“May our hope be so outrageously bold that people will laugh at us if they knew what we hoped for!”

– Fr. John Foley, SJ

Cristo Rey Jesuit is happy to announce the launch of the Cristo Rey Network's inaugural Outrageously Bold Award, a new honor recognizing an extraordinary staff member or team whose work exemplifies the bold spirit and transformative mission of the Cristo Rey movement.

Inspired by the words of Cristo Rey Jesuit founding president and Cristo Rey Network Chair Emeritus Fr. John Foley, SJ, the Outrageously Bold Award aims to highlight the extraordinary contributions of those who embody bold hope, radical love, and tireless commitment to Cristo Rey’s mission, and rooted in a desire to shine a light on those who give their all to make a lasting difference in the lives of Cristo Rey students.

This is a national award given across all 41 Cristo Rey Network schools. Awardees were voted on by leadership and recognized for their exemplary performance and outstanding results during this school year.

Cristo Rey Jesuit recognizes the Social Emotional Counseling Team as the inaugural recipients of the Outrageously Bold Award. This incomparable team is led by Gabriela Garcia, Director of Counseling, with counselors Lorena De Santiago Gilliat and Estela Sorensen (Class of 2009).  

The work of the Social Emotional Counseling Team is crucial to the school’s holistic approach to education. The counselors work tirelessly to ensure that Cristo Rey students receive the support they need to excel academically, personally, spiritually, and at their CWSP work placement. Despite increased challenges for students, the counselors strive to ensure that students have mental health support through counseling, resources, and appropriate referrals.

Meet Isabel Gonzalez-Garibay Class of 2009

After graduating from Cristo Rey, I earned my undergraduate degree at Marquette University, where I was honored with a full tuition scholarship and pursued a double major in Corporate Communications and Spanish for the Professions. I obtained my Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Both institutions offered unique and enriching experiences. My time away from home during my undergraduate studies was transformative; it fostered my independence and allowed me to discover more about myself in a new environment, all while remaining grounded in my values. I also had the privilege of forming lifelong friendships at Marquette University, which I cherish to this day.

I am currently employed at Aon in downtown Chicago, and it has been an incredible opportunity to be part of such a dynamic organization. In a short period, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience, all thanks to the support of my exceptional managers and colleagues who have fostered my growth.

My advice for students with similar career paths is that every student and alumni with aspirations should recognize the importance of networking and asking questions. Remember, there are no silly questions; every question holds value, so don't hesitate, and please ask away. The best advice I can offer is to take risks, put yourself out there, and embrace continuous learning. Life doesn’t have a single correct path; it's about adapting and persevering. My career journey has had challenges, but each obstacle has shaped my path and led me to where I am today. Looking back, I see those hurdles not as setbacks but as stepping stones that have enriched my experience and brought me to my true calling.

Cristo Rey opened a world of opportunities for me. I often wonder where I would be today if I hadn't attended Cristo Rey, and I know for certain that I wouldn't be where I am now without their support. While no career path is without its challenges, and many of us may not have a clear vision of our future aspirations, I firmly believe that Cristo Rey equipped us with the essential resources to embark on our journeys toward fulfilling careers. Throughout my high school years, I held multiple CWSP positions, which allowed me to explore various careers and industries. While these experiences were valuable, I quickly realized they didn't align with my long-term aspirations. Cristo Rey made significant efforts to support my interests; I initially pursued my passion for art and design by working at an interior design and architecture firm during my freshman and sophomore years. It was a wonderful introduction to the professional world, but I soon recognized that I preferred to keep my creativity as a hobby rather than turning it into a career.

In my junior year, I transitioned to a position at a medical center hospital, followed by an internship at a law firm in my senior year. Each workplace provided excellent opportunities, and I developed a diverse skillset while adapting to new environments. However, I still didn’t see myself pursuing a career in those fields. I believe these experiences were instrumental in shaping my career path. They introduced me to various roles and clarified what I did not want in my future career, which is just as crucial as knowing what I want. Ultimately, this journey has been a formative experience that has helped guide me to where I am today.

I have a lot of fond memories of teachers and staff members who have profoundly influenced my life through my Cristo Rey years and beyond. Even though some may no longer be at Cristo Rey, we still find moments to reconnect. Those relationships are still everlasting. I was fortunate to have the privilege of having teachers attend my wedding. That’s how special of a bond we’ve made, and I’ve truly cherished their friendships as they’ve seen me grow through all these years. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in my growth, and I am deeply grateful for their friendship and for encouraging me to step beyond my comfort zone.

When I am not working, I enjoy engaging in artistic projects, reading, and, more recently, sewing. Above all, I love to travel. My husband and I have been able to travel around the world, immersing ourselves in different cultures and languages. Each journey has left us with cherished memories and unique souvenirs that we bring back from each trip. I enjoy spending quality time with our families, my sister, and our dog.

If I had to describe the school to someone new, I would say that Cristo Rey is a school that goes beyond providing a college preparatory education and invaluable real-world experiences. It is deeply committed to the success of its students and their families, fostering a strong sense of community. Cristo Rey actively encourages parental involvement with a family-oriented approach, ensuring that families feel connected and engaged. Faith is integral to Cristo Rey's mission, instilling lasting values that resonate for years to come. Cristo Rey empowers students to reach their full potential by equipping them with the essential tools they need to thrive.

Connect with Isabel on LinkedIn!

Would you like to be featured in an Alumni Spotlight? Contact Diana Medina, Development Associate