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Manos Unidas
Manos Unidas
Projects
Youth Sports
Community Outreach
Our Vision
Our Team
MULCC
Login Account
Donate
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  • Maritza Gamboa Ferraro - President and Founder

    Maritza Gamboa Ferraro is a distinguished attorney and community leader, renowned for her dedication to serving her community and her clients. Born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Lubbock, she displayed leadership skills early on, becoming Student Council President in both junior high and high school.

    Maritza pursued higher education at Texas Tech University, where she excelled as a McNair Scholar. She graduated in 2000 with a double major in History and Spanish. Her initial career as a Youth Counselor set the foundation for her empathetic approach to serving others. Pursuing her passion for law, Maritza earned her Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University Law School, complemented by her studies in Mexican Civil Law at the Universidad de Guanajuato.

    She embarked on her legal career in Killeen, Texas, focusing on trial work with active and retired military personnel. In 2011, she returned to Lubbock to establish Gamboa Law, specializing in criminal, family, CPS, and immigration law. Her commitment to excellence in law is demonstrated through her involvement with esteemed organizations such as the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Association, and the Texas Family Lawyers. A graduate of the Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming and the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute, Maritza continues to excel in criminal defense, with a focus on juvenile law.

    In 2017, Maritza demonstrated her commitment to social justice by founding Manos Unidas. Through her leadership, she secured several federal grants aimed at preventative activities for youth in the community, showcasing her dedication to fostering positive change.

    Maritza extends her service beyond her professional commitments through volunteer work. She has been actively involved with children's programs, such as coaching for the South Plains Food Bank Kids Café Program, and participates in initiatives like Toys for Tots. She has held positions on the Board of Directors for several organizations, sponsors Little League Baseball teams, and remains an active member of the PTA.

    A devoted wife and mother of two, Maritza is deeply involved in her children's education and extracurricular activities. Her multifaceted career and community involvement make her a powerful advocate and role model, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those she serves.

  • Christine Ruffin - Director

    Christine Ruffin is celebrated for her compassionate nature and steadfast work ethic, making her an integral part of the Lubbock community since she moved there at the age of four from her birthplace in Abilene, Texas. Her dedication to service began during her years at Frenship High School, where she excelled as the Student Council Vice President and competed at the state level in track and field.

    As a first-generation college student, Christine attended Texas Tech University, skillfully balancing her studies with a position at Cingular/AT&T Mobility. In 2011, she graduated with a degree in Sociology and embarked on a successful career as an account executive in AT&T's corporate division.

    Christine's fervor for social justice and empowerment is evident in her extensive volunteer work throughout Lubbock. She plays an active role in numerous community initiatives, showcasing her commitment to empowering her cherished community. In her role as a board member of Manos Unidas, Christine leverages her corporate and grassroots connections to spearhead fundraising efforts for the nonprofit, securing grants and donations to fund sports entry fee scholarships for underprivileged youth.

    Her profound love for Lubbock is demonstrated through her dedicated volunteer work, significantly impacting many lives. Christine Ruffin’s unwavering dedication and passion for community service exemplify her as a catalyst for empowerment and change in her beloved community.

    Christine is a devoted daughter who diligently invests her time and energy into the well-being of her family. Her profound appreciation for the humanities is reflected in her professional endeavors, establishing her as a respected role model across her various pursuits

  • Stephen Ferraro - Director

    Stephen Ferraro is a distinguished veteran and accomplished entrepreneur, celebrated for his leadership and vision as the founder and owner of both SJF Investigations and SJF Rentals. His profound commitment to community empowerment is demonstrated through his active board membership at Manos Unidas, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering growth and development in Northwest Texas.

    Stephen's illustrious career began in 2002 when he joined the US Army as an Infantry officer. Over a decade of service, he excelled in pivotal roles such as Rifle Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Operations Officer. Notably, Stephen served in the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he was deployed twice to Iraq during the initial invasion and subsequent operations in Kirkuk from 2003 to 2006. His leadership continued with assignments that included commanding B Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, alongside a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and fulfilling strategic roles in Seoul, Korea.

    Transitioning from the military as a Major in 2012, Stephen relocated to Lubbock, Texas, where he leveraged his extensive military and strategic expertise to establish SJF Investigations. This venture specializes in private security and investigative services. In parallel, he founded SJF Rentals, a rapidly growing property management enterprise serving Northwest Texas.

    Originally from Lakeville, Pennsylvania, Stephen is well-equipped with an impressive educational background, which includes a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Scranton. His military education further distinguishes him, having completed elite programs including the Infantry Officers Basic Course, Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Pathfinder Course, Long Range Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, and the prestigious Ranger Course.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen is a dedicated volunteer and mentor within his community. He serves on the board of directors for local little league and has devoted over seven years to passionately coaching baseball and soccer teams.

    Stephen shares his life with his wife and their two children. Through his professional endeavors and active community involvement, Stephen Ferraro embodies leadership, dedication, and service to both his community and country.

Manos Unidas

1500 Broadway, Ste 1254
Lubbock, TX 79401

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