Dr Maria Woodruff Ph.D.

Additional Info

Description of Experience : Prior to starting my business, I was a high school counselor and Director of College Guidance at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose for 7 years. In that position, I was responsible for the 9-12th grade college curriculum for over 1700 students. I personally advised over 250 students annually, developed the school profile, submitted cal grant verification for all students, planned an annual college fair, conducted college counselor calls, and collaborated with other private high schools for Case Studies every spring.

Before I moved to San Jose, I was a doctoral student and graduate student researcher at UCLA in Higher Education and Organizational Change where I published and presented research regarding diversity, equity, and access to postsecondary education. Before I began my doctorate, I was the Coordinator for the MBA program at Loyola Marymount University where I was responsible for all MBA admissions, academic advising, and data submission for US News and World Report.

Based on my experiences, I have been a member of NACAC and WACAC since 2011. I began volunteering annually as a committee member for our local WACAC Share, Learn, Connect conference in 2012 and served as co-chair for 2018, 2019, and 2020. I believe strongly in providing resources to anyone helping students access college.