Candidate for
School Director; Upper Darby School District

Veronica Pam Maven is not your typical elected official. A mother of two who serves the school district in which my children are educated, I bring together a unique combination of interest in the success of our public schools from all angles- the parent, the taxpayer, and the school official. The youngest of seven children in a military family, I was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. The daughter of a Decorated Korean War veteran, my involvement in public and community service began at a young age and carried through my entire education.

My love of service to others spilled over in my professional life. In 2001 I brought together my business and people skills and joined the Impact Services division of the Veterans Department in Philadelphia. While with Impact Services, I developed programs that sought reach out to veterans in need of assistance. I led group and individual counseling sessions that helped those who fought for our nation in addition to developing relationships with local organizations willing to help our nation's veterans, and I spearheaded programs that facilitated job placement for veterans making the transition from military service to civilian life.

I moved from the service world to the corporate world for a brief time, working in the corporate world, but my concern for the education of our youth eventually brought me to a professional career in education. I joined Wordsworth Human Services in 2004 and served as the organization's school liaison, consulting with parents, administrators, and educators to ensure the best learning environment for all students, including those with learning disabilities. I was responsible for ensuring the group's educational programs satisfied and complied with all federal, state, and local regulations and standards. In addition, I used my strong organizational skills to coordinate the day-to-day operations of the facility.

In May 2007, I was overwhelmingly chosen by both Democrats and Republicans to be their nominee to a 2-year school board seat, and in November 2007 I was officially elected to the Upper Darby Board of School Directors, the first Democrat elected to a public position in Upper Darby in over 30 years. Since taking office in December 2007, I have consistently worked for the best interests of the taxpayer, encouraging the board to take a serious review of the district budget, opposing exemptions to long-standing residency rules for Senior Administrators, and seeking the most efficient and effective ways to operate Upper Darby's public schools.

A mother of two and an active community member, I can often be seen at Beverly Hills' Middle School basketball games cheering my daughter on, at arts functions here in the community, and around town. I reside in the Highland Park section of Upper Darby with my children.