Maria Robles: From Student Worker to Ship Store Manager

When Maria Robles first stepped aboard the USS Lexington Museum in the summer of 1993, she didn’t expect to stay long. A high school senior at the time, she joined through a local workforce program and was tasked with simple duties like folding shirts, dusting shelves, and organizing the gift shop. But from the moment she walked through the doors, she was hooked.

“I didn’t even know the Lexington was here,” she says. “But stepping on board and seeing all the people coming through, and the history behind it, I wanted to stay.”

What started as a short-term summer job quickly became something more. Maria continued working at the ship throughout high school and into early adulthood, only stepping away briefly before returning in 2001. Her return marked a turning point: she accepted a permanent role as Assistant Manager and began learning the ins and outs of the store operations. From observing mentors to taking on small responsibilities, Maria embraced every chance to grow. She paid close attention, studied manuals, and helped wherever she was needed from admissions to merchandise to customer service.

Her dedication paid off. In 2005, she was promoted to ship store manager - a role she’s proudly held for 20 years. What keeps her going is the impact her job has on every visitor that enters the ship.

“Visitors want something they can take home, something that helps them remember what they saw and felt while touring the ship,” Maria says. “Even something as small as a postcard can spark a story.”

For Maria, every product she stocks is chosen with care. Whether it’s a Rosie the Riveter shirt or a history book about the ship, she sees souvenirs as more than keepsakes; they’re conversation starters, connections to the past, and ways for guests to share their experience with others. She’s particularly proud of how many customers return or refer others to the store after hearing about it from friends or spotting a Lexington shirt out in the world.

While the history is what draws people to the Lexington, Maria believes it’s the human interaction that leaves the biggest mark. Over the years, she’s seen guests from around the globe, many of whom don’t speak the same language, but still connect through shared wonder and enthusiasm. She can often see it in their faces when they realize that they’re standing aboard a ship they may never have had access to in their own countries. For many, just being there is deeply meaningful.

Looking back on her journey, Maria is most proud of one thing: not giving up. She’s faced challenges, adjusted to changes in leadership, and even gone back to school for business courses to strengthen her skills.

“I kept pushing myself to grow,” she says. “And I’m still learning. I’m always looking for ways to do more.”

Maria believes tourism plays a vital role in shaping how locals see their own city. Over the years, she’s seen how visitors’ excitement about the Lexington and other local attractions often rubs off on residents, inspiring renewed appreciation for what’s right in their own backyard. She finds joy in hearing locals proudly recommend their favorite spots, or seeing families bring visiting relatives aboard the ship as part of showing off their city. Whether it’s through a museum, a restaurant, or a beach day, she believes every positive experience adds to the story of Corpus Christi and that story is worth sharing.  

“We have something to be proud of,” she says. “There’s history, there’s culture, there’s something for everyone. And I love that I get to be part of helping people see that.”

Through her warmth, resilience, and commitment to every visitor experience, Maria Robles has become more than a manager. She’s become a trusted steward of the Lexington’s story, one souvenir at a time.