April 9, 2025

Student MCs Toni Z. '26 and Daisy O. '25 kicking off Business Lunch Program.

Dear Supervisors, Students, and Families,

Happy Spring! This season is all about growth and new opportunities—something that we were proud to witness at our 15th Annual ICA Cristo Rey Business Lunch. It was an afternoon filled with inspiring moments, as our students took to the stage to deliver powerful speeches and lead the event with confidence. Whether taking the initiative to network, reflecting on personal stories, or sharing laughs, our young women reminded us of the impact young leaders can have when given the opportunity to shine. We want to once again thank you for joining us as part of Team Confidence!

We continue in the spirit of Team Confidence this month by highlighting students who are embracing new opportunities to grow at their workplaces. Their initiative, creativity, and courage are paving the way for future success, not only for themselves, but for the communities they are a part of.

Growth accelerates when we choose to step beyond what’s expected, and embrace what’s possible. That’s exactly what happened when Phoenix C. ‘25, at Stanford Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE), supported a tech presentation on Apple’s iOS 18 update. Initially brought on to create the PowerPoint and compile research, she quickly realized she could do more.

“I was confident I could play a bigger role as presenter,” she shared—and her team agreed. With the support of her colleagues Matt Fineman and Leyri Vercher, and guidance from supervisors Dave Saunders and Karen Baltodano, Phoenix spent four weeks practicing and preparing to speak in front of an audience of nearly 40 professionals.

On March 20th, her preparation paid off. She stood alongside her team and delivered a well-researched, insightful iOS 18 Tech Talk that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. “Though this project had its challenges, we pulled through and did an undeniably outstanding job,” she reflected.

The experience involved more than just a presentation. It was a milestone of self-trust and teamwork, and a testament to what happens when a student seizes an opportunity to lead. With the right support system and the courage to step up, she didn’t just contribute, she owned the moment!

Nellei S. ’27 guides her students through an art lesson at St. Paul’s School.

Growth doesn’t always start with a bold leap; sometimes it begins with subtle encouragement. For one student working as a teacher’s assistant at St. Paul’s School, that moment came when a staff member noticed her artistic talent and said, “You could teach the kids, don’t you think? They really love your art.”

Up until then, Nellei S. ‘27 had drawn for the students, never imagining that her passion for art could evolve into a teaching opportunity. But with that one spark of affirmation, and the enthusiastic support of her supervisor, she began leading monthly guided drawing lessons for the kindergarten class. It was the start of something special.

Stepping into this new role wasn’t easy. “The very first time I led the class, I was very nervous,” she shared. “I was mainly scared of messing the lesson up or perhaps the kids wouldn't like the drawing we were going to learn.” But the moment she saw her students light up with excitement over the first project—a Halloween-themed pumpkin cat—her confidence began to grow.

Each class brought more than just instruction; it brought imagination, connection, and community. “Now that I've done more classes, I'm more confident with teaching. I’ve grown comfortable with the class, and teaching them to draw things of their interest,” she said.

What stands out most for Nellei aren’t just the drawings themselves, but the stories the students create around them. “When I taught the kids to draw an octopus, many of them wanted to tell me the stories they made up. I was happy to see them adding stories to their drawings and using their imagination."

Since this opportunity, Nellei has transformed her love for drawing into a bridge of creativity and joy for the students she supports. As she helps unlock their imaginations, she’s also finding her own voice and growing in confidence as a leader.

Supervisors, if you would like to nominate your student(s) for Student Associate of the Month, please fill out this form.