For more than 15 years, Maria Walker has worked in a variety of capacities to improve the lives of Philadelphians. Currently Project Director for Drexel University’s Office of University and Community Partnerships, Walker has coordinated several programs to improve educational outcomes for youth and adults, including the West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning Initiative, the Alliance of Childcare Providers, the Family Ambassador Program, out-of-school time activities, and Drexel’s KEYSPOT: Freedom Rings Partnership, a citywide program to bridge the digital divide among low-income Philadelphians.

Previously, Walker was executive director of After School Activities Partnerships, an organization serving 6,000 youth annually with the mission to keep Philadelphia youth in grades K–12 safe and active after school. She has worked as a newspaper journalist and editor, and as a special assistant to a United States congressman with the focus of work on base closure reuse and environmental issues. Her experience also includes advocacy and training to support women on welfare. Walker has a B.A. in English with a Classics minor from Temple University, and a Non-Profit Executive Leadership Certificate from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.