Changing the trajectory of a student’s life is not just a mission at Cristo Rey St. Martin, it is a reality that supporters like Kelly McNamara Corley have helped bring to life. Since 2011, Kelly McNamara Corley has been a steadfast supporter of Cristo Rey St. Martin, serving as an employer partner, board member (2013–2022), and Board Chair from 2019 through the end of her term. A generous donor and this year’s Founders’ Dinner sponsor, we are deeply grateful for her years of leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy for our students.
Her journey began at Discover Financial Services, where she helped launch what grew into a strong Corporate Work Study partnership.
“We brought in one student to our legal department, and that was the beginning,” Corley shared. “It became a meaningful experience not just for the students, but for our entire team.”
Through her involvement, Corley witnessed firsthand the power of the Cristo Rey model to transform lives.
“The idea of changing the trajectory of someone’s life through education and opportunity is what drew me in, and it’s what keeps me involved.”
One standout moment came when CRSM students were asked to present to Discover’s senior leadership on how the company might approach social media, which was still a new and evolving space at the time.
“We thought it would be a fun project and weren’t sure what to expect,” she recalled. “But they blew our socks off.”
Students delivered thoughtful, strategic ideas on how Discover could use social media to reach new customers and improve service.
“I remember looking around the room and seeing everyone’s jaws drop,” Corley said. “The quality of their thinking and the confidence of their presentation completely changed our expectations of what high school students can do.”
For Corley, both the outcomes and the relationships have left a lasting impression.
“You see students go on to college, into meaningful careers, and give back to their communities. That’s real impact.”
Even after completing her board service, she continues to support CRSM and encourages others to stay connected.
“There are so many ways to get involved, through giving, volunteering, or simply showing up,” she said. “And meeting the students firsthand is a gift you shouldn’t miss.”
We thank Kelly for her extraordinary commitment to CRSM and for the many ways she continues to champion our mission.