“I left the startup world once I heard a Cristo Rey school was opening in my very own neighborhood.”

“Going to De La Salle North Catholic gave me a path to college, an opportunity my parents never had.” Annie Nguyen was part of the second class to graduate from De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon in 2006. Today, Annie serves as the Director of Admissions for Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School in Oakland, California.

“My Corporate Work Study experience allowed me to see a future beyond high school. I quickly connected the dots between my education and future and was motivated to excel in school, take challenges head on, and explore a variety of careers.”

Annie graduated from the University of Oregon in 2010 with a bachelor’s in Business and International Studies. After graduation, she had the opportunity to blend her desire for education with Silicon Valley’s tech industry as a People Operations Leader at Quizlet, a mobile and web-based study application.

Annie was part of the founding team for Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay, serving as the Associate Director of the Corporate Work Study Program during the 2018-2019 school year. “I left the startup world once I heard a Cristo Rey school was opening in my very own neighborhood. I look forward to growing this community and seeing our first class graduate.”

Annie’s advice to current Cristo Rey students: “Build meaningful relationships with those around you. At Cristo Rey and in the workplace, you are surrounded by incredibly supportive adults who will both cheer you on and hold you accountable for what we know you can achieve. Do not sell yourself short or miss out on opportunities. Everyone wants you to succeed, so do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it, make mistakes and dream BIG!”