by Miranda Eby | Feb 24, 2026 | CWSP, School News
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Global Repair Group, a mission-driven organization that supports airlines and travelers by ensuring mobility equipment- such as walkers and wheelchairs- is repaired, replaced, or recovered when it is damaged or lost in transit.
This partnership began in January and brings together shared values around service, professional development, and giving back. We recently spoke with Paulette Bizar, who manages Human Resources and the technician network at Global Repair Group across the United States and internationally, about why this collaboration felt like the right fit.
Paulette has been familiar with Cristo Rey St. Martin for years and has interviewed many students at job fairs and events. “When we see CRSM on a resume, it really stands out,” she shared. “Students who have been through Cristo Rey have superior professional skills. Their preparation and confidence truly show during interviews.”
The partnership aligned well with Global Repair Group’s transition to a new software system and its desire to involve students in meaningful, hands-on work. As part of a one-semester pilot program, four CRSM students are gaining experience in bill paying, accounting support, inventory management, and entering parts into the company’s system. In the coming weeks, students will also begin answering phones and assisting with customer calls, while being included in team meetings to learn more about professional collaboration.
“What has impressed me most is their dedication,” Paulette said. “It is fun to watch students build confidence and really find their voice. Getting to know them as people, not just interns, has been a joy.”
For Paulette, who has been with Global Repair Group for eight years, giving back is central to her work. “We help people every day, and this partnership is another way to do that. We are proud to be part of the Cristo Rey St. Martin mission. It helps us too, because students bring new ideas, energy, and a reminder that company culture matters just as much as the work itself.”
We are grateful to Global Repair Group and Paulette Bizar for investing in our students and creating a welcoming, professional environment where they can learn, contribute, and grow.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 24, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Susan Carsello knows a thing or two about smart investments. By day, she works in the investment business. Outside of work, she invests her time and energy in Cristo Rey St. Martin as a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and she says the return is immeasurable.
“I truly believe in the mission at CRSM,” Susan shares. “Giving students the opportunity to experience the workplace at a young age is incredibly powerful. Between the CWSP program and the great teachers, it is a really special place.”
Susan comes from a family of educators, with two sisters who are high school teachers. As a working professional and a mother raising two boys, mentoring students feels especially meaningful to her. While she once visited students regularly at their workplaces, she now spends more time checking in with them after work, especially those who may be struggling academically.
“Sometimes it is just sitting down with a student who has not been submitting assignments and helping them focus on one thing at a time,” she says. “Those conversations matter.”
Susan often works with students using The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, asking them to read the book and reflect on what they learn from it. One student she worked with initially struggled with attitude and accountability. When Susan learned he was a soccer player, she helped him see the connection between expectations on the field and expectations in the workplace.
“That was the moment things started to change,” Susan recalls.
By the end of the school year, the student spoke at a school event and publicly thanked Mrs. Carsello for believing in him. In another case, a student who had been struggling at her workplace completed the 7 Habits and later wrote Susan an email describing the positive changes others had noticed in her growth. Susan proudly shared that message with Preston.
“It is such a rewarding experience,” Susan says. “I feel like I get just as much out of this as the students do.”
For Susan, being part of the CRSM community is more than volunteering. It is a true blessing to work alongside the students, staff, and supporters who make the mission possible.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight, CWSP, School News
On February 13, the Corporate Work Study Program hosted a dynamic Professional Development Day designed to equip sophomores and seniors with essential tools for future success.
The day began with seniors focusing on building their professional presence. Students created and enhanced their LinkedIn profiles, learning to effectively showcase their skills, experience, and career interests. Seniors also participated in a CRSM Alumni Panel, where graduates shared real-world advice about navigating college, launching careers, and adjusting to life after CRSM. The panel provided valuable insight and inspiration as students prepare for their next chapter.
Among the alumni panelists was Samantha Bahena ’17, who reflected on the importance of giving back: “I’m proud to give back and support the next generation of Cristo Rey students! It’s so rewarding to see students gain confidence, skills, and insights to help them succeed.”
In the afternoon, sophomores participated in a hands-on resume-building workshop. With the support of dedicated volunteers from our incredible business partners and community organizations, students worked one-on-one to develop strong first drafts of their resumes. The experience gave students practical skills and increased confidence as they began building their professional portfolios.
We are deeply grateful to our alumni and CRSM business partners who generously shared their time, expertise, and encouragement. Their investment in our students continues to make a meaningful impact as we prepare the next generation for college, career, and life beyond CRSM.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Development, School News
Since 2004, the Gorter Family Foundation has been a committed partner of Cristo Rey St. Martin. After joining a philanthropic bus tour of Northern Lake County, the Gorters stopped at the old campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The Gorters were inspired by the mission and the students they met there, and they began by funding modular classrooms and soon after helped launch student internships, including the first grants that placed students in nonprofit jobs.
Education in Lake County is central to the Foundation’s giving. “We want to help level the playing field so that all kids in Lake County have access to strong educational opportunities,” says Cheri Richardson, Executive Director since 2014. With a background at United Way of the North Shore and Mothers Trust, Cheri stays closely connected to community needs. “I love being able to support CRSM and continue this longstanding partnership.”
That relationship has continued to grow. The Foundation helped make CRSM’s new, safe campus at the former Kmart location possible.
“We were thrilled to help build the new safe school at the old Kmart location,” the Foundation shared. “It is wonderful to know there is a welcoming place for students to attend school and thrive.” The Foundation also recognizes the strength of CRSM’s staff.
“The teacher turnover rate is very low, and that is a testament to the support staff receive and their commitment to the organization,” Cheri notes.
For more than two decades, the Gorter Family Foundation has invested in CRSM’s students, facilities, and future. We are deeply grateful for their enduring support and belief in our mission.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Academic, School News, Student Life
Two Cristo Rey St. Martin (CRSM) sophomores, Isabella and Ketzia, recently made their voices heard at a Waukegan City Hall meeting, where they spoke with city leaders about expanding healthcare exposure and mentorship opportunities for students.
Isabella, president and co-founder of Cristo Rey’s Pre-Med Club, said the idea for the club began when she first arrived at CRSM. “When I first entered Cristo Rey, I decided to form a Pre-Med Club with Ketzi and other students,” Isabella said. The club was created to inspire students interested in healthcare careers and connect them with professionals in the field.
As the club grew, Isabella and Ketzia recognized the need for outside support. “The members of this club are all future healthcare professionals, and my goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in medicine,” Isabella explained. The students hoped to gain guidance from firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and doctors who could offer mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
“Even though we were not initially invited to speak, we took the initiative to visit City Hall to request the support and guidance we need,” Isabella said.
Their message was well received by city officials. During the meeting, the students connected with city staff, including the mayor, the fire chief, and the police chief. “The individuals we met were welcoming and receptive and took our ideas seriously,” Isabella said, noting that city leaders expressed interest in supporting students pursuing healthcare careers.
The experience highlighted the confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills of CRSM students, demonstrating how initiative and student voice can open doors to meaningful community partnerships.
