Meet Maria Contreras, Youth Programs Manager

EBALDC Youth Program students on a field trip to Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley

My name is Maria Contreras, born and raised in Oakland. I am the youth manager of EBALDC’S Havenscourt Youth Jobs Initiative at Lion Creek Crossings. There aren’t a lot of organizations like EBALDC. They help me to help youth and the community — people like me, Oaklanders, helping others. That means a lot.

I had other job offers, but in my final interview at EBALDC we talked about the mission of the organization. I knew where I had to be.

Since I began working with youth at EBALDC five years ago, our main goal remains the same – to help young people find jobs. That is the biggest need, creating opportunities for them to earn money and develop better opportunities career wise. This is why I do my job.

I fell in love working with nonprofits and I don’t think I would ever want to go back to the private sector. I’m in a learning curve right now having been promoted to a management position with new responsibilities. I’ve gotten great support from everyone, my supervisors and co-workers, and I’m excited to take our youth programs to a new level in 2023.

When I’m asked what motivates me, my response is: it’s our youth. I wake up each morning knowing that I will make a difference in a young person’s life.