August 7, 2026

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.

Maria poses for a silly photo with KidWorks’ Youth Community Leaders

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.  

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 and the Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team!

“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.”

Maria, behind the camera, snaps a picture of KidWorks students.

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.” 

From baseball games to summer beach days, Maria is always looking for exciting ways to connect with KidWorks youth.

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:

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