Meet Jesse Jovel

As the Vice President of Corporate Work Study, what hopes do you have for the future of the Corporate Work Study Program? What impact do you want to leave behind?

I hope that each student that goes through our program is ab e to value the essons and healthy habits theyve learned at home and embrace the CWS as an opportunity to supplement and expand on their abil ties. Its important to me that our students see their fam lies and histories as rich and valuable, and see the CWS as a golden opportunity that will elevate their gifts to greater heights.

What does your local and national community mean to you?

Verbum Dei and the Cristo Rey Network mission have meant love to me An ambitious mission and program can only be moved by the power of love. I transferred to Verbum Dei in the summer of 2005, and after a troubled start to high school, they opened their doors despite what my transcript read.

I’ve experienced this love in various ways since and have been b essed enough to be on the giving end. But one thing is clear- the foundation of our efforts has to be love in order to fulfill our mission and ca ling.

Upon his closing remarks, Jesse reminisced about the people who made the greatest impact on the trajectory of his education and career - a path that may not have been destined for him otherwise. His crucial decision to transfer to Verbum Dei transpired into far more than a high school diploma, it became his vocation. His invaluable perspective validates the work being done at Verbum Dei and all Cristo Rey schools, to open the doors of opportunity through the Corporate Work Study program experience. Jesse s leadership continues to help guide the Cristo Rey mission, leaving a lasting impression on the students of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School.