As the founding Cristo Rey school, Cristo Rey Jesuit is proud to be a member of the Cristo Rey Network of schools - now 40 strong. In honor of the Network's 31,000 graduates across the nation, the Cristo Rey Network National Alumni Association (CRNNAA) has named the second cohort of 40 Under 40 awardees.

The CRNNAA has published the second cohort of 40 Under 40 honorees celebrating 40 distinguished alumni under the age of 40 - all of whom were nominated by their school leaders, fellow peers, and those they have inspired through their journey. These men and women have become leaders in an array of industries, including Business, Education, Banking and Finance, Healthcare, Non-Profit, Law, Technology and more. Notably, their personal stories serve as powerful reminders of how education, perseverance, and support can bring about transformative change in lives today and the generations of tomorrow.

We are proud to have two Cristo Rey Jesuit alumni named this prestigious list, Tracy Vega '07 and Fr. Juan Carlos Vargas '09.

Tracy Vega '07

Unit Supervisor, County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Children

• Doctor of Social Work, University of Southern California
• Master’s in Social Work, Erikson Institute
• Bachelor’s in Political Science, Loyola University Chicago ‘12

"My experience at Cristo Rey was transformative—I was surrounded by mentors and trusted adults who saw my potential and provided unwavering support. Through the Corporate Work Study Program at Citadel Investment Group, I gained professional skills, mentorship, and resources that helped shape my future. The opportunities I received in academics, the arts, and athletics built my confidence and prepared me for success, inspiring me to pay it forward through my work in therapy and behavioral health programs for Latine children and families."
 

Fr. Juan Carlos Vargas '09

Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish

• Ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 18, 2024
• Master’s in Theology and Master’s in Philosophy, Mundelein Seminary/University of Saint Mary of the Lake ‘24
• Bachelor’s in Social Work, Xavier University ‘13

"My Cristo Rey education was my steppingstone that shaped me to be the leader I am today. It opened so many doors for me to get the opportunities to not only explore various work careers while I was in high school but also taught me early on to be a multitasker, public speaker and having strong work ethic. After college, I leaned to my Cristo Rey network and former work studies employer hired me. Cristo Rey education is unique, the work study program truly shaped leaders of tomorrow and it had taught me that resilience is built in the hardest moment."
 

View full 40 Under 40 Publication

Watch 40 Under 40 Highlight Video