This week, we are highlighting Cristo Rey Boston Board Trustee, Deana Martin, for her leadership and commitment to the school. As the Director of Corporate Marketing & Communications at BOND Brothers, Inc., Deana plays a pivotal role as a Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) partner and board member.
Our CWSP partners are central to the mission of our school as they provide critical support in the form of professional skill development, supervision, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Their partnership makes Cristo Rey Boston affordable to students who otherwise could not afford a college preparatory education.
As a result of COVID-19, many of our partners are unable to support students onsite, and our Bridge the Gap campaign is in place to ensure funding.
Deana Martin first learned of Cristo Rey Boston's Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) after she noticed high school students working at the office at BOND Brothers, Inc. "There was one particular young man who sat at our front desk answering the phones," Deana remembered. "He was very polite and professional and wore a shirt and tie every time he came to the office. Frank Hayes, the President of BOND Building Construction, told me about the school and BOND's commitment to its students."
BOND became a CWSP partner in 2012 and continues to employ CRB students each year.
As she learned more about the CRB model, and the unique professional development opportunities that CWSP provides to students, Deana found the mission resonated with her. "I believe in education and setting high standards for students. Cristo Rey Boston students meet these high standards as part of the school's mission of providing a rigorous curriculum."
While Deana is not currently supervising students, she continues to serve as a resource between the school and BOND. For Deana, providing leadership, time, and support to the program is just as important as the hands-on skill-development students receive while on the job. "I strive to lead by doing, and I believe in showing up for people and organizations that I value." In order to be an effective Cristo Rey partner, Deana says, "you need to be able to see yourself in the students and know that you can be a positive force in their lives."
Deana lives in Roslindale with her husband and and has a daughter, who is a senior at Boston University.
Help us Bridge the Gap to ensure that our students can continue their education at Cristo Rey Boston!
