Our Work

Here at the Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF), we love celebrating the accomplishments of our Scholars as they grow, learn, and step confidently into their futures. Back in 2022, we introduced you to Colleene Kabaria, a Central Catholic High School ’22 and St. Michael School, Lowell ’18 graduate, who was preparing to begin her journey at Rutgers University as a Posse Scholar.

At the time, Colleene was eager to study marketing and explore life on a big campus just a short train ride from New York City. Three years later, she’s preparing to graduate—and what a journey it’s been.

Finding Her Passion and Purpose

Like many college students, Colleene’s academic path evolved as she discovered what truly inspired her. “I came in as a marketing major, but after my first year, I realized it wasn’t the right fit,” she shared. “With help from my Posse mentor, I found my passion for Human Resources and changed my major to Human Resource Management with a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media.”

Through her coursework and internships, Colleene has found a field that blends her people-centered mindset with her communication skills. “I love HR because it’s about people helping others grow and creating spaces where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Her journey has been guided by dedicated mentors at Rutgers, including a professor in Talent Acquisition who inspired her to pursue HR in the fashion and beauty industries. “That class really opened my eyes to how HR can connect to the creative world I love,” she explained.

Beyond the Classroom

Colleene’s college experience has been as dynamic as it has been inspiring. She currently serves as the Secretary (former President) of the Photography Club, is a member of Wanawake, an African women’s service organization on campus, and recently completed a study abroad program in Thessaloniki,Greece—a dream she’d had since high school.

“Going abroad this spring to Thessaloniki, Greece, with Rutgers Global was an experience that changed me in more ways than I can count,” she said. “Seeing historical landmarks I’d only read about in textbooks was surreal,” she said. “Traveling showed me how diverse and connected the world really is. It even sparked my dream to someday work in fashion HR in London.”

While studying at the American College of Thessaloniki, Colleene immersed herself in Greek history, culture, and community. Outside of Thessaloniki, she took the opportunity to travel across Europe, visiting several cities and experiencing new cultures firsthand. “Beyond what I learned in the classroom, I learned a lot about myself. Leaving my comfort zone made me adaptable, self-assured, and independent,” she said. London was her favorite place to visit, and she dreams of working at British Vogue.

When asked when her passion for fashion started, she shared that her interest in photography began at Central Catholic, and both her passion for fashion and photography started there. “I wore a uniform from first grade through high school,” she laughed. “College was the first time I got to explore personal style. Fashion became a way to express myself.” Being so close to New York City, she has had the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week and experience that world firsthand.

 Colleene was the photographer for the cover photo of Routure Fall issues. 

The Posse and CSF Connection

Transitioning from a small high school in Massachusetts to a large out-of-state university wasn’t easy but Colleene credits her Posse cohort and the Catholic Schools Foundation for helping her thrive.

“The Posse program gave me an instant support system,” she said. “There were nine of us from Massachusetts who started at Rutgers together, and we’re like family now.”

Colleene also shared how much CSF has meant to her and her family. “The CSF scholarship made my education possible,” she said. “It’s not just about the financial help—it’s about the community and the people who believed in me from the start. CSF encouraged me to apply for Posse and helped me get here.”

Her younger brother is now following in her footsteps as both a CSF and Posse Scholar at Rutgers, something she describes as “coming full circle.”

Looking Ahead

As she enters her final year, Colleene is making the most of every moment—taking a wine tasting class, joining a cruise in the New York Harbor, and cherishing every last home game and event with her friends.

Her advice to current CSF Scholars? “Don’t stress about the future, it’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Be passionate about what you do, stay present, and trust that things will fall into place.”

Looking beyond graduation, Colleene hopes to stay in the New York or New Jersey area for now and maybe one day move abroad to pursue her dream career in fashion and HR.

From her early days at Central Catholic to preparing for life after Rutgers, Colleene’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. The Catholic Schools Foundation is proud to have played a part in her story and can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

“Education is something I take very seriously,” Colleene said. “CSF helped make that possible, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Follow Colleene Photography: Instagram @colleenephotography | Professional Portfolio Colleene Photography

Learn more about Colleene’s story in our previous spotlight from 2022 here. 

Want to help create more stories like Colleene?
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