Tanja Powers

Joined Cristo Rey: January 2025

Why I Chose Cristo Rey:
After a 33-year corporate career, I wanted to positively impact my Oakland community. Volunteering at the school, I fell in love with the energy and dreams of our students and the academic/work-study model that prepares them for college and beyond.

My Hope for Students:
I believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams. In Mission Advancement and Corporate Work Study, I aim to help students build professional skills that allow them to shine in any workplace.

Favorite Quotes:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” — Maya Angelou

Hobbies & Interests:
Hiking, reading, writing

Current Reads:
There Are Rivers in the Sky — Elif Shafak
Small Things Like These — Claire Keegan
The Sum of Us — Heather McGhee
Dare to Lead — Brené Brown

Favorite Film:
The Sound of Music

Home State:
Illinois