Student & Family Stories | The Catholic Schools Foundation

This Mother’s Day, Help More Families Like Duber’s Thrive

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

A Mother’s Day Gift That Changes Lives

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not just the love of mothers, but the quiet strength, sacrifice, and determination that shape generations. For Duber Gutierrez, a mother of three and a longtime member of the East Boston Central Catholic School community, motherhood and mission are deeply intertwined.

For over 12 years, Duber has worked in the Admissions Department at East Boston Central Catholic School—but her story began with something much simpler: a need.

“What inspired me to work in the Admissions Department was the need… to have someone who could provide information in Spanish to families,” she explains. “I recognized how important it was to make communication accessible and inclusive. That need motivated me to step into this role, and since then, I’ve seen my work as an opportunity to serve and support our community.”

That moment of recognition turned into a calling. Today, Duber is often the first voice families hear, guiding, reassuring, and helping them take their first steps into a Catholic school community.

Each day, Duber helps guide new families through the admissions process, many of whom, like her own family once did, are searching for opportunity and stability.

“The most rewarding part… is building trust with the families. They rely on my guidance and support, and over time, they see the results in their children’s academic, moral, and spiritual growth. It’s also meaningful to share real success stories from other students. I find great satisfaction in guiding families through the process and working together to overcome any challenges.”

Working in a Catholic school has also shaped her personally. “How does working within a Catholic school community influence your personal values?” we asked.

“Working in a Catholic school is deeply aligned with my values. Every day, I practice principles such as responsibility, respect, and service. In my role, I am able to reflect these values and share the mission of our school with the families we serve.”

Those same values carry into her role as a mother. At school, she may be “Mrs. Duber,” but at home, she is simply mama, guiding her children with intention and care.

Balancing both roles has not always been easy, but it has been meaningful.

“Balancing both roles has been very meaningful. I’ve always felt proud of my work at the school, where I have been for over 12 years.” She said “My children have grown up understanding that school is a shared space where we all have responsibilities,” she shares. “While I will always be their mother, at school I am also ‘Mrs. Duber,’ which helps maintain a healthy balance. As a Spanish speaker, I’ve also faced challenges with English, but those challenges have motivated me to grow and work even harder.”

At the heart of her parenting is one core value: gratitude.

“The most important value is gratitude. I want my children to recognize and appreciate all the people who have contributed to their growth. It is important to me that they never forget their roots and the values they were raised with. I want them to know gratitude is not just a value, it’s a way of life and one I never want them to forget.”

That gratitude is deeply connected to the opportunities her children have received opportunities made possible through the Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF).

Like many families, Duber once faced uncertainty.

“At the beginning, we were unsure if we could continue affording Catholic education,” she recalls. “The CSF scholarships made a tremendous difference for our family.”

Because of that support, what once felt out of reach became reality. Her daughter continued through eighth grade, attended a Catholic high school, and is now studying at the College of the Holy Cross. Her other children have followed similar paths.

“It is something we could not have imagined,” she says, “but it was made possible through CSF.”

Today, Duber not only witnesses that impact in her own family, she sees it every day in the families she serves.

“The most rewarding part is building trust,” she explains. “Families rely on my guidance… and over time, they see the results in their children’s academic, moral, and spiritual growth.”

Her children’s success has only deepened her belief in the power of Catholic education.

“In our family, education is essential, it is not an option but a priority,” she says. “From a young age, my children understood that education was the foundation for their future.”

That foundation has also led to moments of pride that are hard to put into words, like when her children were named Inspiration Scholars and spoke at CSF Galas.

“It means a great deal to me,” she shares. “These are achievements they earned not only through their hard work and dedication but their noble and charismatic personalities. I am very proud of them, especially since from a very young age, they have taken on challenges. Growing up in a culture unlike the one around them is not always easy. However, my kids never saw this as a setback, but rather a bigger motivation to succeed. In our home, we teach them and prepare them to work hard and strive for what they want. My husband and I are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished, especially achievements like these that are a representation of their hard work and dedication.”

But Duber is quick to remind us: behind every success story is a community that made it possible.

This is where CSF donors come in.

Their generosity does not just fund scholarships, it fuels dreams, strengthens families, and empowers mothers like Duber to see new possibilities for their children.

When asked what she would say to other families considering applying, her answer is filled with both honesty and hope:

““I would encourage families to trust the process and not be afraid to ask for help. Stay informed, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity available. Scholarships can truly make a life-changing difference. Although it may not seem big at first, the lasting impact is one very worthwhile. Most importantly, don’t lose faith or motivation. With effort and support, many doors can open for your children if you seek the right path.”

This Mother’s Day, Duber’s story is a powerful reminder: when we invest in a child’s education, we uplift an entire family. And when we support a mother’s hope for her children, we help shape a future filled with purpose, gratitude, and opportunity.

Because of generous CSF donors, those dreams become reality.

And because of mothers like Duber, those opportunities turn into lasting impact, for families, for communities, and for generations to come.

We hope you will consider making a gift in honor of mothers everywhere.

Donate to Support Families This Mother’s Day

CSF Alum Spotlight: From Cambridge to Community Builder: Lubens Benjamin’s Story of Leadership, Service, and the Power of Opportunity

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

If you ask Lubens Benjamin to describe his story in one word, he doesn’t hesitate:

“Community.”

It’s a word that shows up everywhere in his life—from his childhood in Cambridge, to his leadership at Boston College, to the work he’s doing today in New York City. And it’s a story made possible, in part, by the investment of CSF donors.

Lubens grew up in a Haitian immigrant family, moving frequently throughout the Greater Boston area, Cambridge, Medford, Watertown, and back again. But through all that change, one thing remained constant: school.

“School was really important to me,” he said. “It gave me a lot of stability growing up. It allowed me to become the person I was going to be.”

His parents, deeply rooted in their faith, made a commitment early on to provide a Catholic education for their children. That decision created not just academic opportunity, but a foundation of values, service, leadership, and responsibility to others.

Receiving a CSF scholarship early in his educational journey helped make that path possible.

“It felt like a huge burden off me and my family,” Lubens said. “It allowed me to focus on school.”

And that focus mattered.

Because as Lubens explained, many students carry more than just schoolwork.

“We’re doubling as interpreters, helping keep the household in order,” he said. “The scholarship gave me the chance to just focus on being a student, and that changes everything.”

That is the power of donor support: not just access, but the freedom to fully engage, grow, and excel in school for these young students.

At Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Lubens found mentors who would profoundly influence his path especially his headmaster, who challenged students to think beyond themselves.

“He reminded us that the world is much bigger than our little high school bubble,” Lubens said. “He challenged us to be people who bring good into it.”

That mindset stayed with him.

It shaped how he saw leadership, not as authority, but as responsibility.

That philosophy deepened at Boston College, where Lubens became one of the most engaged and impactful student leaders on campus.

At BC, Lubens thrived in an environment that aligned with everything he had been taught growing up.

A Management and Philosophy major in the Carroll School of Management, he balanced rigorous academics with an extraordinary level of involvement. He served as Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) President, chaired the AHANA+ Leadership Council, mentored students through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and participated in numerous service and leadership programs.

But for Lubens, leadership was not about titles, it was about people.

“Being a Kairos leader taught me what servant leadership is all about,” he said. “It’s about putting the needs of others before your own.”

That philosophy guided his time as UGBC president.

“I didn’t want to short-change the students who elected me, or any student at BC,” he said. “I knew if I applied myself fully, I could help put UGBC in a stronger position to advocate for students.”

That commitment required long hours, discipline, and sacrifice, but it also reflected something deeper: a sense of responsibility to the community that had invested in him.

When Lubens first arrived at Boston College, he thought leadership meant being in charge.

Now, he sees it differently.

“Leadership is about listening,” he said. “It’s about having poise, taking a moment before you respond, thinking about your impact.”

That ability to pause, reflect, and act with intention became one of the most important skills he developed.

“There’s something powerful in those few seconds of silence,” he said. “They can change everything.”

Living the impact

Today, Lubens is working in New York City as a marketing professional at a global advertising agency, a role that reflects both his academic background and his creative drive.

But his impact extends far beyond his career.

In his free time, Lubens an executive member of “STEM For All” organization, bringing hands-on learning experiences to students across Boston and now expanding into New York. The organization has already reached over 1,000 students, opening doors and expanding possibilities for young people who may not otherwise have access.

“It’s all about giving back,” he said. “The generosity I received, it makes you want to do the same.”

This is what donor impact looks like in motion. A scholarship doesn’t stop with one student. It multiplies, reaching communities, classrooms, and future generations.

When asked what he would say to those who supported him, Lubens spoke with both gratitude and clarity.

“Generosity creates more generosity,” he said. “Because of what you gave to me, I’m able to give back.”

He understands that donors may not always see the full impact of their support, but he is living proof of it.

“You’re helping create something much bigger than you can see,” he said.

If Lubens had to define what he hopes others take from his story, it comes down to one thing:

Be yourself.

“My number one job in life is to be authentically myself,” he said. “When you show up as who you are, and you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, you can accomplish so much.”

And at the heart of it all, community.

“I see myself as a community builder,” he said. “Every place I’ve been has poured into me. Now I want to keep building that for others.”

Because of donor support, Lubens was given stability.

Because of donor support, he became a leader.

And because of donor support, he is now building communities, mentoring others, and creating opportunities far beyond where his story began.

That is the power of a scholarship from the Catholic Schools Foundation.

This is what your support makes possible.

Support the Next Generation of CSF Scholars
Lubens story is one of many made possible through the generosity of CSF donors. Your support opens doors, builds confidence, and helps students thrive, from their first day of school through college and beyond. Join us in investing in the promise of future leaders by making a gift today and helping more students achieve their full potential.

Your Gift Changes Lives!

Support the Next Generation of CSF Scholars

A Night of Impact: How Our Students Stole the Show at the Gala

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The energy at this year’s gala was electric, but the true spark didn’t come from the décor or the music. It came from the students.
Because of your generous support, these bright young minds are thriving. They are the reason we gather, the reason we give, and the heartbeat of our mission. This year, our partner schools did not just attend, they led the way.

From the warm smiles at the door to the impressive projects, here is how our students made the night unforgettable.

As you arrived, you were met by the leaders of tomorrow. These students represented their schools with poise and professionalism, reminding us all why our investment in their education matters so much.

Austin Preparatory School

Bellesini Academy

Cathedral High School

Lawrence Catholic Academy

Malden Catholic High School

Nativity Preparatory School

OLPH Mission Grammar School

Saint Agatha School

Saint Agnes School

Saint Columbkille Partnership School

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy

Saint Theresa School

Saint John's Preparatory School

Saint Mary of the Assumption School

Trinity Catholic Academy

Down the hallway leading to the ballroom, the students took center stage to show you exactly what your donations make possible. Their creativity and intellect were on full display through a variety of unique showcases.

Academy of Notre Dame - Tyngsboro: Wowed the crowd with their unique "Soup" presentation.

East Boston Central Catholic: Displayed genius-level creativity with their latest original inventions.

Ursuline Academy: Showcased a high-tech collaboration between their Latin classes and the iHub.

Fontbonne Academy: Shared the beauty of their latest collaborative art project.

Cardinal Spellman High School: Their Future Business Leaders shared their vision for the next generation of industry.

St. John Paul II Catholic Academy (Dorchester): Captured hearts of our Chairman reception with beautiful paintings.

St. John Paul II Catholic Academy (Neponset): Reminded us of our shared responsibility as "Stewards of Grace."

St. John Paul II Catholic Academy (Columbia): Captured hearts with "Grace in Motion"—an AI robot the students programmed themselves to navigate the gala floor and interact with guests.

When you see these students, you are not just seeing kids in uniforms. You are seeing the direct result of your philanthropy. You are seeing confidence, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders.We saw a community coming together to ensure these students have every opportunity to succeed. Your support provides the scholarships, the technology, and the faith-based environments where these children thrive.

To our schools: Thank you for your partnership and for sharing your incredible students with us.

To our donors: Thank you for being the reason they can dream so big.

Jada Nguyen Inspires at the Catholic Schools Foundation’s 36th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Jada Nguyen’s story is one of global love, fierce persistence, and the power of opportunity. As a senior at Cristo Rey Boston High School, Jada took the stage at the most recent Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala to share how the Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) helped turn her mother’s sacrifices into a path toward Ivy League success.

Jada’s journey with CSF began in fourth grade when she transferred to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. The scholarship support she received there, and later at Cristo Rey Boston, made a high-quality, faith-based education affordable for her family.
For Jada, this opportunity was the fulfillment of a dream her mother—a Vietnamese immigrant and hardworking nail technician—had been forced to defer. While Jada’s mother often pleaded with her to "not be like me," Jada used her speech to honor the very work ethic and resilience she inherited from her mom.

At Cristo Rey, Jada excelled both in and out of the classroom. Beyond her roles as Student Council Vice President and school tour guide, she balanced a rigorous Corporate Work Study schedule with internships at Latham & Watkins, Veristat, and the PRISM lab at the Broad Institute. Her work at PRISM, using DNA barcoding to test cancer drug responses, solidified her ambition to unite health policy with patient care.

The highlight of the evening came when Jada shared her next chapter. This fall, she will be heading to Princeton University as a QuestBridge Scholar, where she plans to major in molecular biology and minor in global health and policy. In a touching moment, she also shouted out her twin sister, who will be attending Harvard University.

Jada closed her remarks with a heartfelt message to her mother and the CSF supporters in the room, proving that while she may be the first in her family to attend college, her success belongs to the community that believed in her.

At CSF, we are incredibly proud of Jada and the Class of 2026. We know her journey as a future doctor is only just beginning.

Jada's Full Speech:

Good evening, Archbishop Henning, Mr. Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, and all of you here tonight. My name is Jada Nguyen and I am a senior at Cristo Rey Boston High School. It is an honor to share my story with you tonight, because you may not know it, but you are part of my story.

In this story, love spreads globally. It reaches my teachers, friends, and peers through our shared passion for learning. When my mom was 14, she left Vietnam with her two sisters and my grandmother. Although she graduated from high school, she never had the opportunity to attend college. Growing up, my mother pleaded with me to not follow her path. She would say: “Don’t be like me.”
When I asked why, she told me that her opportunity to pursue college vanished when she was pregnant. Instead of college, my mom worked, and still works long hours as a nail technician to provide for me, sacrificing her dreams to make mine possible. To seven-year-old me, she was brilliant. She wanted the best for me, and her dedication to my schooling is why I transferred from Boston Public Schools to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy in fourth grade. This transition was made possible with a CSF scholarship.

After SJP, I enrolled in Cristo Rey Boston High School. The cost of my education was supported by CSF, making this opportunity affordable for my family. At Cristo Rey, classes like Theology, Ethics, Biology, and Government fostered a deep passion for learning and fueled my ambitions to pursue a career that unites health policy and patient care.

I am also involved as a tour guide for the school and am Vice President of the student council. After school, I work at the Boston Area Health Education Center and alongside my sister, we look after our younger brother, Jaxon. And I act as a translator for my mother during my brother’s medical appointments.

Through the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study model, I spend one day a week at an internship. This helps cover the cost of my education while giving me the opportunity to gain real-world experience. After work-study experiences at Latham & Watkins and Veristat, I sought opportunities to explore my interest in science. This led me to the Broad Summer Scholars Program.
In the program, I interned at PRISM, a lab that uses DNA barcoding technology to test drug responses to cancer cell lines. I am thankful to Dr. Adrianna Matos-Nieves, Anthony Fazio, and the other scientists and engineers who encouraged my curiosity. PRISM agreed to extend my summer job into a Corporate Work Study placement for my senior year.

Apparently, what I also inherited from my mom, besides her work ethic, was her persistence. I am grateful to have many strong, caring, and persistent women in my family. They prioritize caring for others above themselves. Many now face health struggles, yet they keep moving forward. Their perseverance and strength inspire me to be courageous.

PRISM’s technology showed me how research directly impacts patient care. This inspires me to pursue a career that targets disease prevention and treatment so I can give back to my mom and community. This fall, I had hoped to be the first person in my family to attend college, but that is not possible—thanks to my twin sister, who is one minute older than I am and will be attending Harvard next year.
I have decided that another four years on the Red Line isn’t for me and will be attending Princeton University as a QuestBridge Scholar. I plan to major in molecular biology and minor in global & health policy. I hope to become a doctor, caring for my patients with the same passion and guidance my mother had when she took care of me.

Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t be here today because of a family emergency in Vietnam. If she were here, here’s what I would tell her: Mẹ (mom), because of your sacrifice and love, I won’t have to give up my education. But I do want to be exactly like you—a person whose unconditional love empowers her to work hard and provide a future for others. Your commitment to me overcomes any challenge I face. Thank you, mẹ. I love you.

To all of you—thank you. Thank you for funding the scholarship that has brought me to Saint John Paul II and Cristo Rey Boston. Thank you for believing in over 4,000 students, no matter where they come from. My story is one of many thousands. Because of you, this is just my beginning. Thank you.

Beyond the Podium: A Closer Look at Jada Our Student Speaker

In our January interview, Jada opened up about the deeply personal motivation driving her Ivy League dreams. While her speech moved the room to tears, her daily life is where the real work happens.

Read Jada's January interview

An Evening of Stories, Sacrifice, and Possibility Inside the 36th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

36th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala was filled with energy, reflection, and purpose, hundreds gathered for an event that felt less like a fundraiser and more like a living testament to what happens when a community chooses to believe in its young people.

By the end of the night, one thing was unmistakably clear: this work is not abstract. It is deeply personal.

It sounds like a student standing at a podium, telling a room full of strangers:

“You may not know it, but you are part of my story.”

That student was Jada Nguyen, a senior at Cristo Rey Boston High School, and her story became the heartbeat of the evening.

[Read Jada’s full speech]

Jada spoke about her mother first.

At 14, her mother left Vietnam with her family. She never had the chance to attend college. Instead, she built a life working long hours as a nail technician—determined that her daughter would have opportunities she never did.

“Instead of college, my mom worked… sacrificing her dreams to make mine possible.”

As a child, Jada didn’t see sacrifice, she saw brilliance. A mother who remembered everything she loved, who painted her nails after long shifts, who made sure she showed up to school ready to learn.

That quiet devotion changed the course of her life.

With the support of a Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship, Jada transferred to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. Later, she attended Cristo Rey Boston, where her world expanded, through academics, leadership, and hands-on work experience.

She became a student leader. A translator for her mother during medical appointments. A caretaker for her younger brother. A young woman navigating responsibility far beyond her years.

And in a lab at the Broad Institute, working with cancer research technology, she found her calling.

“This inspires me to pursue a career that targets disease prevention and treatment so I can give back to my mom and community.”

This fall, Jada will attend Princeton University as a QuestBridge Scholar.

Her story could have ended there, with achievement, with applause, but instead, it circled back to the person who made it all possible.

“Because of your sacrifice and love, I won’t have to give up my education… But I do want to be exactly like you.”

There was a pause. Then, softly:

“Thank you, mẹ. I love you.”

Earlier in the evening, Tatiyana Orrego, a CSF alumna now at Boston College, stood at that same podium, this time introducing Jada.

Just one year removed from being the student speaker herself, she reflected on what moments like this truly represent:

“Each student carries their own journey… but what makes those stories possible are the people who believe in them.”

Her words reframed the night. This wasn’t just about one story, it was about thousands.

More than 4,000 students. Thousands of families. Generations of impact.

And a room full of people who made it all possible.

CSF alumnus Samuel “Sammy” Cintra brought that idea to life in a different way, inviting fellow alumni in the room to stand.

The result was powerful: a visible reminder that the mission doesn’t end at graduation.

“We are the result of an education that is not only intentional but directional… able to impact 4,300 children of all backgrounds.”

It was a moment that transformed numbers into faces—proof that investment in education multiplies over time.

At the center of the evening were honorees Travis and Rachel Rhodes, whose lives reflect the very values the Foundation seeks to instill.

Their story is one shaped by faith, family, and a shared belief that success carries responsibility.

“Nobody achieves success on their own.”

From their upbringing to their professional journeys, and ultimately to building a family of five children, two biological and three adopted, the Rhodes family has lived out a commitment to service in both word and action.

Their perspective was grounded, direct, and deeply aligned with the mission in the room:

“In service to the least of these we find our greatest purpose.”

They spoke not just of giving, but of learning, from mentors, from community leaders, and most meaningfully, from their own children.

And they reminded the audience that what was happening in that room was part of something much bigger:

“This is exactly what we are celebrating here tonight… creating opportunity for children like Jada to realize their incredible potential.”

As the evening came to a close, there was no single takeaway, no tidy conclusion.

Instead, there was a shared understanding.

That behind every scholarship is a story like Jada’s.
Behind every donation is a future not yet written.
And behind every student is a network of people who chose to believe in them.

Or, as Jada said in her final words:

“My story is one of many thousands. Because of you, this is just my beginning.”

And that is what the Building Minds Gala has always been about, not just celebrating success, but making it possible.

Be Part of the Next Story

Jada’s journey is just one of thousands, and there are so many more students waiting for the same opportunity.

When you give to the Catholic Schools Foundation, you’re not just making a donation—you’re opening doors, easing burdens, and helping students write futures that once felt out of reach.

Make your gift today and be part of what comes next.

CSF Executive Director Mike Reardon Featured on Catholic TV's 'This Is The Day'

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

CSF's Executive Director, Mike Reardon, joined Bishop Robert Reed on Catholic TV's 'This Is The Day ' to discuss the mission of the Catholic Schools Foundation and the highly anticipated 36th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala on Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

During the interview, Mike highlighted this year's honorees, Travis and Rachel Rhodes, recipients of the Carolyn and Peter Lynch Award. He also provided a breakdown of how the foundation’s $18 million in annual scholarships serves 4,300 students across Greater Boston.

The interview also dived into a critical update for families nationwide: the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit set to kick in on January 1, 2027. Mike sat down with Bishop Robert Reed to discuss how this $1,700 credit works, why state-level approval matters, and how it could provide a "pathway of hope" for your child’s education.

Watch the full interview below! Click HERE

Reconnecting with 2025 Gala Speaker Tatiyana Orrego

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Every Student Has a Story: Looking Back at the Voices That Inspired Our Galas

Every year at the Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala, there is a moment when the room grows still.

A student steps up to the podium.
The spotlight shifts.
And suddenly, we are reminded why this night matters.

This year’s Gala theme — “Every Student Has a Story” — celebrates the journeys made possible through your generosity. As we prepare to gather once again, we are looking back at some of the incredible students who have taken the stage before — students like Tatiyana, whose story continues to unfold in powerful ways.

Because when you support the Catholic Schools Foundation, you are not just funding scholarships.
You are shaping futures.

“Your Support Changed Me More Than Academically.”

Today, Tatiyana Orrego Dupree is exactly where she once wasn’t sure she could be.

She is a Boston College student studying psychology, exploring behavioral psychology, participating in intensive service work, and preparing for a future advocating for young people who feel unseen or unsupported. She speaks with clarity, thoughtfulness, and conviction, but she wasn’t always this confident.

When she looks back, she sees how far she has come. And she knows the Catholic Schools Foundation was a turning point.

“I feel like your support changed me more than academically,” she says. “It helped my confidence. It helped me speak out against inequalities. Students like me never thought that we could get to college or have access to everything.”

That belief is what makes her story proof of impact.

Tatiyana received CSF’s GO Scholarship in 2016, when she moved to Boston and enrolled at Saint Columbkille Partnership School midway through the school year. But that sentence alone doesn’t capture the weight of that moment.

Before Boston, she had been living in Maine with her mother and stepfather, both struggling with serious drug addictions. One day, her mother left and didn’t come back. At nine years old, Tatiyana was left to care for herself for over a week buying food with a food stamp card, getting herself to school, and relying on neighbors for meals and a place to shower.

Then her father brought her to Boston.

“CSF came to me when I was moving… and we were going through financial struggles,” she reflects. “I wouldn’t have been able to go to Catholic school without that support.”

But when she talks about the scholarship, she’s quick to say it wasn’t just financial.

“It wasn’t just about money. CSF gave me stability. It gave me an environment where I was welcomed with open arms and didn’t have to worry about being judged.”

For a child coming out of instability and trauma, that stability wasn’t small. It was everything.

As she continued her Catholic education eventually attending Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart something began to shift. She wasn’t just surviving anymore. She was growing.

She challenged herself academically, taking AP Literature, AP Art History, and AP Spanish. She became a member of the National Honor Society. She became the first in her family to graduate high school.

But when she talks about what mattered most, it isn’t the course list.

“I was able to be surrounded by a really supportive environment,” she says. “I had teachers who didn’t just worry about homework. They made sure I was continuously doing the best I could.”

She credits Catholic education with instilling values that shaped how she moves through the world today especially through service.

“I learned about the importance of being one with others and just having a community. It gave me opportunities to share my story. It gave me opportunities to become someone I didn’t think I was going to become.”

That sentence says everything.

A scholarship opened a door.
A community helped her walk through it.
And belief helped her grow into someone new.

Tatiyana describes herself as naturally soft-spoken. For much of her life, she kept the hardest parts of her story close, worried that people would see her differently if they knew.

Then came the CSF Gala.

Taking the stage as the student speaker at CSF’s 35th Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala in April 2025 was a moment she never expected would define her, but it did.

“As silly as it sounds, it was probably the gala,” she says when asked when she realized, I can do this.

“I tend to keep the traumatic parts of my life to myself so people don’t look at me differently. But when I got the opportunity to speak at the gala, I realized I was making a difference in other people’s lives.”

Standing in front of hundreds of supporters was nerve-wracking. But it was also empowering.

“I didn’t realize people wanted to hear about my journey. It made me realize that people are here to listen.”

That night wasn’t just about telling her story. It was about reclaiming it. It was about realizing that what she had survived and who she had become mattered.

For donors in the room, her speech was powerful. For Tatiyana, it was transformational.

Today at Boston College her dream school Tatiyana is studying psychology with a focus on behavioral psychology. She’s already thinking deeply about how trauma shapes behavior and how support can change outcomes.

“I really want to work in a juvenile detention center,” she says. “I want to help kids understand that they have support and that they’re not alone.”

Through BC’s PULSE program, she combines theology and philosophy coursework with direct service. She works with individuals with extensive care needs and neurological disabilities, learning how to advocate for others while continuing to build her own voice.

“It helped me speak up for them,” she explains. “And I carried the confidence from the gala into that.”

She also notes how well her Catholic education prepared her academically.

“It wasn’t that hard of a transition into college because I went to such a good high school. My studying skills and academic skills were instilled in me.”

That preparation is another layer of impact. Donor generosity didn’t just help her enroll it helped her excel.

When asked what she would say directly to CSF supporters today, she doesn’t hesitate.

“The belief that students can be in spaces that were never in their minds that’s what your support does.”

She wants donors to understand that their generosity doesn’t just pay tuition. It reshapes identity. It builds confidence. It allows students to step into rooms they once thought were closed to them.

“Your support changed me more than academically,” she says again. “It helped me with my confidence, speaking out against inequalities… students like me didn’t always think college was possible.”

Today, she is living in that possibility.

A Boston College student.
A psychology major.
A future advocate for vulnerable youth.
A young woman who uses her voice.

When she looks back at the nine-year-old girl who had to take care of herself, she sees how far she has come and she sees the people who helped her get there.

At CSF, we couldn’t be prouder of Tatiyana and all of our Senior Scholars. Her story is not only one of resilience it is proof that when donors invest in a child, the return is a life transformed, a voice empowered, and a future expanded.

And she’s just getting started.

Reconnecting with 2018 Gala Speaker Armani

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Every Student Has a Story: Looking Back at the Voices That Inspired Our Galas

Every year at the CSF Gala, there is a moment when the room grows still.

A student steps up to the podium.
The spotlight shifts.
And suddenly, we are reminded why this night matters.

This year’s Gala theme — “Every Student Has a Story” — celebrates the journeys made possible through your generosity. As we prepare to gather once again, we’re looking back at some of the incredible students who have taken the stage before — students like Armani, whose story continues to unfold in powerful ways.

Because when you support CSF, you are not just funding tuition.
You are shaping futures.

When Armani walked back into a Catholic school classroom during a CSF bus tour, the moment stopped him.

The desks looked familiar. The students wore the same uniforms he once wore. The energy in the room felt instantly recognizable. For a moment, time seemed to fold in on itself.

“Going back into a classroom was surreal,” he said. “You see exactly where donor support turns into opportunity.”

That moment captured something Armani has come to understand more deeply with time. The support of CSF donors was never just about helping him get from one school year to the next. It created the conditions for a much bigger journey, one that would carry him from Catholic school classrooms in Boston to Georgetown University and now into a growing career in finance.

Today, Armani works as a Model Risk Analyst at Fidelity Investments. He is also deeply committed to mentoring younger students, expanding access to financial education, and helping other first-generation and low-income students see possibilities they may not yet be able to imagine for themselves.

Armani’s education was rooted in Catholic schools from the very beginning. He attended Catholic school his entire life, beginning in elementary school in Mattapan, then continuing on to Saint John Paul II School, Cathedral High School, and later Georgetown University.

Looking back, he does not see those years as separate chapters.

“Looking back, it feels like one continuous path rather than separate stages,” he said.

That continuity mattered. Each school prepared him for the next one, not only academically, but personally. Catholic education gave him rigor, structure, and challenge. It also gave him relationships that would shape him for life.

“Catholic education gave me strong academics, but more importantly, it gave me people,” Armani said. “Teachers, mentors, administrators, people who took the time to really know me and invest in my future.”

For much of Armani’s childhood, scholarship support was simply part of the fabric of his education. He knew he was receiving aid, but he did not fully understand how much of that support came through CSF until later.

“I always received financial aid,” he said. “How much of it came from Catholic Schools Foundation, that wasn’t very clear to me until I actually did the gala.”

At Cathedral, like many students, he knew that scholarship support made Catholic education possible. What he came to understand over time was just how much that support mattered for his family.

“My parents were just barely getting by,” Armani said. “So I would say that it definitely helped my family in the way that we were able to navigate the financial strain.”

His mother was raising him and his younger sister while carrying significant financial pressure. His father had cancer and was not working regularly at the time. The strain on the family was real.

“It made it so that we didn’t have to compromise on certain things that other families might have to compromise on, like food versus school fees,” he said.

Armani first learned the true scale of CSF when his headmaster called him down to the office and asked him to consider something he did not expect.

He was invited to speak at the Gala.

His first reaction was not excitement. It was anxiety.

“Whenever I’m told to speak in front of a bunch of people, it just puts a pit in my stomach,” he said.

After talking it through, he agreed, without fully realizing what the opportunity would mean.

“Often when you have the opportunity to do something, you don’t realize the scale of it until after it’s done,” he said.

With support from CSF staff, Armani developed a speech that reflected his voice and personality.

“They’re very good at helping you develop the speech in the way that you want to present it,” he said. “They give you the creative liberty to tell jokes if that’s your personality, be serious if that’s your personality.”

That night became a turning point.

“It really was a stepping stone for me into developing into a more confident person,” he said. “A more confident person who was grounded in their ability to speak and connect with others.”

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the Gala was the relationships that followed.

Through the event, Armani connected with Bob O’Neill, a former Fidelity executive and longtime supporter of his school. What began as a conversation developed into a lasting mentorship and friendship.

“He was very involved in my personal development,” Armani said. “Even before we talked about jobs, making sure that I knew what was important to me.”

Their conversations went far beyond career advice. Together, they explored Armani’s skills, talents, and aspirations, taking a holistic approach to understanding who he is and how he could grow.

“It was about evaluating my strengths, what mattered to me, and how to align that with where I wanted to go,” Armani reflected.

That kind of mentorship mirrored something central to Armani’s Catholic education: care for the whole person.

“He became a friend of mine, and we still have that relationship today,” he said.

During high school, Armani was intentional about expanding his horizons.

He participated in a mock trial, where he learned accountability, teamwork, and the importance of showing up for others. He was also part of the Crimson Summer Academy at Harvard, a selective three-year program that brought together first-generation and low-income students for college preparatory coursework, financial literacy, mentorship, and advanced academic experiences.

In addition, Armani participated in Junior Achievement for two years, gaining exposure to entrepreneurship, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

These experiences challenged him, broadened his perspective, and helped him realize he was capable of more than he had initially imagined.

That confidence carried him to Georgetown University, where he studied economics.

College brought a new level of challenge.

“I used to pray for a challenge in high school,” Armani said. “And I definitely got one at Georgetown.”

The academic rigor pushed him to better understand how he learns.

“Learning how you learn is one of the most important things you can do for yourself,” he said. “Georgetown really forced me to figure that out.”

Community played a critical role in that journey. The Community Scholars Program provided support and belonging for first-generation and low-income students. The Student Investment Fund gave him hands-on experience in finance. The Cornerstone Program allowed him to mentor newer students.

And his work-study job at the Student Centers gave him both friendship and a love for helping others.

“All of those communities gave me a sense of belonging,” he said. “And that made all the difference.”

After graduating from Georgetown in 2023, Armani began building his career in finance. Today, he works at Fidelity Investments as a Model Risk Analyst and is currently studying for the CFA.

“I was very committed to it,” he said. “I showed myself that I’m still growing, still learning, and still improving.”

Years after his own school days, stepping back into a Catholic school classroom brought everything full circle.

“You hear about donor support,” Armani said, “but when you’re standing in that space and seeing students who remind you of yourself, it hits differently.”

He could see his own journey reflected back in those classrooms.

“CSF means knowing someone believed in me before I could fully see it myself,” he said. “That belief propelled me and gave me more confidence to achieve my goals in life.”

If Armani could share one message with donors today, it would be simple:

“Thank you for your investment in me. It has meant more than you can imagine because this is the type of thing that stays with you for life.”

Because of donor support, Armani gained more than an education. He gained confidence, mentorship, belonging, and a foundation that continues to guide him.

“Because of CSF donors, students like me don’t just get an education,” he said. “We get confidence, mentorship, and a sense that we belong. That stays with you for life.”

Armani’s story is not only about achievement. It is about formation.

It is about a student shaped by community, strengthened by opportunity, and committed to lifting others as he climbs.

It is about the lasting impact of belief, and what happens when that belief is matched with action.

That is the power of CSF.
That is what impact looks like.

Reconnecting with 2024 Gala Speaker Mariana Hincapie

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Every Student Has a Story: Looking Back at the Voices That Inspired Our Galas

Every year at the CSF Gala, there is a moment when the room grows still.

A student steps up to the podium.
The spotlight shifts.
And suddenly, we are reminded why this night matters.

This year’s Gala theme — “Every Student Has a Story” — celebrates the journeys made possible through your generosity. As we prepare to gather once again, we’re looking back at some of the incredible students who have taken the stage before — students like Mariana Hincapie, whose story continues to unfold in powerful ways.

Because when you support CSF, you are not just funding tuition.
You are shaping futures.

Mariana’s story begins at East Boston Central Catholic, where she attended from kindergarten through eighth grade. Her family has always been deeply rooted in Catholic education her mother began volunteering at the school when Mariana was just a kindergartener, helping Spanish-speaking families navigate financial aid forms. Today, her mother serves as Enrollment Director.

“Giving back has always been part of who we are,” Mariana shares. “My mom was so grateful for the opportunity for me to attend Catholic school that she wanted to help other families. That mindset shaped me.”

As the oldest of three siblings, two of whom are also CSF scholars, Mariana grew up understanding that opportunity is a gift, and gratitude calls us to action.

In seventh grade, Mariana received a CSF scholarship that would change the trajectory of her education. That support allowed her to attend Malden Catholic High School, her top choice, and later pursue her dream college, the College of the Holy Cross.

“Without CSF, I don’t think I would have attended Malden Catholic or Holy Cross,” she says. “When you’re younger, you don’t always realize the impact. But as I’ve gotten older, I see how life-changing that support truly was.”

Today, Mariana is a sophomore at Holy Cross, majoring in International Studies and Psychology. After initially pursuing economics, she realized that her true calling was rooted in understanding people and making an impact.

“I don’t want to just work with numbers. I want to work with people. I want to see the difference I’m making in someone’s life.”

That clarity and the confidence to pivot, to pursue what truly matters, is part of the transformation your support makes possible.

The Night That Changed Everything

Although Mariana knew speaking at the Gala was a tremendous honor, she didn’t fully grasp its significance until afterward.

“I thought it was just about speaking in front of a lot of people,” she reflects. “But afterward, I realized how big that moment really was.”

One moment, in particular, stays with her. During her speech, she mentioned her hope of attending Holy Cross. The room erupted in cheers.

“It felt like I had thousands of people cheering me on, wanting to see me succeed. That moment gave me so much reassurance. It showed me I shouldn’t settle for less.”

That encouragement from a room filled with donors and supporters became a powerful affirmation during one of life’s first major decisions: choosing a college.

That night, Mariana realized something powerful:

She wasn’t alone.
She had a community behind her.

And that’s what the Gala represents — a room full of people who believe in students before they even fully believe in themselves.

Since then, Mariana has seen the ripple effects of that night. Internship interviewers recognize her as a Gala speaker. Mentors reference her story. Doors have opened.

“It’s not something to hide,” she says. “It’s something to be proud of.”

Events like the CSF Gala are about more than a single evening. They are about the connection between scholars and supporters, between gratitude and generosity, between dreams and the people who help make them possible.

“I am a real, living example of the impact donors are making,” Mariana says. “Their support doesn’t go unnoticed. I think about it every day.”

She is already looking toward the future with one goal in mind:

“One day, I want to be sitting at the Gala as a donor, supporting students just like me.”

That full-circle vision — scholar to speaker to supporter — is the heartbeat of the Catholic Schools Foundation.

To the student who will take the stage at this year’s Gala, Mariana offers heartfelt advice:

“Don’t stress. Speak from the heart. No one else can tell your story the way you can. Live in the moment. Talk to as many people as you can — you’ll realize how many people are cheering you on.”

And to current CSF students:

“Work hard and take advantage of every opportunity. You may not see it now, but there are so many doors opening for you. Dedication and perseverance will set you apart.”

As Mariana continues exploring internships in public policy, consulting, and international work, she carries with her the faith, education, and community that shaped her.

Her journey is still unfolding — and it began with opportunity.

As we look ahead to this year’s Gala, we cannot wait to introduce you to the next student whose life you are helping transform.

Because when a CSF scholar steps onto that stage, they are not just sharing a speech.

They are sharing proof.

Reconnecting with 2020 Gala Speaker Aisha Veras

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Every Student Has a Story: Looking Back at the Voices That Inspired Our Galas

Every year at the Annual Building Minds Scholarship Fund Gala, a student shares their story.

But in 2020, when the world shut down, the stage looked different.

There was no ballroom.
No crowded tables.
No applause filling the room.

There was a camera. A green screen. And a young woman stepping forward anyway.

This year’s theme — “Every Student Has a Story” — reminds us that every story deserves to be heard. Aisha’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of a single opportunity to change everything.

Aisha’s story is one of resilience, quiet determination, and the lasting power of someone choosing to extend a helping hand.

Aisha grew up in Boston, attending Dr. Catherine Ellison/Rosa Parks Early Education School and later Mother Caroline Academy before receiving a CSF scholarship to attend Saint Joseph Preparatory High School. She understood what that opportunity meant. While public school was an option, she knew the schools in her immediate area would not provide the same academic rigor, mentorship, and exposure that Saint Joseph could offer.

“Being from the city, it was either Saint Joseph or public school,” she reflects. “And I knew the schools near me wouldn’t offer the same opportunities or experiences.”

The scholarship changed her environment. At Saint Joseph Prep, Aisha joined National Honor Society, enrolled in AP courses, and earned college credit through AP Spanish. She was immersed in a service-oriented Catholic school culture that emphasized leadership, community, and responsibility to others. Even though she does not describe herself as deeply religious, the values embedded in that education, community, selflessness, and standing up for others, shaped how she began to see the world and her place in it.

Those values would become especially meaningful in 2020.

During one of the most uncertain periods in recent history, Aisha was invited to serve as a CSF 2020 Gala speaker. Because of COVID, the Gala was not held in person. Instead of stepping onto a stage in a crowded ballroom, she walked into a recording studio with cameras, lighting, and a green screen. She spoke into a lens rather than to a room filled with faces.

“When I was asked, I was surprised,” she says. “I didn’t think my story was anything out of the ordinary.”

Yet CSF believed her story needed to be heard. Seeing the professional setup, the preparation, and the care taken to record her message left a lasting impression.

“Seeing that much time and commitment put into hearing my story made me realize—they care. My voice matters. My story matters.”

In a year marked by isolation and uncertainty, Aisha found affirmation. Although she could not hear applause in real time, the feedback and messages that followed were powerful.

The encouragement gave her something she had not fully recognized she needed: confidence.

“It gave me a boost going into college. It reminded me that I can do this.”

That belief carried her forward.

Aisha went on to graduate from Loyola University Maryland in 2024 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Forensics. Her academic focus deepened her interest in systems, inequality, and social structures, while her Catholic education’s emphasis on service reinforced her desire to advocate for others. Throughout college, she pursued internships centered on immigration and social justice. She worked as an ESOL instructor, volunteered with organizations serving immigrant families, and participated in a service immersion trip to the southern border to better understand the realities facing asylum seekers.

Today, she works as a paralegal at an immigration law firm in downtown Boston, assisting with asylum cases, citizenship petitions, and humanitarian applications. The work is complex and often emotional. Many of the individuals she helps are navigating unfamiliar legal systems while carrying uncertainty about their futures.

It is here that Aisha’s words about “a helping hand” take on a deeper meaning.

“When you give someone that helping hand, they usually pay it forward,” she says.

There was a time when she was the one hoping someone would say yes to her potential. Growing up in Dorchester, she understood that not every student has the same financial stability or access to opportunity. The CSF scholarship was not simply financial assistance. It was affirmation. It communicated that she was worthy of investment and capable of more.

That message stayed with her.

Now, when families sit across from her desk seeking guidance, she recognizes what it feels like to need someone on your side. She helps prepare documents, explains complicated procedures, and supports individuals through life-changing processes. She sees, firsthand, how one opportunity can alter the course of a family’s future.

“I’m paying it forward every day,” she says.

The scholarship that once helped her step into a new educational environment set off a ripple effect. The education strengthened her discipline and broadened her perspective. The confidence gained from being seen and heard at the Gala reinforced her sense of purpose. That purpose led her to advocacy work that now impacts others.

What began as tuition assistance has become a career dedicated to service.

When asked what she would say to donors, Aisha does not hesitate.

“Thank you. Truly.”

She explains that for many students, especially those from inner-city, low-income, or first-generation backgrounds, a single helping hand can make all the difference in getting them through the door. “Sometimes,” she notes, “all we need is one helping hand to get in. Once inside, we start running.”

Once that door opens, students often seize the opportunity and run with it.

“It’s bigger than just paying tuition,” she says. “It’s the chance to step through the door.”

And once through that door, the impact continues outward in ways that cannot always be measured.

Looking ahead, Aisha is currently applying to law school, with the hope of continuing her work in advocacy and immigration law. She always envisioned a future centered on helping others; now she is building the credentials to do so at an even greater scale.

To the student who will take the stage at this year’s Gala, she offers thoughtful advice:

“Take every opportunity — even if it feels scary. If it’s presented to you, it’s because someone believes you’re capable.”

And perhaps most importantly:

“Never be afraid to ask for help.” Asking for support is not a weakness; it is part of growth.

As we prepare for this year’s CSF Gala, Aisha’s story reminds us that resilience is not always loud. Sometimes it is the quiet decision to say yes in uncertain times. Sometimes it is the confidence to speak into a camera during a pandemic. Sometimes it is the steady commitment to pay forward the opportunity once received.

Every student has a story.

Aisha’s is one of resilience, gratitude, and the multiplying power of generosity.

Join us at this year’s CSF Gala to hear the next story unfold and to continue opening doors for students whose journeys are just beginning.