980: Katie Seltzer: Dismantling Systemic Barriers in Education and Leadership | Inclusive

I was recently given the opportunity to step into some volunteer work at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Seattle. While I suspected I would find this work meaningful and enjoyable, I didn’t expect to be so overwhelmingly impressed with every aspect of the Cristo Rey mission and how their work is setting up students to be incredible leaders from such a young age.  As this work has quickly become very near and dear to my heart, I thought it would be fun to have a different kind of leadership conversation here on the show.  I asked Katie Seltzer, the Vice President of Corporate Work Study at Cristo Rey, to join me.  

Katie Seltzer leads the expansion of Cristo Rey’s signature (and truly exceptional) Corporate Work Study Program. In her role, Katie nurtures strategic partnerships with employers, ensuring students gain meaningful, real-world professional experience while earning toward the cost of their education. She is committed to preparing students from limited economic means for success in college and career through intentional mentorship, professional development, and high-expectation work placements. 

Katie’s journey with Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle began as Feasibility Study Director, helping assess and mobilize support for the school’s launch in Seattle. In 2022, she relocated to Seattle to lead the foundational work of opening the new Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, collaborating with volunteers, donors, business leaders, families, and community leaders to bring the mission to open its doors in 2024. She holds a Master's degree from both Harvard Divinity School and Harvard’s Graduate School. Originally from the East Coast, she calls Queen Anne home now with her husband and six-year-old son.

Listen in to hear Katie share:

• How she connects her family’s three generations of educational values to her work, impact, and service today

• Her commitment to expanding equitable outcomes and what that looks like in action in her current VP role

• Cristo Rey’s unique educational model built on service, mentorship, and sponsorship

• What it looks like when work and leadership opportunities are integrated into high school education programming

• The significance of providing a culture of belonging in Fortune 500 companies for young people who commonly face barriers to belonging

• A systems thinking approach to leadership legacy that layers youth leadership, educational leadership, and organizational leadership

• The power of dismantling systemic barriers to provide opportunity and advancement in your community and workplaces

Links Mentioned:

• Watch the Cristo Rey Draft Day 2025 video: https://www.cristoreyseattle.org/corporate-work-study/cws-draft-day-2025
• Learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle: cristoreyseattle.org
• Learn more about the Cristo Rey Network: cristoreynetwork.org
• Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-seltzer
• Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking
• Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services
• Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks
  
• Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks

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