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60 Orange County business and education leaders gathered at The Pacific Club for Cristo Rey Orange County High School's inaugural CEO Breakfast, where industry executives shared insights on the event’s topic: The Future of Work and Education in Orange County.

Sponsored by Irvine Ranch Water District, the executive panel was moderated by Ian Williamson, Dean of UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Panelists included Paul Cook, General Manager of Irvine Ranch Water District; Oscar Gonzalez, President of Northgate Markets; and Annette Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of City of Hope Orange County—all founding corporate partners of Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study program.

The panel engaged in a dynamic discussion exploring artificial intelligence's impact on the future workforce, the critical importance of developing students' soft skills, and the proven success of Cristo Rey's Corporate Work Study Program in Orange County. These industry leaders, representing key sectors of the region's economy, emphasized the transformative value of early workplace exposure for students.

Williamson of the Paul Merage School of Business captured the essence of workforce development, emphasizing the power of exposure: "It really boils down to awareness, access, and ambition. People can only pursue opportunities of which they are aware. Even if a person is aware of an opportunity, it's very difficult for them to try something they've never seen. It's almost superhuman. So, access to people who have been successful changes a person’s perspective as to what they can achieve. It raises the ambition for what is possible in their life."

The breakfast highlighted Cristo Rey's national model in which students work in professional settings five days per month throughout their four years of high school. This unique program enables students to earn a portion of their education costs while gaining real-world experience in corporate environments.

“In healthcare, we talk about the social determinants of health—the factors that make a difference in your own health – and one of those is education,” said panelist Morgan of City of Hope Orange County. “At a macro level, if we’re furthering education, if we’re getting students more engaged earlier, we’re helping create healthier communities. The more education you have, the greater access to better jobs, higher income, and more resources for healthcare. It really creates this full circle and closes the loop. We’re not going to see it today, but we will hopefully see healthier generations for the future.”

Panelists highlighted how Cristo Rey's innovative model bridges the gap between education and industry, preparing students for tomorrow's workplace while delivering value to local businesses today.

“The impact on corporate environments is reciprocal,” said Gonzalez of Northgate Markets who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Cristo Rey Board. “Executives have the opportunity to interact with students every day and see the grow in confidence and professionalism. I’m so excited and frankly so committed to help the community in any way I can.”

Cook of Irvine Ranch Water District emphasized the program's impact on both students and participating businesses: "I remember when we welcomed Cristo Rey students to the office. Our Human Resources Department went a little overboard with donuts and balloons, but it was really welcoming, and it was good for the organization, too. Giving staff that has not had the responsibility of supervising a chance to supervise a student is rewarding and helps the organization.”

The transformative impact of Cristo Rey's Corporate Work Study program came to life through sophomore Ashley's compelling testimony about her program placement at Latham & Watkins, as she took to the podium to talk to the room full of C-suite executives. Initially unfamiliar with the legal field, Ashley's experience has ignited a clear career vision. "I’ve been given the privilege of working with my mentors who have given me the best advice and guidance, and I’ve also been able to contribute to help the team,” she shared. Concluding: “After graduating, I am confident I will get hired by Latham and Watkins because I know they value my hard work, honesty, and dedication.”

In preparation for Cristo Rey’s third school year, its transformative Corporate Work Study program – currently partnering with 43 leading Orange County businesses—seeks to welcome 30 additional corporate partners to support its expanding student body and continue building pathways to professional success.

About Cristo Rey Orange County High School

Cristo Rey Orange County High School is a Catholic, college preparatory high school that provides a transformative education to students and families of limited economic resources. Through its innovative Corporate Work Study program, students gain valuable professional experience while earning a portion of their education costs. Every student works in a professional setting five full days per month during regular business hours throughout all four years of high school. While new to Orange County, Cristo Rey is part of a proven national model of 40 high schools in the Cristo Rey Network that has partnered with over 3,400 corporate partners. For more information, please visit cristoreyoc.org.