Cristo Rey Network board members, Joseph Della Rosa and Thomas Healey, recently hosted a lunch in New York City for a conversation on national education and workforce trends. The program featured an introductory presentation by Jeff Strohl, Director of Georgetown University’s Center on Education and Workforce, on the recently published report Falling Behind: How Skills Shortages Threaten Future Jobs (September 2025). His presentation was followed by a brief panel discussion with:

• Marty Rodgers, U.S. Lead, Health and Public Service Client Group, Accenture;Corporate Work Study Partner
• Kay Angrum, Digital Anchor, Reporter, and Producer at NBC; Cristo Rey New York High School  ‘12
• Kelby Woodard, President and CEO, Cristo Rey Network

The panelists emphasized the importance of workforce experiences and human-centered skills, like grit, empathy, and problem-solving, and how they are increasingly essential, especially as AI reshapes the future of work. They highlighted Cristo Rey’s unique model of combining academics with corporate experience as a powerful way to develop talent and elevate students, families, and communities.

When asked how her Corporate Work Study experience prepared her for her job at NBC, Kay Angrum responded, “There are so many ways that Cristo Rey prepared me. It goes beyond the skills… it’s the air that Cristo Rey instills within its students … that no matter what room you’re in, you belong.  It began with the internship I had while a Cristo Rey student my junior and senior years…and it was there I learned how to write scripts and edit…and once I got to my freshman year of college, while my peers were learning these skills, I already knew them. I was shocked to be ahead already”. Kay’s experience illustrates the lasting impact of Cristo Rey’s model in shaping students’ confidence, skills, and readiness for the world beyond high school.

A big thank you to our board members and to our incredible panelists for a thought-provoking and insightful discussion. 

We invite you to watch the Full Panel Conversation– but if you only have a few minutes, check out the 4 Minute Highlight Reel.