Lessons from Dallas

One of the tremendous gifts of being a Cristo Rey school is the opportunity to learn from the other 39 schools in the network. In mid-April, the CRJS leadership team flew to Dallas to meet with leaders from the other CR schools, to share best practices and to learn from those who have already lived the exciting journey of founding a school. 

A highlight of the conference was the chance to hear from three members of Cristo Rey Dallas’ inaugural class, 10 years after they first entered CR Dallas as eager, nervous freshmen. Max Hernandez, America Rodriguez, and Manny Moreno are now young professionals in their mid-20s, flourishing in their chosen careers. 

When I had the chance to talk with America and Manny on the campus of their alma mater, I asked them what advice they had for a CR school about to launch in Seattle—and for our incoming students. Manny recommended that students take advantage of the opportunity to create new clubs, student organizations, and traditions. He said that while being part of the first class of students brought its challenges, including classes in a cramped older building, he would not trade the experience for anything. (Dallas now has two remarkable new buildings!). 

Manny even offered to come to Seattle to speak in person with our new students. He has never been to Seattle, “but I hear it’s beautiful, and I would love to see your new school!” 

America looks back on the launch year of CR Dallas with fondness. She says her teachers challenged her and supported her on all levels—academically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

She will never forget her first time walking into a corporate office and realizing that she actually belonged there.

America, named for the country where her parents knew she could reach her full potential, suggested we tell our students to stretch themselves as much as possible. 

In our time in Dallas, we heard practical advice and received spiritual inspiration, including from Fr. Jim Gartland, SJ. As a young Jesuit, Fr. Gartland was tapped by Provincial Brad Schaeffer to canvass the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago and ask parents and teens about their hopes and dreams. Fr. Gartland told us that he heard, over and over, that the young people in that primarily Mexican-American neighborhood wanted the chance to pursue their dreams of being doctors and lawyers, business people and engineers, artists and entrepreneurs. Those conversations ultimately gave rise to the first-ever Cristo Rey Jesuit school. 

In Dallas, I also heard over and over again how impressed our colleagues are with the “Seattle dream team.”

Katie, Nadia, Lee, Sarah, and Mike have inspired their counterparts with their expertise and commitment to the Cristo Rey mission. As Brendan Bedell, the network’s Chief Talent Officer said, “You guys have really found dynamite leaders. And if you get the right people in the right roles, you will flourish!” We are well on our way, thanks to this amazing team and the help of colleagues living the Cristo Rey mission across the US.