Developing a Strong CWS Program

Join us as we welcome Zen Brown, Client Relationship Manager and Data Coordinator, to the Corporate Work Study team. Katie Seltzer, VP of Corporate Work Study, is intentionally building the CWS team so partners and students have the support and guidance they need to be successful. 

Zen recently graduated from Gonzaga University, specializing in Business Management Information Systems. Her professional background includes healthcare, insurance, and academic support. She was drawn to our mission because of shared cura personalis (care for the whole person) principles. She is motivated by the opportunities and skills students will acquire through the work-study program. Helping students with limited economic resources realize their full potential from a holistic view is important to Zen and she can’t wait to contribute to an organization that provides meaningful pathways for student success.  

Katie has been developing the Corporate Work Study program since serving as the CRJS Feasibility Study Director, and now can realize it in action. From the first committed partner, Expeditors, to our newest partner, Alaska Airlines, Katie is inspired by the partners’ enthusiasm and investment in their local communities. She is actively involved in our admissions process getting to know students and families, which informs her strategy in securing corporate partners. In considering CWS placement, she focuses on students ‘learning, experiencing, and doing’.

Katie wants students to have informal and formal mentorship opportunities, intentional professional development, and opportunities to contribute real work to help their organizations succeed. 

Katie’s goals for the CWS program reflect her hard work and intentional relationships as she and Zen plan the first Montserrat Summer Bridge Program in August. This program is designed to help students prepare for a rigorous academic program and high expectations in their professional workplaces. The name of the summer program comes from the life of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, who visited a mountain-top monastery named Montserrat in Spain. After this visit, he dedicated his life to education and justice.

This is the hope for our students; that they do the hard work to attend Cristo Rey, persevere in the summer program, and commit to making their own college and career dreams a reality as people for others.

Each role on the CWS team has important responsibilities. For corporate partners introduced to the program for the first time, Katie will steward them through the process of onboarding and preparing to welcome students. Zen will work with these partners to develop job descriptions and clear expectations. CWS partners will receive top-notch client relationship support throughout their work with student associates. Zen will also work with students and families so each constituent in the program has a dedicated adult for questions and problem-solving. 

The CWS team will help corporate partners prepare students for future careers. At the same time, students will receive support as they learn new skills and develop goals for their future careers and aspirations. The outcome is a skilled and diverse future workforce. 

Learn more about the CRJS team here.