Meet the NCC Board: Maribel Selva

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce could not put on all the events, programs and networking opportunities that we do without the help of an amazing volunteer Board of Directors. This board is comprised of business owners, entrepreneurs and committed residents who have made an impact on the Northcenter business community. In this series, we will introduce you to them one by one. Today, meet former President Maribel Selva, who now heads the Ribfest and Community Events Committees.

There is a phrase you will often hear Maribel Selva use about her relationship to her neighborhood: "I work, live and play in Northcenter." A resident of the Northcenter neighborhood for more than 30 years, Selva first came to the neighborhood via relatives and eventually became a homeowner here. Now, as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Selva helps others find their perfect home and perfect neighborhood, be it Northcenter or elsewhere.

"My goal is to help make people's dreams come true," she says. "Whether it's the traditional American dream, the dream of homeownership, the dream of moving across the country or the world or finding the perfect place to start a family."

Selva's involvement with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce began more than a decade ago. She began attending community events with her young son (now in college - how time flies!) and loved the Halloween Trick-Or-Treat and Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt events. Her mentor, a managing broker, advised her to increase her business presence by joining the Chamber of Commerce. Since then, Selva has been an indispensable part of the NCC Board, helping out with events and even serving as Board President last year.

"One of the things I really love about this Chamber is that my relationships with the people involved have evolved from members to acquaintances to friends," Selva says. "I feel as though they are supporting me and my business, and I do my best to support them."

Now, Selva chairs the Ribfest and Community Events Committees. She advises business owners and community members to get involved with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce "as lightly or as deeply as they can," and that the feeling of collective accomplishment is one thing that keeps her involved.

"It is a pleasure to be involved with what might be the most active Chamber on the North Side," Selva says. "I am so proud of everything we have been able to accomplish. Just when I think we can't grow anymore, we do."

Selva is also involved in the Northcenter community through events and volunteering at St. Benedict's Parish, and in her free time, enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and exploring the neighborhood. She says a perfect Sunday in Northcenter for her would start with early mass at St. Ben's, followed by breakfast with a group of friends nearby and taking time to peruse the shops along Lincoln Avenue before picking up dinner and enjoying the weather in the back yard.