APi Group and its family of companies have partnered with Cristo Rey since
Since 1926, APi Group and its family of companies have understood the value of building great communities.
APi Group believes that access to quality education is instrumental in building strong communities. That is why APi Group has partnered with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and their Corporate Work Study Program. Cristo Rey’s mission is to prepare young people from urban communities with limited economic means for post-secondary education and rewarding careers. Through an innovative approach to education, Cristo Rey provides students the knowledge, character, and skills to transform their lives. These students are three times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree by age 24 compared to that of the total U.S. low-income population.
Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program students are placed with partner companies for the duration of their school year to teach them real-world corporate and life skills. While at the workplace, students are assigned supervisors and given tasks on par with entry level corporate positions, teaching them self-accountability and teamwork.
One such student is Doris Cruz-Mestizo. Doris started as a freshman with APi Group at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. Since then, Doris has displayed all the leadership qualities that APi Group holds dear. Through a positive attitude, constant quest for knowledge and self-less work ethic, Doris exemplifies why this partnership is such an incredible match.
While at APi, Doris learned to overcome some of her fears through a supportive focus on personal growth. She states that, “my coworkers always find ways for me to face some of my fears of speaking with people who are higher up (the corporate ladder), or new people, or people that are taller (and bigger) than me. Being pushed out of my comfort zone will help me be more confident in approaching anyone, whether they are twice my size or someone I’ve never met.”
Doris’ leadership qualities are not only reflective of her partnership with APi Group, but are also evident in other areas throughout her young life. She consistently supports events with the Cristo Rey admissions team by giving prospective students and families tours of their facilities in both English and Spanish. Outside of Cristo Rey, Doris is a part of the Diverse Daisies, a non-profit group that focuses on empowering young girls and teens. She has also partnered with “Hats and Mittens” where she supports the organizing and distributing of hats, mittens, and handwritten notes to those in need in her community. She participates with Feed My Starving Children community outreach events, as well.
Doris is a glowing example of the impact APi’s partnership with the surrounding communities can provide. APi Group believes it takes a village to make a better world and that no contribution is too small to advance the common good. Focusing on truly caring about the people and communities in which we serve is how we Build Great Leaders for the future.
