A Few Minutes with Maruja Webb

Maruja Webb, Workforce Development Program Coordinator, MAAC Project

When job-seekers initially meet with Maruja Webb, she envisions a future brighter for them than they do for themselves.

In her five years with MAAC Project, Maruja Webb has helped turned around many lives. Such changes bring an added brightness to her already bright and shining spirit.

As workforce development coordinator, she coordinates MAAC’s “Building Futures” program, which, funded in part by LISC, offers free career counseling, work readiness training, financial coaching and occupational skills training for individuals seeking vocational training and job search assistance. 

“We bring a sense of self-confidence,” she says proudly. “We’re the lifeline to our mission statement ... helping families and individuals reach and maintain self-sufficiency.”

Maruja is equally proud of her first name, pronounced “Ma-ROO-ha” and taken from a popular 1978 movie in the Philippines, where her mother is from. Translated, her name means “Warrior Princess.”

Q: What does your role with MAAC Project involve?
A: My role is to coordinate the efforts of the Building Futures program. These efforts include program recruitment, maintaining relationships with employers and training providers, case management, work readiness training and financial coaching, and education. In a nutshell, my role is to make sure our participants leave here with the tools to succeed and thrive.

Q: What “soft” job-seeking skills do you emphasize?
A: Within any program you enter at MAAC, “soft skills” are emphasized, as we know that employers are looking for more than just technical skills, which are equally important. We teach such skills as communication, adaptability and teamwork.

Q: How has your own life experience prepared you for this job?
A: Helping others is something I’ve always done. Even before I started in human services, my family members and friends always came to me for advice, resources and help with resumes. I always try to be positive and do my best to find the resources others may need. I enjoy helping others, not only in reaching their goals, but in finding that confidence within themselves.

Q: What have you learned about the people MAAC serves, their needs, maybe even about yourself?
A: I’ve learned that making yourself available, having empathy and being resourceful goes a long way. People come to us because they realize they need our guidance and support. They may not fully realize they have everything they need within themselves, so we help them with our programs and by saying, “Yes, you can.” 

Q: Can you provide an example of someone whom you helped?
A: Recently, we had an individual come to us who was homeless and had made several attempts at ending his life. Through our resources, we were able to help him get secure housing and employment. Now when he comes in, he’s like a different person. He’s got that self-confidence that makes all the difference. He knows we’re in his corner.

Q: Personally, what’s your best skill?
A: I believe in what we do. And I believe the information and direction our clients receive is helpful. For example, we provide credit repair – which I’ve done for myself, so I know that’s a valuable skill. I know that with the right direction, allthings are achievable.

Q: What would you like people who don’t about MAAC to know about your programs?
A: We are here for our clients through the entire process. If we don’t offer a particular service or can’t answer a question, we will help find the answers. As we say about those who have gone through our programs, once you’re a “MAACie,” you’re always a “MAACie.” We’re always here to help, no matter what.

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Maruja Webb
Workforce Development Program Coordinator
MAAC
2001 Newton Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
619-426-3595, ext. 1296
mwebb@maacproject.org