MariaJose Borja

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Ret.), United States Marine Corps | Nonprofit Governance Leader | Youth & Community Advocate

🔹 Professional Overview
MariaJose leads the Elite 8 Foundation as Board President, drawing on a distinguished military career as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the United States Marine Corps. Known for her precision, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication, MariaJose now channels her leadership into empowering underserved communities and advancing youth mentorship initiatives.

As the board’s highest-ranking officer, she provides strategic oversight, drives organizational vision, and ensures all programs align with Elite 8’s values of education, service, and empowerment. Her unique combination of technical expertise and heart-centered leadership has positioned her as a cornerstone of the foundation’s long-term success.

🔹 Core Skills & Leadership Strengths
Board Governance & Strategic Planning
Program Oversight & Policy Development
Youth Mentorship & Community Empowerment
Leadership Training & Team Development
Public Speaking & Advocacy
Military Discipline & Operational Insight

🎓 Education
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – University of California, Riverside
Certificate in Youth Program Quality – David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality

🌍 Languages
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Native Speaker)

🏅 Certifications
Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner
Positive Youth Development Certified Facilitator

🪖 Military Career Highlights
Retired as Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3), United States Marine Corps
Led initiatives in personnel development, operational efficiency, and mentorship
Served in technical leadership roles across multiple deployments
Recognized for exceptional leadership, innovation, and community-building within the Corps

🌐 Current Role – Elite 8 Foundation
As Board President, MariaJose plays a vital role in shaping the foundation’s impact by:

• Leading board governance and strategic alignment
• Partnering with community stakeholders to expand program reach
• Guiding the development of mentorship and youth empowerment initiatives
• Supporting executive leadership through policy and vision setting
• Advocating for sustainable, community-driven service models

With the poise of a Marine officer and the heart of a servant leader, MariaJose continues to embody the values that uplift and unify the communities Elite 8 serves.