grow and flourish year over year.”
“She also has a deep commitment to walk with students even after high school. She gathers alumni and cultivates community. She celebrates their wins and walks with them during difficult seasons.
“She is deeply personal and challenges growth in our students. She communicates expectations and upholds youth to these standards. She creates learning opportunities and curiosity among her students.”
Maria knows from firsthand experience that engaging with youth in a way they can relate to is different today than it was 10 years ago.
“Youth have become a lot busier and tougher to engage with at times,” she says. “There’s so much taking up their attention now with social media and other pressures.
“This sometimes make it challenging to capture their attention, interest and level of commitment. However, they still want to be involved; we’re just competing for limited time in their busy lives. And I feel the results show we have been successful in doing that.”
Maria cites one example:
“We are offering more wrap-around services for the entire family through more robust college and career support, practical parenting workshops and youth leadership development opportunities in their communities,” she says.
As Maria begins her second decade of service at KidWorks, we are inspired by her humble reflection on what the journey has been like so far and invite everyone to join us in saying, “Well done, Maria!”
In her words:
“It’s been such a pleasure and honor to know that I’ve played a small part in someone’s young life and hope that they took away some learning, experiences, opportunities and memories from their time participating and serving on our youth leadership team.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
By Glenn Leibowitz, Volunteer Writer
When you support KidWorks youth with a financial donation, as a volunteer and in other ways, you are directly helping to provide a path forward for tomorrow’s leaders. Learn more. kidworksoc.org/donate
Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part of his vocabulary. Over his 18 years with KidWorks, Jesse’s gotten more comfortable with the idea—thanks to the support of a special staff member!
Outreach efforts brought Jesse to KidWorks in 2008. The Cadena household received a letter via mail informing them of opportunities for early childhood education at our Dan Donahue Center (DDC). Located walking distance from DDC, Jesse’s parents chose to enroll him in preschool at KidWorks.
Jesse and his mom had an easy commute; they walked over to the preschool’s lively classroom each morning. But navigating school wasn’t the easiest for Jesse.
Learning was often a solo experience—one-on-one math drills with his father at home. Preschool, on the other hand, urged Jesse to learn alongside his classmates and share new experiences.
Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director, worked with Jesse to deepen his relationships with peers and encourage his academic prowess in the classroom.
“I was Jesse’s lead teacher and the site supervisor at KidWorks when he attended preschool. Jesse had lot of potential to be a leader. He loved to help organize around the classroom and guide other students, despite being a bit shy. His peers followed, as he was everyone’s most liked friend. By the end of the year in 2009, Jesse was also a whiz at math and the top of the class. He knew all his colors, shapes, letters and identified 101 numbers without error. Jesse truly excelled in everything he did!”
Idalia Galdamez, preschool Director
With Idalia’s guidance, Jesse created lasting memories during his time in preschool. One, however, stands out above the rest.
Preschool graduation was Jesse’s first academic milestone, an achievement he shared with the two most important people in his life. Both of his parents were present as he walked across the stage in his blue robes. Jesse’s father even took a day off from work to attend—a rare occurrence in the Cadena household and one Jesse fondly remembers.
On that special day, Jesse recalls feeling celebrated and encouraged to pursue his dreams for the first time. This support motivated him to excel throughout his K-12 education.
“Going to preschool at KidWorks gave me a headstart when I started going to school. I was ahead of other kids when it came to my academics and most importantly, I was excited to learn.”
Jesse was an honors student throughout elementary and middle school. However, social dynamics at school grew more complicated each year. Soon the throes of Jesse’s pre-teen years became impossible to ignore.
He knew he needed a support system, but Jesse didn’t know where to start his search. That was until 7th grade, when he met a special staff member at KidWorks that changed his life for the better.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, extended her support to Jesse soon after joining the KidWorks team in 2015. With her bubbly personality and commitment to ensuring student success, Rachel provided a safe space for Jesse to share his day-to-day anxieties.
“When I met Jesse as a quiet, thoughtful seventh grader, I knew building trust would take time. At the time, I was a young Program Assistant in the Afterschool program learning how to support students. Jesse taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: the power of consistent presence. Year after year, in different capacities, I have had the privilege of walking alongside him, and I’m so grateful that our relationship has continued long after he graduated from KidWorks. Jesse has become an incredible young man. He has shaped the way I care for others and continues to remind me why relationships matter so deeply.”
Rachel cervantes, volunteer manager
Rachel and Jesse have built an unshakable trust in one another—something that allows them to tackle difficult topics, such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, and academics.
“Rachel is like a mother figure to me. Even after graduating from KidWorks in 2022, she’s kept in touch with me and provided essential support. Even after long periods of not talking, Rachel makes sure to ask how I’m doing. I know she’ll always be in my life.”
Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
As he reflects on his time at KidWorks, he’s grateful to have built a strong support network. He hopes his younger brother, Aiden, builds a bond to similar to his friendship with Rachel, because everyone deserves to have a Rachel in their life.
Jesse concludes our preschool’s 20th anniversary celebration with a piece of advice for any parents thinking of choosing KidWorks for their child’s early childhood education:
“Parents should enroll their students at KidWorks because they’re going to get a lot of support with academics and advice. Everyone here is very welcoming. They treat you like family!”
Jesse cadena
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you encourage students, like Jesse, to build meaningful relationships with KidWorks students and staff. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
