Meet Raja Marhaba | Entrepreneur, Special Education Advocate, and Former Contractor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raja Marhaba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raja, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is different for everyone. It really depends on how much risk the individual is willing to take in order to reach a goal. For me it was challenging as I owned a construction company with my former husband and we needed to obtain bonding in order to bid on higher value projects. This meant we had to guarantee that each construction project we bid on, and was awarded, were completed 100% satisfactory to the client. If not, and we defaulted on the project, then the bond company can take the project over, complete it, and pay all the vendors and subcontractors to satisfy the client. In addition to this, the bond company required us to sign over our personal Trust as security. Every asset stipulated in our Trust was placed at risk if any of our construction projects faced significant issues to complete.

Thank God, we worked together well and ensured that all projects ran smoothly. We did not want any of our assets to be held collateral by the bond company in case we were not successful in bringing the project to completion. This put a tremendous amount of stress on both my former husband and I. This stress was over and above running projects and dealing with whatever curve ball was thrown our way. Many times the challenges that we faced during the day were bought into the home environment in the evening making it that much more difficult to weather through the storms.

I must say as an entrepreneur risk plays a huge role in trying to grow a company. It all depends on the revenue one wants to reach. The higher the revenue the higher the risk. If we did not take the risks we would never have been able to grow a multimillion dollar company. Every construction project we took on had a level of risk associated with it, and if we ran multiple projects simultaneously. Well that just increased the risk. Another risk in business is finding a partner you can develop unconditional trust with. Due to the fact that we were married the trust was always there, we both had good intentions and did not want to hurt each other or the company, no matter how stressful things got. Without trust, you have nothing!

Taking a risk in my personal life provided much growing pains, agony, stress and maturity that I would have never imagined nor experienced the lessons learned without taking the risk. It made me smarter and better with business. Gave me the self-confidence I needed to make some very difficult decisions, not only in the business world, but in life as well.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Being in the construction industry gave me the stepping stones to form a nonprofit for special needs children, The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities (TJF). When my former husband and I created the construction company we were in our twenties and basically winged it. We did not have much knowledge in business and learned as we grew. A long time ago a business professional in one of my forums told me “all businesses operate the same the only difference is revenue. They have the same wins, losses, trials and tribulations. The cost will be emotional or financial no matter what the revenues are.” That experience was incredible and although the growing pains were difficult I learned a tremendous amount on how to run a business. Throughout my construction career I was always taking management, financial, and business classes. I joined forums such as Birthing of Giants, Young Entrepreneurs Organization (which is EO today), High Rise and so on. I attended UCLA’s Management Development For Entrepreneurs (MDE) Program and UCLA’s Paralegal Studies with Concentration in Litigation and Corporation. Wherever there was an opportunity to learn I was there. I met amazing entrepreneurs through these forums and still am friends with many of them. It is important to be in a circle of like minded people in business. I never wanted to be the smartest person in the room.

A nonprofit is truly a business and must be treated as one. When I initially formed TJF I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I wanted to do something extraordinary and help families who have special needs children walking the path I walked over 27 years ago. Any business for profit or nonprofit are not easy to establish, launch and grow. I was able to apply lessons learned from my constructions company into my nonprofit such as; becoming a leader, understanding and navigating various personalities, finances, networking, mitigating issues that arise and trying to come to some amicable resolve.

My story is one of David and Goliath fighting the second largest school district in the nation to obtain badly needed special education services and placements for both my sons. I had no idea how difficult it was to obtain services and placement from the public schools until I was going through it for my own sons. The public school does not provide services for children with special needs unless it is “proven” that the deficits identified in assessments and records review, not only warrant a need, but the deficits impede the children from learning in the school environment.

I was a novice parent and I did not know how to perform a records review, understand psychoeducational assessments or the scoring in those assessments. I was not aware of the Individuals Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is Federal Law for special education. The Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a legal contract between the school district and the child (represented by the parent/guardian). The IEP has many protections under IDEA. Had I known the above information 27 years ago I would have been able to advocate stronger for my children, and maybe not endure the extreme emotional and financial burdens. I guess God had a different plan for me.

What I want the world to know is that knowledge is power!!! As difficult as my journey was I never gave up on my children or the fight against the school district. There were many times where I felt defeated and broken, but my faith pulled me through.

If you want to support TJF please go to the website and donate https://thejonathanfoundation.org/. TJF will be having a fundraiser on May 17, 2025 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Please join us and save one child at a time!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friends came to visit me in California I would take them for a ride along Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles towards up north, stop at Santa Cruz and visit the beach, lighthouse and the Big Dipper. From there go to Big Sur and look at the cliffs, forested inlets, and go whale watching. After that go to Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. On the way back go to Hearst Castle. So many beautiful things to do and see in California. There are many wonderful places to stay, restaurants to indulge in and souvenir shops to visit. The best part of entertaining my friends is the company, and making long lasting memories.

Of course, let’s not forget our family dog “Buddy” who has been therapeutic, loving, and caring. Buddy knows when one of us are not feeling well, and is always there to love on us. Family is everything to me!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout to a some very special individuals in my life.

John Weitkamp, Attorney At Law, was always there for me throughout my construction and personal life. He got me through some very sensitive and significantly challenging times. This man embraced me when I was at my lowest moments in life. He was my support, confidant, and a very good friend who answered every time I needed him. Each time I thanked him for his generosity and love, his response to me was to continue advocating for special needs children and make a difference. https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-weitkamp-06b30145/

Lee Alpert, Attorney At Law, came into my life when my construction company was facing challenges with our client. My former husband and I have been bidding on contracts that renewed every five years. One year my company and several other contractors, our competitors, were not awarded the same five year contract. The client had changed some of the criteria in the review process, and kicked all of us out. We lost the five year renewal contract, had no jobs to bid on and that effected our bottom line for that year. I turned to Mr. Alpert for help. We met and he reviewed the case and asked me if I wanted to initiate a Due Process (DP) or submit a Letter of Appeal to the client? Being that my family endured eight years of hell in litigation fighting the second largest school district in the nation, I had no desire to do the same with this client. He then helped me draft the Letter of Appeal and asked me to do something I would have never thought of, let alone, have the guts to do prior to submitting the Letter of Appeal. He told me to call the Client Representative and ask these words “If my company initiates a DP against you would you black ball my company?” It took me some time to build up the courage to ask such a question, and I did. The response was that particular representative would not, however, he cannot guarantee that his constituents won’t. Mr. Alpert wanted to obtain a feel on the case prior to moving with a DP, if that was the direction I wanted to go. I must say, he sure taught me a lesson I will never forget! Mr. Alpert has lifted me in business and supported me throughout all the years I know him. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkalpert/

Henry Tovmassian, Attorney At Law who is an incredible special education attorney. I had formed a nonprofit for special needs and simultaneously operated it with the construction company. During that time I was still in litigation with the school system. I had gone through a lot of training over and above my my journey of “School of Hard Knox” with this national broken special education system. I knew how to advocate and understood, for most part, assessments as I had established relationships with various of psychologists and neuropsychologists, but my missing link was an attorney in this industry. I went through Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT) with Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) https://www.copaa.org/, and at the end of this training I was placed in Mr. Tovmassian’ s office for a four month internship. This was one of the best experiences I had and absorbed everything he taught me. It is because of him I have my paralegal credentials from UCLA. When he met me and learned my story with the school system and my knowledge base, he said I should become an attorney. As much as I would have loved to, my personal experience during my trials and tribulations with several attorneys and the system, had impacted me in a very negative way. I wanted to be with the parents “boots on the ground” fighting with them and for them, helping their children and making an impact in their lives. Mr. Tovmassian has mentored me in special education since 2008, supports The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, and provides consult to me for families in need. https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-tovmassian-b7a96818/

Robert McCarty, CPA, is my mentor in accounting, taxes, retirement planning that benefited my company, percentage of completion style of accounting for the construction industry (which is what the bond company required) and much, much more. He had the patience and the perseverance to provide guidance and consult that most CPAs do not. He took the time to explain accounting and tax methods helping me understand why certain processes needed to take place. Mr. McCarty is not the typical CPA as he came up with business strategizes that helped my construction company grow. Mr. McCarty was always there for me throughout all my personal and business challenges. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mccarty-106a50a/

Tom Rockel, Isaacs & Paller Wealth Management at Raymond James. I met Tom a few years ago during a forum meeting at Highrise Network. I have grown to admire him as he is kind, caring, ethical, loving and passionate about the work he does, and the people in his life. He is a very intelligent young man striving to do great things in life. I call him “wholesome” because that is who he is! Not knowing Tom very well, I decided to take a chance on him because of who he presents himself to be, and asked him to review my investment portfolio and see if he can improve on it. He has helped me tremendously with my retirement planning, and is always a phone call away. Tom comes with an amazing team at Isaacs & Paller Wealth Management at Raymond; Charlie, David, Megan, Stella and Susan. I took a risk with someone I do not really know very well, and the return on my investment with him was tenfold. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrockel/

Dr. Lois Lee, Founder Children of The Night (COTN). Dr. Lois Lee is the world’s leading expert in rescuing child sex trafficking victims. Dr. Lee holds a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology, a Juris Doctor in Law, and is an active member of the California State Bar. In her own words “Changing social conditions for the less fortunate is difficult and during hard times I always think of Helen Keller who said ‘Hold your head high and look the world in the eye.’” “2023 marks Children of the Night’s 44th Anniversary of rescuing America’s children from prostitution right here in the United States. Since 1979, we have rescued over 12,000 American children from sex trafficking/prostitution – that is more children than other sex trafficking programs combined. And in most years, we spend 87% or more of our funds on the direct care and education of children and young people who have been victimized by prostitution.” I met Dr. Lee in 2009 when her office called me asking if I would advocate for their children. After I learned what she does for our children and knowing I have two boys with a roof over their head, food on the table and safe, how could I say no? It was and still is an absolute pleasure to advocate for Children of The Night’s children!! To me Dr. Lee is “Mother Teresa” for these children, and when I grow up I want to be just like her. She has sacrificed her entire life for these children. I have personally seen her in action as she defends and protects these trafficked children. She watches them grow up, puts processes in place as she sees them transition into incredible individuals who have turned their lives around. I look up to Dr. Lee love, respect and admire her for who she is and what she has done to make this world a better place for the children. To learn more about Dr. Lee and CTON visit her website https://www.childrenofthenight.org/

Ms. Kim Foster, Special Education Advocate. In 2008 I met Ms. Kim during our SEAT Advocacy Training https://learn.copaa.org/SEAT. She is tough with a heart of gold. An amazing human being. She goes to bat for the underserved and makes a difference in a child’s life!! She is my sister from another mother. Absolutely love her!! Ms. Kim and I hit it off immediately and forged a very close sisterhood. She gave me the courage to push through when things were very difficult in my life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-foster-a3a33aa/

Dr. Aviva Ebner, Educator. Dr. Ebner was my son’s Omar sixth grade science teacher. She is one very special lady who has helped Omar get through the worst year of his life. During sixth grade he was bullied by his social studies teacher and all the other teachers did not seem to have time for him as they stated to me they have a work load of 200 students and do not have time for Omar. Omar was a 504 Plan student. I found myself distributing copies of his 504 Plan to all of his teachers several times throughout the year (except Dr. Ebner) as they stated they don’t have it. Yet, Dr. Ebner was there, made sure he received all of his accommodations, consulted with him, and taught him where his other teachers failed him. Dr. Ebner is Omar’s favorite teacher. It is amazing how a positive or a negative statement from an educator and/or an adult can destroy or excel a student to levels beyond his/her expectations and reach maximum potential. Not only was Dr. Ebner there for Omar she guided me and mentored me in navigating this nation’s broken special education system. For these reasons and more I want to honor her and want the world to know there are amazing teachers out there who truly care for the children placed in their care. Omar is 35 years old and a Chief Technical Officer for a technology company. There are so many children out there that do not have the resources, adult support and guidance as Omar did. Imagine if we all took the time to listen and be kind to our children, where they would be today?

Thomas Leffler, Serial Entrepreneur. In 1989 I met Thomas during a forum meeting as we were both members of Young Entrepreneurs Organization, which today is called Entrepreneurs Organization. Thomas played a huge role in my son’s Omar’s life. Omar’s middle and high school years were horrible because of his challenges in the sixth grade. I asked Thomas to mentor Omar when he graduated high school because he had no desire to attend college, no skill and no career. Thomas took Omar under his wing and not only mentored him but treated him like a son. Thomas employed Omar, opened up the business world to him, had him attend all sorts of business meetings, guided him, supported him and even took him on a business/personal trip to Italy. Who does that? Thomas is a unique individual who has become a brother to me. Not only did Thomas mentor Omar but he supported me with business consult and is an Advisory Board Member. He would like to return and hold a Board Member seat in the near future for my nonprofit The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities. His guidance and support throughout the years to current are priceless. Our sister/brother relationship is very strong and I am forever indebted to this extraordinary man. https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-leffler/

Ann Price, CEO at ASP LLC. I met Ann in 1989 at a Bank of American Award dinner held for both our companies. She approached me, told me about Young Entrepreneurs Organization and sponsored me to become member. She wanted to forge a friendship with me and empower me. We became very close friends. She loves to lift women and help them reach their maximum potential. One of her biggest attractions to me was that I am Palestinian and she is Jewish. She wanted us to be that difference in the world we live in and change the trajectory. We grew to love, respect and support each other. We attended many meetings outside the forum for women empowerment with other very powerful women. She opened my eyes to see business in a different light. Ann continues to have a very special place in my heart. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-price-8896373/

Dolores Wills whom I call my adopted mom, and one very important and influential person in my life growing up. I met her at Voice of America where I did an internship during my high school days. She provided news, information, and cultural programming. She was the google of her time. She had connections at the United Nations, met with many high profile individuals from political figures, celebrities, high priests, etc. One of her job duties was to show these high profile individuals all of New York City so that they would go back to their country/state and brag about how beautiful New York City is and visit. We don’t think of these things today, but back in my day it was a thing! One day she took me to the Waldorf Astoria right before lunch. When I walked in with her I was escorted to a table that was set up for fine dining. The plates, silverware, cups, napkins everything was set up. She told me to sit while there was a waiter standing by me teaching me the proper way to utilize the utensils because she wanted to take me to the best places in New York to have dinner with her. I will never forget that experience. My Dee, Dee is a force not to reckon with. She helped me get through the most difficult years in my childhood. My mom died when I was ten and my Dee Dee was a shining light guiding me, loving me and always there for me in my time of need. Every time I visit New York I make sure to see her as I am not sure how long she will be on this earth, and life is shorter than we think. I love her abundantly.

Omar J. Marhaba and Jonathan Marhaba, my sons. Omar and Jonathan have been through a lot with their struggles in school, my marriage with their dad, the construction company (also partnership with their dad), and managed to come out on the other side. We are a typical family trying to figure this life out. Their dad and I have a lot of love and respect for each other, but during our married days we had to weather many storms. Two young children growing up with much friction in a marriage and business because of the the curve balls that were thrown at us can be traumatizing. My former husband and I had to figure out how to navigate it all. Not simple! Throughout my challenges navigating a business, marriage, children, due processes against the second largest school district in the nation, being a mother and a wife was, to say the least, beyond challenging. My strength to push forward came through my children’s eyes. Every time I looked into their eyes it made me not want to give up for their sake. They maintained a good relationship with their dad throughout our journey. When they became teenagers they understood many things and became my rock, my strength and my life! I sacrificed my marriage to save my children and in-turn they came through for me without me even asking. They were there through it all. They have matured and become incredible young men who continue to be the beats to my heart and every breath I take. God’s gifts to me! In 2001 I had formed a nonprofit for special education, The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning disabilities https://thejonathanfoundation.org/ because of all the challenges my family endured with the national broken special education system. Both sons sit on the Board. You can read their stories on the website and learn more as they co-authored a book with me on our family’s special education journey called “Unstoppable A Parent’s Survival Guide for Special Education Services with an IEP or a 504 Plan” https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Parents-Survival-Education-Services/dp/B0BPGKXT46

I could not have come as far as I have without God’s will and blessing for me by placing all of the above named individuals on my path at the right time. Things happen for a reason and only God knows why. It happens in God’s time, not mine. I have learned to embrace this because the individuals I named above are just a few. There are more beautiful souls whom have helped me weather many, many storms in my life. These individuals played a huge role throughout various stages of my life mentoring and guiding me into the right path. Each and every one of them provided unconditional love and support with my construction company, Martec Construction, Inc., nonprofit, The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, and in my personal life as well. The value they bought to my life continues to be priceless.

Key factors that entrepreneurs need to consider is placing on the top of their asset list of the balance sheet are a qualified CPA with a comprehensive knowledge of the industry, wealth management advisors to help guide investments and retirement, Attorneys in the areas of Family/Estate Planning, Business, and in my case Special Education as well. Continuing education, networking, and building relationships are key to being successful in life.

Website: https://thejonathanfoundation.org/apply-for-assessments/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanfoundation/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raja-marhaba-5a985b14/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJonathanFoundation