Maria J Walker

Experience

• 

  The South Philadelphia Review-Chronicle

  Jul 1989 - Nov 1990

  Editor

  Composed and edited articles for weekly newspaper, circulation 100,000. Managed staff of three reporters and more than five free-lance writers and columnists. Introduced four new weekly columns, community calendar and youth award.

• 

  U.S. Representative Thomas M. Foglietta

  May 1991 - May 1998

  Cogressional District Office Policy Director and District Office Director

  Researched, wrote and advised on urban policy for four district offices. District liaison for Department of Defense base closure issues. Represented congressman at regional functions and on various committees. Identified public relations opportunities and organized town meetings. Supervised constituent service staff.

• 

  CITE Business School

  Nov 1998 - Dec 2006

  Lead Teaching Instructor/Senior Employment Specialist

  Placed and assisted more than 200 adult students (85% placement rate) annually in permanent clerical employment. Partnered with local corporations, non-profit organizations, hospitals, law firms and political offices to provide clerical employees and/or interns. Organized job fairs and alumnae speakers. Recruited and scheduled visits and interviews from human resources personnel. Conducted various motivational and professional seminars for students, and oversaw monthly teacher trainings to maintain school accreditation. Show less

• 

  After School Activities Partnerships

  Jan 2007 - Sept 2011

  Executive Director

  Oversaw day-to-day operations of non-profit organization, serving 6,000 youth annually in 7 citywide programs. Wrote grants in coordination with ASAP’s president to raise funds for a general operating budget of $725,000, an increase of $232,000 since 2006. Supervised staff of 7 employees. Organized more than 20 events a year. Composed newsletters, end-of-year report and an after school resource guide annually. Handled press and public relations. Networked with educational, youth-serving, parenting, community and faith-based organizations, and political and government offices to advocate on the importance of afterschool activities. Partnered with local and national corporations to promote ASAP’s mission. Show less

• 

  Drexel University

  Aug 2011 - Jun 2023

  Oversee operations for multiple grant-funded initiatives. Manage all aspects of program implementation, including grant writing, funder relations, program partner development and evaluation and research for Drexel community-based programs. Insure cross-department collaboration and coordination of programs. Raised more than $10 million in grant funds, including from the US Department of Education, United Way, the Lenfest Foundation, PNC Grow Up Great, the William Penn Foundation and several state and local government and private sources. Currently oversee the West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning Initiative, to improve education outcomes for youth; manage $1 million annual operating budget and coordination of more than 10 program partners. Accomplishments include:• Established an Alliance of Childcare Providers and Family Ambassador Program• 69% of Alliance providers improved their quality rating resulting in 77% more children in quality childcare• Partnered with Sesame Workshop to bring its nationally recognized early learning program – Sesame Street in Communities – to Philadelphia Show less Oversaw KEYSPOTS: Freedom Rings Partnership (FRP), a collaboration of citywide agencies to bridge the digital divide in Philadelphia. Managed staff of 15 and operating budget of $5.4 million, ensuring compliance and deliverables on federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant. Accomplishments included: • Distribution of computers and training for 5,000 Philadelphia Housing Authority residents. • Directed public awareness campaign, reaching more than one million Philadelphians to engage in basic computer training and advocate for expanded Internet access. • Achieved 100% of deliverables under budget and 2 months’ ahead of schedule. Show less

  • Acting Executive Director

    Oct 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Project Director

    Jan 2017 - Jun 2023

  • Project Manager

    Aug 2011 - Dec 2016
• 

  La Salle Academy Philadelphia

  Jun 2023 - now

  President

  Oversee operations for La Salle Academy (LSA), a San Miguel model, independent, Catholic grade school, educating children grades 3rd through 8th, dedicated to achieving success academically and spiritually in a supportive, faith-based learning environment. Started in 2003 by the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St. Joseph in West Kensington, La Salle exclusively serves children from low-income families. The benefits of La Salle Academy include:• Small Classes: 15:1 student/teacher ratio• Extended School Day/School Year• Tuition support: $250/year - families must qualify for federal free/reduced price lunch• On-site nurse and social worker• Catholic High School Scholarships Available LSA: Powering potential for more than 20 years through strong, faith-based education. Show less