40
Cristo Rey Network schools have been impacting students, families, and communities for nearly 30 years! Today, our 40 schools enroll 12,600 students and celebrate 31,120 graduates. To no surprise, our alumni across the nation applied talent, grit, and tenacity to maximize their Cristo Rey experience.
Collectively, our bachelor’s degree completion rates continue to rise, and we are grateful to our 70+ University Partners that have further equipped and prepared our graduates for success in the workplace. These alumni, highlighted herein, have achieved their postsecondary goals and are fulfilling bold dreams.
In the Cristo Rey Network National Alumni Association’s second 40 Under 40 cohort, we celebrate 40 distinguished men and women who are leaders and role models in their communities and places of employment. Industries including Business, Education, Banking and Finance, Healthcare, Media, Nonprofit Organizations, Law, Technology and more are represented in the following pages.
Badges overlay the headshots of alumni who (1) earned one or more degrees from a University Partner institution and/or (2) currently work for their high school Corporate Partner or within the same industry as a Corporate Work Study placement.
Our alumni voices serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of a Cristo Rey education. You will be inspired by their quotes and video features - we are!
Furthermore, thank you to this year’s program sponsor, CareerSpring, a partner of the Cristo Rey Network that provides career information, advice, and job placement services for first-generation, low-income students.
To learn more about how you can become part of this transformational mission, visit cristoreynetwork.org. We look forward to embarking on our next 30 years of shared impact.
Without further ado,we proudly present our second 40 Under 40 cohort!
40 HIGH SCHOOLS
12,600 STUDENTS
99% STUDENTS OF COLOR
$43,000 AVERAGE FAMILY INCOME
60% CATHOLIC STUDENTS
3,100 CORPORATE PARTNERS
31,000+ GRADUATES
70 UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
35 SPONSORING RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Verbum Dei Jesuit High School ‘02 Los Angeles
De La Salle North Catholic High School ‘01 Portland
Cristo Rey San Diego High School ‘20
Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas College Preparatory High School ‘19
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School ‘14
San Miguel High School ‘04 Tucson
Cristo Rey Sacramento High School ‘06 Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School ‘18 Oakland
ICA Cristo Rey Academy ‘09 San Francisco
Cristo Rey Orange County High School ‘23
Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School ‘24 Seattle
Empowering students and graduates to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success.
Cristo Rey Jesuit Milwaukee High School ‘15
Arrupe Jesuit High School ‘03
Denver
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘96
Chicago
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep ‘04
Waukegan
Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School ‘08
Chicago
Detroit Cristo Rey High School ‘08
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘07
Twin Cities
Providence Cristo Rey High School ‘07
Cristo Rey Kansas City High School ‘06
Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School ‘18
Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep ‘15
Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep ‘18
Indianapolis
DePaul Cristo Rey High School ‘11
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School ‘04
Saint Martin de Porres High School ‘04
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston ‘09
Methuen
Cristo Rey Boston High School ‘04
Cristo Rey Columbus High School ‘13
Cristo Rey New York High School ‘04
Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School ‘08
Cristo Rey Richmond High School ‘19
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School ‘21
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School ‘12
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘07
Baltimore
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School ‘07
Kay Angrum
Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School ‘14
Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School ‘07
Birmingham
Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School ‘16
Cristo Rey Miami High School ‘22
Washington, DC
I owe everything to Cristo Rey! My corporate work study experience prepared me for the career I have today and allowed me to chase my dreams of becoming a journalist. The love and support that I received from the moment my mother and I walked through those double doors of Cristo Rey New York in East Harlem is something I carry with me to this day.”
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School opened up so many doors for my educational endeavors and even my vocational journey. With the roots of service, I have found the desire to help others in whatever way I can. The school has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself as I continue to say yes to what the Lord has for me and to be the man for others that Cristo Rey exemplified for my life and the Lord set in my heart to do.”
Rev. Juan Carlos Vargas
KAY ANGRUM
Digital Reporter, NBC New York
Bachelor’s in Broadcast & Digital Journalism, University of Southern California ‘16
Cristo Rey New York High School ‘12”
ENAT AREGA
MS1, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Doctor of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA ‘24
Master’s in Epidemiology, Dartmouth College ‘20
Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College ‘18
De La Salle North Catholic High School ‘14
LT COL MARY LEA BORDELON Commander, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron
Travis Air Force Base, California
Master’s of International Relations, American Military University
Bachelor’s in Sociology, University of Portland ‘09
De La Salle North Catholic High School ‘05
LA’NITA BROOKS News Reporter, KSHB
Master’s in Journalism, DePaul University ‘22
Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising, Illinois State University ‘17
Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School ‘13
My experience at Cristo Rey St. Martin was transformative, thanks to the Corporate Work Study Program and the unwavering support from teachers and mentors. The program provided me with invaluable work experience and networking opportunities, which helped shape my professional journey. The lessons and values instilled at Cristo Rey continue to guide me in my career and personal life.”
Oscar Gonzalez
GREGORY DAMAS
Financial Analyst, TE Connectivity
Bachelor’s in Finance & Real Estate, Villanova University ‘21
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School ‘17
SUSANA FLORES
Advisory Analyst, Deloitte
Pursuing CPA Certification
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting, University of St. Thomas - Houston ‘24
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston ‘19
DEJONNA FARRAR
Assistant Director of Digital Marketing and Communications, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation)
Bachelor’s in Business Communications, Stevenson University ‘19
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘15 (Baltimore)
ADRIANA GARCIA
Civil Engineer Analyst, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, University of Dayton ‘24
Cristo Rey Columbus High School ‘20
KATIUSKA (KATI) FERNANDEZ
Senior Director, Head of Development, ESPN
Master’s in Communications, Syracuse University ‘17
Bachelor’s in Pre-Med & Music, College of the Holy Cross ‘15
Cristo Rey Boston High School ‘11
KELLY GARCIA
Administrator, Excel High School East Boston
Master’s in Education, Boston University ‘17
Bachelor’s in Psychology, College of the Holy Cross ‘15
Cristo Rey Boston High School ‘11
Celebrating 40 distinguished men and women who are leaders and role models in their communities and places of employment.
University Partner Same Employer/Industry as Corporate Work Study placement
Cristo Rey provided me with unique and exceptional experiences that have molded me into the leader that I am today. The sponsored college programs that pushed me out of my comfort zone, leadership opportunities that tested my ability to problem solve, as well as spiritual guidance and servant leadership all offered a holistic approach to my high school education. Not to mention, Cristo Rey placed me at Baird, my first Corporate Work Study placement that turned into an incredible 9 year work experience.”
Victoria Jara Rios
DANIEL GILLILAND
News Producer, Fox19 NOW
Bachelor’s in Communications, Berea College ‘23
DePaul Cristo Rey High School ‘19
OSCAR GONZALEZ
Accounts Payable Specialist, Abbott
Bachelor’s in Psychology & Pre-Business, College of the Holy Cross ‘21
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep ‘17
DANIELLA GONZALEZ
Project Coordinator, Willdan Energy Solutions
Bachelor’s in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Princeton University ‘21
Cristo Rey New York High School ‘17
MAX DANIEL HERNANDEZ
Engineer II, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Marquette University ‘23
Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep ‘19
My time at Cristo Rey had a profound impact on me, particularly through the Corporate Work Study program. Early exposure to corporate settings allowed me to develop office skills and understand the value of networking, which has been invaluable in college and beyond. Cristo Rey also played a crucial role in helping me secure internships, such as my position at Accenture, which later turned into a full-time role. These experiences and the vast network at Cristo Rey have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.”
Briseyda Neri
ALEXIS JOHNSON
VP of College Advising & Post Secondary Success, Saint Martin de Porres High School
Master’s in Educational Leadership, University of Notre Dame ‘26
Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy & Decision Making, Ohio State University ‘16
Saint Martin de Porres High School ‘12
AMAIDANI MEYERS
Immigration Staff Attorney, Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services
Juris Doctor, University of Wisconsin Law School
Bachelor’s in Sociology, Fordham University ‘12
Cristo Rey New York High School ‘08
DOMINIQUE JORDAN
VP & Wealth Advisor, The Jordan Group at JP Morgan Wealth Management
Bachelor’s in Business, Georgetown University ‘13
Verbum Dei Jesuit High School ‘09
CAYLIN MOORE
Ph.D. Student, Sociology, Stanford University 2017 Rhodes Scholar
Master’s in Latin American Studies, University of Oxford
Bachelor’s in Economics, Texas Christian University ‘17
Verbum Dei Jesuit High School ‘12
JOSÉ MADRID
Associate Attorney, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Juris Doctor, Georgetown University Law Center ‘19
Bachelor’s in American Studies, Georgetown University ‘14
Arrupe Jesuit High School ‘10
BRISEYDA NERI
Management Consulting Senior Analyst, Accenture
Bachelor’s in Global Business, Georgetown University ’22
Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School ’18
Celebrating 40 distinguished men and women who are leaders and role models in their communities and places of employment.
University Partner
Same Employer/Industry as Corporate Work Study placement
Since childhood, I’ve dreamed boldly of the life I wanted to create—full of purpose, passion, and possibility. That dream sparked to life the moment I stepped through the elevator doors at Payden & Rygel in high school. Huge thanks to Cristo Rey for daring to dream just as big, and for standing with me on this incredible journey.”
Eduardo Rafael Pablin
CHRISTIAN NORIEGA
GrizzlyCorps Fellow, UC Berkeley’s Blue Oak Ranch Reserve
Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies & Spatial Studies, University of Redlands ‘24
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School ‘20
EDUARDO RAFAEL PABLIN
Senior Associate, Marketing Technology Analyst, Payden & Rygel
Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Loyola Marymount University ‘20
Verbum Dei Jesuit High School ‘16
YASIRI NUÑEZ
Environmental Scientist, WSB
Bachelor’s in Geology, University of St. Thomas ‘19
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘15
ALEKSANDER PERPALAJ
Vice President - Program & Project Management, Bank of New York
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
certification from Project Management Institute ‘21
Master’s in Science Education & Special Education, Touro University ‘17
Bachelor’s in Geological & Earth Science/ Geosciences, Dickinson College ‘14
Cristo Rey New York High School ‘10
Cristo Rey opened countless doors that I never thought would be within my reach. Through Cristo Rey, I worked at a Fortune 500 company [Cisco Systems] at just 14, participated in a life changing 8-day backpacking immersion trip, and earned acceptance to Santa Clara University where I graduated debt free and so much more. Even after graduation, Cristo Rey’s staff and mentors I met through the Corporate Work Study Program provided me with invaluable support and guidance, helping me unlock even more opportunities beyond high school and college.”
Kaela Quinto
KAELA QUINTO
Talent Development Coordinator, Stanford University School of Medicine
CEO, Founder, & Career Coach, Nova Career Coaching
Bachelor’s in Commerce Management, Santa Clara University ‘21
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School ‘18
REBECA SALAS
Operations Manager, CareerSpring
Bachelor’s in Latin American & Latinx Studies, Bryn Mawr College ‘19
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston ‘15
NAYLETH RAMIREZ
Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin
Master’s in Systems Engineering & Technology
Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ‘24
Bachelor’s in Systems Engineering, University of Arizona ‘21
San Miguel High School ‘16
ALBERT STANCIL
Staff Attorney, Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise (ROAR) Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore
Juris Doctor, St. John’s University School of Law, 2022
Bachelor’s in History, Fisk University ‘19
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School ‘15
VICTORIA JARA RIOS
Client Services Specialist, Baird Advisors
Bachelor’s in Corporate Communications, Marquette University ‘23
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee ‘19
MAYRA TENORIO
Program Coordinator, Vital Voices Global Partnership
Master’s in Philosophy, Multi-Disciplinary
Gender Studies, University of Cambridge
Bachelor’s in Sociology & Anthropology, Swarthmore College ‘15
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep ‘11
Celebrating 40 distinguished men and women who are leaders and role models in their communities and places of employment.
University Partner Same Employer/Industry as Corporate Work Study placement
My experience at Cristo Rey was transformative—I was surrounded by mentors and trusted adults who saw my potential and provided unwavering support. Through the Corporate Work Study Program at Citadel Investment Group, I gained professional skills, mentorship, and resources that helped shape my future. The opportunities I received in academics, the arts, and athletics built my confidence and prepared me for success, inspiring me to pay it forward through my work in therapy and behavioral health programs for Latine children and families.”
Tracy Vega
PAULINA TORRES-GRABOWSKI
Dimensional Planning Engineer, Ford Motor Company
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mechanical
Engineering, University of Detroit Mercy ‘20
Detroit Cristo Rey High School ‘15
WENDY SANDOVAL VALENCIA
Corporate Communications Specialist, Palo Alto Networks
Bachelor’s in Communications, University of Southern California ‘23
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School ‘19
DAVID TURNER
Director of Construction, Milestone Towers
Bachelor’s in Business Administration, University of Alabama ‘16
Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School ‘12
REV. JUAN CARLOS VARGAS
Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 18, 2024
Master’s in Theology and Master’s in Philosophy, Mundelein Seminary/University of Saint Mary of the Lake ‘24
Bachelor’s in Social Work, Xavier University ‘13
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘09
Detroit Cristo Rey has been a cornerstone of my success, opening doors to opportunities and showing me the possibilities beyond what I could have imagined. When I earned my college degree, I knew I would be the first, but not the last, and I am confident that Detroit Cristo Rey will continue to transform the futures of many more families in our community.”
Maricruz Zamora
Unit Supervisor, County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Children
Doctor of Social Work, University of Southern California
Master’s in Social Work, Erikson Institute
Bachelor’s in Political Science, Loyola University Chicago ‘12
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ‘07 (Chicago)
JUSTINA WILKINS
Customer Project Engineer, Schneider Electric
Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, University of Missouri - Columbia ‘21
Cristo Rey Kansas City High School ‘17
YARLENNYS
VILLAMAN
Senior Director of Community Affairs, Office of the Massachusetts Governor Master’s in Public Administration, Suffolk University ‘18
Bachelor’s in Spanish, College of the Holy Cross ‘14
Cristo Rey Boston High School ‘10
MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Account Executive, Proline Technology
Master’s of Science in Management, University of Notre Dame ‘23
Bachelor’s in Business, Xavier University ‘22
DePaul Cristo Rey High School ‘18
JOLISA WARMACK
Litigation Associate, Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella
Juris Doctor, University of Illinois College of Law ‘22
Bachelor’s in Political Science & Language, Literature, & Writing, Eastern Michigan University ‘19
Detroit Cristo Rey High School ‘15
MARICRUZ ZAMORA
Business Architecture Specialist, Accenture
Bachelor’s in Software Engineering, University of Michigan - Dearborn ‘19
Detroit Cristo Rey High School ‘13
Celebrating 40 distinguished men and women who are leaders and role models in their communities and places of employment.
University Partner Same Employer/Industry as Corporate Work Study placement
