| Happy Women's History Month! |
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Dear supervisors, students, and families,
March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women who have paved the way for future generations. At ICA Cristo Rey, our students are not only gaining hands-on work experience but are also learning from strong, successful women who lead in their industries.
This month, we’re highlighting some of the incredible women leaders from our Corporate Work Study (CWS) partners, including KGO. These women exemplify leadership, resilience, and the power of mentorship in professional spaces.
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| Breaking Barriers in Journalism: A Conversation with KGO News Director Tracey Watkowski |
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One of the incredible women guiding the next generation is Tracey Watkowski, News Director at KGO (ABC 7 News). For 15 years, KGO has partnered with ICA Cristo Rey, providing students first-hand experience in the world of journalism. Through this partnership, students have been receiving valuable exposure to newsroom operations and the power of storytelling.
"It has been a great experience having the students in our building and especially in our newsroom, where they are learning about journalism, learning about news in San Francisco," says Watkowski. "The school is just outstanding, and we're happy to be a part of it to support these young women and give them opportunities to be exposed to a workplace."
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| Building Confidence in the Newsroom |
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Watkowski understands the value of a strong educational foundation. "I myself am a product of 12 years of Catholic school, so I know what a great foundation Catholic school gives to these students. Having the work-study program on top of that just prepares them so well for the workplace, getting them ready for college, and being able to handle themselves in a professional environment," she shares.
Beyond learning about journalism, ICA students actively contribute to KGO’s newsroom. Watkowski values their presence and the perspectives they bring. "It's great having these students in our workplace. We encourage them to bring story ideas, what's happening in their community. They also are getting involved in learning about journalism. We have them read stories on our website and see if there are mistakes that need to be fixed. So they are contributing, and it's just great having their youthful enthusiasm in our newsroom."
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| Representation in Journalism: Why It Matters |
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When asked about the one piece of advice she wishes she had received when starting out in journalism, Watkowski reflected:
"Trust your gut, lead with your heart, and know mentorship comes in all forms. It doesn’t have to be a formal mentor-mentee relationship. Many women (and men) I’ve worked with have been mentors to me, just by being able to observe how they handle various situations in the workplace. What they said or what they did is filed in my management memory bank for quick retrieval!"
Her words serve as a reminder that mentorship is everywhere—it’s in daily interactions, the challenges faced, and the decisions made. For young professionals aspiring to enter the field, observing and learning from those around them can be just as impactful as formal mentorship.
As ICA Cristo Rey continues to partner with organizations like KGO, students gain hands-on experience and the confidence to break barriers in journalism and beyond! This year, we are proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of ICA Cristo Rey’s membership in the Cristo Rey Network, a group of 40 Catholic high schools nationwide that integrate a college preparatory education with a unique Corporate Work Study experience. KGO will be honored at ICA Cristo Rey's 15th Annual Business Lunch as a Founding Corporate Partner.
ICA students credit the Corporate Work Study program and the caring ICA community for helping them develop the confidence they need to engage their futures with boldness.
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| Advice for Future Professionals |
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Despite women making up approximately 40% of journalists globally, only 24% hold top editorial positions, according to a 2024 study by the Reuters Institute. This gap only escalates the critical need for mentorship and representation, helping young aspiring professionals to recognize that leadership roles are within their reach.
Watkowski values the opportunity for ICA students to witness strong female leadership in action. "The newsroom is a dynamic and lively workplace with a strong presence of women, which is especially meaningful to me. It allows students to see leaders in action, hopefully inspiring them to see themselves as future journalists."
Working alongside seasoned professionals, ICA students are gaining more than just technical skills—they’re seeing real-life examples of resilience, leadership, and innovation in action.
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| Student Associate of the Month Awardees |
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We are thrilled to announce the March 2025 Student Associate of the Month awardees! These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and attentiveness to their roles. A heartfelt thank you to our supervisors for recognizing their efforts and for your ongoing support. Join us in celebrating these remarkable students who are making a positive impact!
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| Advanced Clinical |
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| Gabriella R. '25 and Alexandra D. '25 |
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“Alexandra and Gabriella have been fantastic to work with, even remotely! They’re always attentive, listen carefully, and ask great questions that show they’re eager to learn. They present their projects with confidence and take feedback hoping to continuously improve. Even when working from a distance, they bring positive energy and a strong work ethic to every task. Their dedication and willingness to collaborate make them outstanding Student Associates, and they truly deserve this recognition."
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| The Women’s Building |
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| Dyana R. '26 |
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“Dyana has shown so much dedication and growth in the two years she has been with us. Dyana works on various projects such as booking tax appointments, data entry for grants, tech support for clients, and creating outreach fliers for events. She works with Salesforce, our internal databases, Google Suite and Canva. She is committed, detailed and driven. We hold a space where she can work collaboratively and independently and she has shown to thrive in both. We're really proud to work alongside Dyana in service of our clients.”
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| 5 Buckets Foundation |
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| Jessire T. '27 |
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“Every day, Jessire arrives to work with a smile and a desire to learn. It has been great to see her progress in acquiring new skills. The pace and content of our work varies daily, but she does a terrific job of staying on top of things and adds positive energy to our workplace!
Jessire has played a key role in supporting our [financial literacy] curriculum and her efforts have made a big difference. It’s always a joy to work alongside Jessire every Tuesday, and we are grateful to have her on the team! We truly appreciate her willingness to learn, take on new tasks, and bring her curiosity and enthusiasm to everything she does.”
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| Samaritan House |
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| Kim Mary B. '28 |
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“Kim has been a huge contributor to increasing the work capacity of the Client Services department through her work so far this year. She has grown immensely since starting with us, adapting her skills and learning new ones along the way. We greatly appreciate her hard work and openness to learning!”
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Supervisors, if you would like to nominate your student(s) for Student Associate of the Month, please fill out this form.
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| Important Announcements |
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| LOOKING AHEAD |
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Thursday, March 27, 2025
11:00am Hosted Reception │ 12:00pm Lunch & Program
Hyatt Regency San Francisco on the Embarcadero
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
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The Business Lunch is ICA Cristo Rey’s signature fundraising event, raising critical funds to provide students with a top-notch college preparatory education, four years of corporate work-study experience, and ongoing support to and through college—regardless of financial barriers. This year, we are proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of ICA Cristo Rey’s membership in the Cristo Rey Network, a group of 40 Catholic high schools nationwide that integrate a college preparatory education with a unique Corporate Work Study experience.
ICA students credit the Corporate Work Study program and the caring ICA community for helping them develop the confidence they need to engage their futures with boldness.
Come experience Team Confidence in action at the Business Lunch. Every dollar raised at the event helps offset tuition costs, keeping ICA Cristo Rey one of the nation's most affordable independent all-girls schools.
Join Team Confidence!
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| 2025 Business Lunch Honorees |
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2025 Leader in Mission Award
Elizabeth and the Honorable Robert Dondero
2025 Founding Corporate Partner Award
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BiRite Foodservice Distributors
The Brandi Law Firm
Buchalter
Cahill Contractors
Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP
Gap Inc.
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Jones Day
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KGO-TV ABC7
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Morrison Foerster
Sutter Health - CPMC
Symphony Risk Solutions
UCSF Health
Webcor Builders
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| 2025 Business Lunch Sponsors |
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*Listed as of March 4, 2025.
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Angel Sponsorship
Lenore Heffernan
Diamond Sponsorship
Peggy and Mark Bley
Margaret and Michael McCaffery
Platinum Sponsorship
Beth and David Bernstein
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP
The Foothills Foundation
Yvonne and Niall McCarthy
Gerry and Jim Sangiacomo
Jeannie and Sandro Sangiacomo
Liz and Greg Vaughan
Sapphire Sponsorship
Elizabeth and Robert Dondero
Chris Street and All Stars Project SF Bay Area Board
Gold Sponsorship
Carrie and Mark Casey
Lisa and Kevin Cullinane - SC Properties
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Mary and George Lawson
Ann G. Miller
Mimi and Jim Moloney
Anna Morfit
The O’Shea Foundation
Prime Finance
Anthony E. Ramirez
Moira and Joseph P. Russoniello
Diane B. Wilsey
Silver Sponsorship
Jeanne and Bill Barulich
BiRite Food Distributors
Carol and Tom Brandi
The Brandi Law Firm
Capital Group
Maureen McCaffery Coleman and Brian Coleman
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Silver Sponsorship (con't)
Jennifer Dolin
Dr. Denise Flaherty ‘69
Bernice and Robert Kenkel
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Suzanne McCormick
Gail Mejeur
Christine and Vincent O’Gara
Olympic Club Foundation and the Ring Family
Meghan and Joey Railey
Teresita Esteva Stark ‘47
Cathy and Robert Unruh
Suzanne and Gene Valla
Bronze Sponsorship
Archbishop Riordan High School
The Archdiocese of San Francisco
Cahill Contractors
Coblentz, Patch, Duffy, & Bass LLP
Katie and Matthew Connor
The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
Mary Kate and Kyle Kamka
KGO TV - ABC7
Christina Leupp
Heidi and Jay Leupp
Meagan Levitan and Dale Carlson
Lee Ann and Jim Monfredini
Maya Noeth
Sally Mahoney '57
Morrison Foerster
Pattern Energy
Linda and Salvatore Rizzo
Berlina and David Rosati
Mary Rudden
San Francisco Fire Department, Local 798
Sutter Health - CPMC
Heather and John Wiegmann
Cathy and Richard Worner
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| 2025 Business Lunch Honorary Committee |
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*Listed as of March 4, 2025.
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Beth and David Bernstein
Fr. Gregory Bonfiglio, S.J.
Carol and Tom Brandi
The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
Dolores McKeever Donahue
Marie and John Duggan
Anthony Ramirez
Dr. Denise Flaherty '69
Lenore Heffernan
Mary Kate and Kyle Kamka
Mary and Steve Lanctot
Mary and George Lawson
Heidi and Jay Leupp
Meagan Levitan and Dale Carlson
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Sally Mahoney '57
Margaret and Michael McCaffery
Yvonne and Niall McCarthy
Ann G. Miller
Lee Ann and Jim Monfredini
Christine and Vincent O'Gara
Linda and Salvatore Rizzo
Moira and Joseph Russoniello
Wendy and Greg Suhr
Cathy and Robert Unruh
Suzanne and Gene Valla
Liz and Greg Vaughan
Heather and John Wiegmann
Diane B. Wilsey
Cathy and Richard Worner
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ICA Cristo Rey Academy is a Dominican Catholic college preparatory high school that empowers girls from underserved communities to become confident young women able to realize their full potential. By providing an excellent academic curriculum, a unique corporate work study experience and the support of our spiritual community, we prepare students for a life of faith, purpose, and service.
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