Our Work

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. 

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