Life & Work with Maribel Santa Cruz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maribel Santa Cruz.

Hi Maribel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the United States 20 years ago. For me, being in a country different from my own was both an exciting and overwhelming experience. At the same time, I was afraid of the unknown. Not speaking the language made me feel that my opportunities to succeed were very limited.
One of my first goals was to learn English. I spent several years taking classes at an adult school, determined to improve my language skills and create better opportunities for myself and my family.
In my home country, I worked in sewing and tailoring, and I thought that would be the type of work I would do when I came to the United States. Life, however, had a very different plan for me. I began working in restaurant cleaning for a couple of years, and later I started working alongside the man who would become my life partner and, ultimately, my greatest teacher.
He introduced me to a world I had never imagined myself working in: real estate and property management.
It was a tremendous challenge. At the time, I could barely speak English, and managing properties required me to communicate with tenants, business owners, contractors, and many other people. Little by little, I overcame my fear of speaking English. As my confidence grew, so did my ability to perform my job and take on greater responsibilities.
It has now been 15 years since I began working in property management. During that time, I have gained an incredible amount of experience. I have managed more than 300 apartment units, office buildings, and shopping centers. What began as something I never imagined doing became a career that has shaped my life and given me the opportunity to serve my community.
Seven and a half years ago, my life partner passed away. He was not only my companion in life but also my mentor. From him, I learned that we must live each day with a purpose and that, no matter how much adversity stands in our way, we must continue moving forward.
When he passed away, my life became extremely difficult. I found myself without financial resources. There were times when I did not even have enough money to provide food and basic necessities for my family. I fell into depression. I lost the home where I was living, and many of my personal belongings and memories were destroyed, causing me tremendous pain.
More than seven years have passed, and I am still rebuilding my life, little by little.
My partner worked until the very last day of his life. Today, I can say that I inherited his vision and his belief in creating a more prosperous San Bernardino.
Coming to live in this city has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. The challenge was and continues to be moving forward in a city that has faced significant economic difficulties. Building stability and creating opportunities has not been easy, but I can proudly say that through my work, I have contributed to the growth of this community by helping promote local businesses and supporting the people who make this city their home.
My work in property management has given me the opportunity to meet and work with people within the City of San Bernardino, business owners, community leaders, and individuals involved in organizations dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
I have also had the privilege of being San Bernardino Citizen of the Month, serving on the Board of Directors of the San Bernardino Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I was nominated and became a finalist for the Icons of the Inland Empire awards by CHASE bank, I had hosted Coffee with a Cop for more than three years together with the SBPD and I have been participating in many other events and activities throughout the city of San Bernardino. Through these experiences, I have built relationships with people who share the same commitment I have: to help create a stronger, more prosperous, and more vibrant San Bernardino.
Today, I look back at the woman who arrived in this country 20 years ago afraid, unable to speak the language, and uncertain about what the future would hold and I realize how far I have come.
My journey has taught me that success is not always measured by what we achieve, but by how many times we find the strength to rise after we fall.
I am still building. I am still learning. And I am still moving forward.
My vision is to continue contributing to the growth of San Bernardino, supporting local businesses, connecting people with opportunities, and being part of the transformation of this city into a place where families, entrepreneurs, and businesses can thrive.
I believe that sometimes the greatest challenges in our lives become the foundation for our greatest purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t smooth as I mentioned I went through difficult times when my partner died. When he passed I had to show myself that I was strong enough to stand up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked in property management for 15 years; it is a job I enjoy, and it has given me the opportunity to meet many people and get involved in the needs of my community.

What matters most to you? Why?
To be a good example for my son, fostering in him a love for God, values, humanity, humility, and respect, but also the courage to always move forward, even when facing obstacles, and to always go the extra mile.

I think the best legacy I can leave my son is the example of being a mother who can handle anything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.threads.com/@santacruzbella?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bella.santacruz.3?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr