Alondra Murillo, a Cristo Rey St. Martin Class of 2018 graduate, is a powerful example of how the Corporate Work Study Program can shape long-term success and come full circle. Now a Senior HR Operations Specialist at AbbVie, Alondra is also supervising a current CRSM student intern in the same department where she once worked as a student.
After graduating from CRSM, Alondra balanced full-time work with college, earning her bachelor’s degree in HR Management from UIC and later a Master’s in Business Administration from Dominican University. For the majority of her undergraduate career, she continued working at AbbVie, transitioning from a student worker to an intern and finally to a full-time employee.
This year marks the first time in five years that Alondra’s team has hosted a Cristo Rey student. Drawing from her own experience, she is intentional about creating a supportive environment.
“I know coming in as a student, it’s very frightening because your grade depends on it and your tuition depends on it. I really try to take that pressure off.”
Reflecting on CWSP’s impact, Alondra credits the program with opening doors she had not originally planned to pursue.
“When I realized I didn’t want to be pre-med anymore, I had options, and the corporate world was one of them because of the Corporate Work Study Program.”
Now stepping into a leadership role, Alondra sees supervising a student as a way to give back.
“I’m hopeful I can give back by mentoring somebody and helping them grow into wherever they’re meant to be.”
Alondra’s journey highlights the lasting impact of Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program and the power of alumni who return to support the next generation.