by admin | Aug 22, 2022 | Alumni Spotlight
From serving on the leadership team and the board of directors to teaching, navigating student jobs, and mentoring scholarship recipients, to leading retreats for campus ministry, nine CRSM alums have a special connection to the school as the 2022-23 school year kicks off.
“CRSM is a place of community, family and great expectations,” says Viridiana Fajardo, the recently appointed Operations & Finance Director who is the first alumna in the Cristo Rey Network of 38 schools to serve on a school’s leadership team. “To be able to be part of that, on the other side of the desk is exciting.” Viridiana is a graduate of the Class of ’10 and has worked at CRSM as the Admissions and Administration Coordinator since 2015.
Her words are representative of the sentiments of all the alumni who have returned to their CRSM alma mater to make a difference. They all agree the time they spent in high school helped shape them into the persons they are today.
Coming full circle, Iris Sanchez, 22, joined CRSM last spring as a campus minister and says she is committed to helping students who are struggling right now by being that person they can come to. In her new role, she will help lead retreats, teach theology, and work side-by-side with students volunteering to make a difference in the lives of the Waukegan area community.
Iris, a Class of ’18 CRSM graduate from North Chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2021 from Roosevelt University, and hopes one day to help local families as an immigration lawyer and/or advocate. She believes her experiences here, both as student and now as spiritual guide, will be pivotal in helping her truly help area families. “I feel like we are like EMT’s responding and reaching out to meet the needs of our neighbors in the community,” says Iris. “I’m so excited to be back here.”
Brisel Jimènez, says she is passionate about working with students at CRSM whom she feels a strong connection to. As a work-student development manager for our Corporate Work Study Program, the Class of ’15 graduate says her goal is to help students persevere no matter what challenges they face. She graduated from University of Illinois Chicago with an economics degree and is currently studying for her master’s at De Paul University.
“I want to make a difference in this community and connect with students as they build their networks, says Brisel. “Each student eventually becomes a self-advocate for what they are passionate about, I’m just here to facilitate the onboarding process of a new job for them. It’s amazing to see how they flourish into a professional in the workplace.”
Anthony Ochoa, 23, a scholar coach with the Schuler Scholar program, and Class of ’17 grad, says, “The Cristo Rey community had a huge impact on me, developing a love of learning, and my experience in college, and I want to give back to my community and help other students find a path they are passionate about. He graduated with a double major in philosophy and psychology from Bates College.
Also, on board at CRSM are Edwin Medina, accountant in the CRSM business department and Class of ’11 grad, Giselle Baca, CWSP Relationship Manager and Class of ’16 graduate, Darline Alonso, science teacher from the Class of ‘08, and Daniel Arizmendi, Class of ’19 who is working part-time as an intern for the work-study program while he is attending college.
Like so many of the alums, Esmeralda “Esme” Silva is hoping to set an example for kids in the district. Since her freshman year at Cristo Rey St. Martin 16 years ago, Esme has been determined to be of service to others. Dedicated to paying her life forward and amplify the voices of victims of violence, the 30-year-old works to end human trafficking in several Wisconsin counties. A Class of ’10 grad, she also is the first CRSM alumna to be named to the Board of Trustees.
“I am extremely honored to be seated at the table with leaders who will make such a difference in the lives of students like I once was.”
by admin | Oct 29, 2021 | Alumni Spotlight
Marathoner. DePaul University graduate student. Jesuit Volunteer Corps immigration law advocate. Political science graduate Carthage College. Explorer of 12 national parks. Intern for former Congressman Bob Dold and Governor Bruce Rauner and CRSM campus ministry volunteer, to name a few of the achieved goals on Dulce Zariñana’s checklist.
And that’s just the last few years.
Now 23, Dulce is a graduate student studying gender and women’s issues on a full-ride scholarship at DePaul University. She’s also a frequent CRSM campus ministry volunteer, loading cars with food through the Northern Illinois Food Bank pop-up distribution, accompanying students to Feed My Starving Children and helping at the freshman and sophomore retreat.
“This school changed my life,” says Dulce. “I want to give back.”
Recently Dulce added “marathoner,” to her title, completing the Chicago Marathon earlier this month.
Five years from now, Dulce envisions herself working in a Mexican border city trying to put behind the decades-long injustices and violence against women.
Post-graduation from Carthage College, in 2020 and the first half of this year, she spent a year of service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps working at the New Mexico Immigration Law Center in Albuquerque. There, she served on a team that focused on helping undocumented immigrant children who were abused or abandoned by one or both of their parents.
Graduating (a semester early) with a B.A. in Political Science and minors in Spanish and Women’s Gender Studies, Dulce has a special place in her heart for advocating for the rights of Hispanic women and their children. “I’ve seen the injustices firsthand especially during the last year, and I want to work at the United Nations or on one of the borders helping to right those wrongs.”
She’s forever grateful for the springboard CRSM created for myriad opportunities. She’s traveled to Salamanca, Spain to study and to Toronto with the Model United Nations program for its annual conference. During college, Dulce received the Political Science Eric H. Olson and Anna Olson-Thom Scholarship.
“I have one working parent, and paying for college was difficult,” she says.
Dulce also was part of the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field team, a member of Phi Theta, the Black Student Union, Phi Alpha Delta and Alpha Mu Gamma.
“Political science has broadened my perspective of world politics,” says Dulce. “You learn about things you never thought about and use a lot of critical thinking skills, which I believe is good for the long run.”
Looking ahead, she’s also on a mission to travel to all the national parks in the United States.
“I’m obsessed with national parks and the beauty of nature,” says Dulce.
by admin | Apr 1, 2020 | Alumni Spotlight
Laura (CRSM ’13, MSOE ‘21) and I first spoke while she was in the middle of her family’s move to a new residence and as she was starting her e-classes at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Like most students across the country, she is adjusting to the tectonic shifts occurring across the academic landscape. She spoke eloquently about the challenges she has faced as a Hispanic woman in a field traditionally dominated by men.
The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me – these are unprecedented times for all of us. It sounds like things are going well.
You’re welcome. I’m always happy to talk about CRSM. Things are going well at MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering), and at home. There are six of us settling in at our new home.
Are there are more Pizanos in CRSM’s future?
Oh yes. I have a younger sister on the way. There have been lots of us at CRSM – brothers, sisters, cousins. Let’s see, if I count correctly we’re at about…15 or 16. Mr. Odiotti remarked that it seems like every time a Pizano graduates, another one starts.
It’s a dynasty! And, having graduated from our old building in 2013, you’ll be out with a bachelors in engineering in 2021.
Well, maybe. I’m thinking about going directly for a Masters of Engineering. That will delay things a bit.
I’d like to go back for a moment, I’m interested in your time in Waukegan, you were raised there, I assume you went to public elementary school?
I did. But in our family, it was always understood that we would go to CRSM and consider college.
Your grades were excellent at CRSM, and you were a member of the National Honor Society. Were you involved in a lot of activities outside of academics?
I was a Student Ambassador, and I really enjoyed being involved with the activities that Campus Ministry offered. I led many of the prayer services. I led several of our retreats. I worked with PADS, The Food Bank, UMMA and Feed My Starving Children. I’m proud to have been part of a group at CRSM that started UKNIGHTED. (a student run immigration reform organization). We did fundraising to fill duffel bags with the basics for detainees who were released into extreme weather with whatever they had on.
I’ve found that some CRSM graduates find the adjustment to college challenging. What was your experience like?
For me, it was not so much the academics as it was the cultural adjustment. I was used to a heavy work load at CRSM. But when I left CRSM, most of my friends were girls. I was not prepared to enter a predominantly white, male environment as a Hispanic woman. That was difficult. In one of my first architectural classes I was the only girl in a classroom of fifteen.
And one of the only Hispanic people as well. That would be really daunting. Did you find resistance because of your heritage?
Sure. Someone once asked me if Mexico had electricity. [laughing] I told them a little bit, but we mostly use fire. But seriously, I have come to the conclusion that it really is more of an experience related issue. Most of my classmates have had no multi-cultural experience.
At the risk of being a “stereotyper”, engineering students can often be quiet and reserved.
[laughing] It’s often true. My point is that they might look “stuck-up”, but they just aren’t sure what to say – just like I didn’t know how to act. It’s much easier to be comfortable around people who have had similar struggles as yourself. Maybe it’s immigration issues. Maybe it’s financial – lower income kids had an easier time reaching out to me.
But I’m lucky that way – I am outgoing, and that has really helped. I joined the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). and I’m part of the school’s Diversity Council that’s gearing up to help all of the different ethnic groups on campus.
Speaking of that, I heard you were recently out of country.
Yes, I went to Panama with MSOE. We got back on February 28th. I was with the Water Brigade. We helped install a potable water system and a septic system. This summer I’ll be interning in Chicago as a junior engineer with RTM Engineering, a mechanical contractor.
It seems to me that you are going to be a member of a relatively small club – Hispanic females with a Masters in Architectural Engineering. Can you offer any advise to other people who may be encountering “traditional” barriers?
I would say this; you absolutely have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. If a person doesn’t reach out to you, you might have to do the reaching. You might get turned down. You will get turned down. You must keep an open mind to succeed.
by admin | Feb 29, 2020 | Alumni Spotlight
I first met Daniela (CRSM ’10, St. Mary’s University ‘14) at an alumni party in downtown Chicago. She agreed to speak with me about her travels from North Chicago to Honduras to Minneapolis and back again.
Her casual demeanor and winning personality belies an intensely independent and ambitious person who has her own definition of success.
The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
I’m glad we got to meet at the alumni function. Obviously it’s going well at Piper|Sandler and you like living in the city – it’s a lot different from North Chicago, Illinois…
Different from Minnesota too – I spent time in Minneapolis after graduating from St. Mary’s University. I was working on child protection cases and studying for the LSAT. It was a one of my “trying” times, I realized that I didn’t want to be a lawyer.
But that’s good right? It’s pointless becoming something you don’t want to be.
Well yes, but I’ve never thought of myself as a quitter – so this was an uncomfortable decision. Now I know I had to do it.
I saw that you played basketball at CRSM – no quitting there. Let’s talk about your time in North Chicago and at Cristo Rey.
Sure. I did grow up in North Chicago, and I was in Honduras for a short time when I was little. There were many challenges after that. I had to go to speech classes – which kept me out of theater. That was very frustrating. Now that we’re talking about it, [laughing] The King’s Speech is my favorite movie!
Well, your diction is excellent now…problem solved!
Thanks. Unfortunately, when I was in seventh grade the family started experiencing problems. Which was very rough on me and my younger brother. It seemed like they were never going to end. As our financial situation worsened, Mom was forced to work two jobs. As a naturalized citizen from Honduras, she had a language barrier to overcome. My father was hospitalized. There were relatives facing incarceration. At one point it looked like we were going to become reliant on Catholic Charities for help.
How did you get through it all?
My mom was a big motivator for me – and the teachers and staff at CRSM. The College Counseling Department really helped me keep a positive mind while encouraging me to apply to college and look for scholarships. My CWSP internships added to my courage and supported our family’s ability to keep moving forward. There was a lot of caring and support.
Was it your mom that got you to Cristo Rey?
Absolutely. She insisted on it. She kept it simple, “Go to college and get a job in an office, start a business – or work in a factory like me…choose.”
She is a tough woman. We didn’t get along for some time. I was always questioning her. My CRSM counselor said, “one of these days you’ll find yourself having drinks with her”. I said, “NO! I will NOT be doing that.” [laughing]…now I am!
Looking back, I think the combination of my questioning everything, my curiosity and her “toughness” made me always pursue what interested me. Take the initiative. Do it for myself.
You were obviously a curious kid, and also industrious.
Before CRSM, I was taking jobs cutting the neighbors’ lawns. Witnessing the hardships that my parents went through – hearing, “no we can’t afford another pair of shoes”, was part of becoming independent and ambitious. I just recently found some letters that I had sent to my dad…they were filled with remarks about going to college, getting scholarships, about getting what I want.
You got all of those things. CRSM seems to have been a good fit for you.
Without question. My work study experiences with city hall documents at the Village of Gurnee, and payroll work at ProData Workforce Solutions were huge. I loved the extracurriculars. The College Counseling Department helped me apply and win a 1st Gen Scholarship. My classes in History, Theology, and Spanish ignited my love of anything “liberal arts” and made me think outside of the box. I was at PADS with Campus Ministry and I still have all the cards and letters from my retreats.
You’re an outgoing person, I’m always interested in the transition from CRSM to college, how’d you do?
It was challenging. Not because of leaving home, that was always the goal. It was more of the cultural shift – you know, a small town in Minnesota, so different. I volunteered with C2C (Count Down to College), they help quite a few students make what can be a difficult transition. I was committed; I was given a full ride. Ultimately, a smaller, one-on-one university environment proved to be right for me. I also passed on playing basketball to concentrate on my studies – I did DJ for a while [smiling]; not many people were listening.
You had a significant scholarship, I’m sure that made things easier.
Of course. But many people don’t realize the financial burdens that remain even with a scholarship. During the summers I worked at McDonalds and at the Naval Station, which resulted in a scholarship that helped me buy a computer for school.
After graduating from St. Mary’s with a major in History and a minor in International Studies you came back and got your job in investment banking?
No. I moved back to Chicago after college and worked in real estate for a year. I ended up going back to Minneapolis, at the time thinking I was going to law school. That’s when I changed course, met with Piper | Sandler and took the job in the equity research department here in Chicago. I love it, I even have a fabulous mentor.
Lots of twists and turns on the road to what appears to be great success.
For sure. People define success in many ways. To me, overcoming obstacles and adversity is the real definition of success. My mom landed on her feet at AbbVie , we’re proud of each other. I’m going to get my Masters. Now, when the family gets together it’s good. I wouldn’t want to go through it again…except for Cristo Rey, maybe in the new building!
by admin | Feb 29, 2020 | Alumni Spotlight
Dulce (CRSM ’16, Carthage ’19) and I met at CRSM the afternoon of the Alumni Christmas party. We spoke about her involvement with Campus Ministry’s volunteer trips, her bachelor’s thesis, early graduation from Carthage College and her aspirations in politics.
The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
Thanks for meeting with me. This worked out well, meeting here at the new campus before tonight’s Alumni Christmas Party.
It’s great seeing the new campus, I have stayed close to CRSM. I’ve been helping on a number of trips – to St. Mary’s University and quite a few retreats – four or five if I’m remembering correctly.
I also heard that when you were here as a student, you had a 3.18 average and you racked up a lot of service hours.
That’s true. At one point, it seemed like I was signed up every week. I participated in all of the long trips and accumulated a lot of hours…[smiling] I kinda became the “volunteer girl”. I’m currently investigating a service opportunity. I’ve applied at JVC (Jesuit Volunteer Corp.)
That’s certain to be a transformative experience. I’d like to talk about some of the other transitions you’ve made; for instance from primary school to Cristo Rey and then into the work study program.
I grew up 5 minutes from CRSM and attended Catholic grammar school; so coming to CRSM was not a difficult leap. I would say that my work study experience was definitely a wake-up call. I was always an outgoing kid. But in work study, I found myself surrounded by serious adults – in serious situations. I found myself working with numbers, or data, and it mattered what I did with that information.
It sounds like you took your business partner assignments seriously.
The seriousness of the work place was not lost on me. I worked at Stabin House, (note: a facility for homeless women with children), Grainger and Stericycle. My parents were a good example for me as well. My dad was at Stericycle for 25 years and my mother runs a successful cleaning company.
Very goal oriented people, they were supportive around your college efforts?
Absolutely. I’m first gen college. My parents immigrated from the same small town in Mexico. They didn’t know each other in Mexico – they met here in the US. But they were committed to, as Dr. Odiotti always says, getting me to and through college. But that goal was NOT easy.
Meaning, the goal of college?
Yes, college and finance. As a first gen college family, I…we…knew nothing. FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans – it was almost gibberish. The CRSM counseling department got us through. Ms. Chavez was there for me. She actually came up to Carthage College to help. At one point, I lost federal Pell Grant monies. Cristo Rey awarded me the Promise Scholarship. They are largely responsible for my graduating from college. CRSM has always been there for me.
Well, you reached that goal early; graduating in 3 1/2 years. What’s next? I heard law school was on your radar.
Not any longer. I visited a number of schools and realized that law school is not my passion – it’s Congress, I want to run for the Senate. I’ve worked on a number of Republican campaigns; unlike the Dems they pay their interns, so I’m now ready to get involved with the Democrat’s critical efforts in Wisconsin. I see myself starting my career in the 10th District, but I want to get my Master’s in Gender Studies at DePaul.
Was your Bachelor’s thesis on gender studies?
No, it was an exploration of the policies, rhetoric and racism within the Trump Administration and similar xenophobic movements going back to the 1800’s.
Your parents must be really proud, a Bachelor’s – going on for your Master’s.
They are proud. Although they are way more conservative than I am. They’re not saying where did we go wrong [laughing] but my more progressive views do make them a bit uncomfortable.
We’re almost out of time. I often ask if people if they have any thoughts for CRSM students and grads – any words of wisdom for them?
Well, I was a freshman during the 2016 election – so I guess I would say: speak up, don’t stay silent. And when I’m in office, [smiling] my interns will be from Cristo Rey.
