A full circle moment is unfolding at Notre Dame Cristo Rey - Mabel M. Dominguez, NDCR Class of 2009 and former class president, has been named Principal for the 2026 to 2027 school year, becoming the first alumna in the Cristo Rey Network to lead her alma mater. This is a milestone that reflects both her individual journey and the strength of the Cristo Rey model in developing leaders from within our own communities. 

The announcement was shared by Sister Maryalyce Gilfeather, SNDdeN, Ph.D., President of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School, over the school intercom and was met with spontaneous applause throughout the campus, a reflection of the deep respect and pride held for Dominguez within the NDCR community!

Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and part of the Cristo Rey Network, Notre Dame Cristo Rey is committed to educating young people for life, forming students of faith, purpose, and possibility through a rigorous academic program and a unique corporate work study model.

Dominguez began her journey at NDCR when the school was located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She later returned to serve in leadership roles, including Dean of Students and Vice Principal, during a period of growth and transition to the school’s current campus on the Searles Estate in Methuen.  

Over the past six years, she has helped shape a school culture rooted in belonging, high expectations, and care for the whole student. She continues to teach Latin American Literature, remaining closely connected to her students and their lived experiences. Known for her strong relationships with students and families, Dominguez has built trust and connections that are central to the life of the school.  

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Lawrence, Dominguez brings both personal experience and deep commitment to her work. She is known for her dedication to equity and justice and for creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead. At Notre Dame Cristo Rey, the strength of the community is rooted in its families, whose partnership and trust make the school’s mission possible each day.  

“Relationships with our families are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dominguez. “Their trust, partnership, and belief in this school are what make our students’ success possible.”  

She is the founder of Las Leonas Poderosas, a nonprofit supporting young, Latina women through mentorship and leadership development, and co-leads one of the largest troops in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. She also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Notre Dame Education Center in Lawrence.  

Dominguez holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Salem State University, and the University of Notre Dame through the Alliance for Catholic Education program. “It is with great joy and deep pride that I share this news,” said Sister Maryalyce Gilfeather, SNDdeN, Ph.D. “Mabel’s leadership is a powerful sign of what is possible when young people are formed in faith, purpose, and opportunity.”  



For the NDCR community, Mabel Dominguez’s leadership reflects what is possible when young people are formed in faith, supported by family, and given opportunity to return, lead, and strengthen the communities that first believed in them. This is what NDCR is all about. 

It is more than fitting that this year’s theme is Scholars Today, Leaders Tomorrow, as Mabel’s journey is a living reflection of that promise.