Marian Work Study

As we reflect on the first year of the Marian Work Study program, we are filled with gratitude. We’re thankful for the mentors who believed in us, the donors who contributed their time, talent, and resources, the students who helped pioneer this initiative, and the lives that have been positively impacted. Together, we’ve built a stronger community, one that is driven to empower CT youth. But above all, we are profoundly grateful for our team and, in particular, Mayamiko Msusa, who helped lay the foundation of this nonprofit.

Maya, originally from Malawi, Africa, faced great hardship early in life but overcame immense challenges and today she embodies resilience in every sense. After graduating high school, Maya moved to Russia to pursue a STEM degree, despite not knowing the language. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there—she later came to the United States to earn her Master’s degree in Data Analytics.

Maya’s natural leadership abilities are evident and she is hardworking, meticulous, humble, and always ready to guide others. Because of these qualities, when it came time to build the Marian Work Study initiative, we didn’t just invite Maya—we practically begged her to join us. Having been mentored herself, Maya understood the power mentorship has to transform lives and agreed. What was meant to be a three-month internship commitment turned into an additional year of invaluable service.

The successes we’re seeing, the doors of opportunity opening, and the achievements of our students are, in large part, due to Maya. Marian is a complex program with many moving parts, and without her dedication, her attention to detail, and her love for our students, our pilot year would not have been as effective, efficient, or transformative.

Maya is one of the most beautiful and supportive women we know. As she searches and prepares to step into a role in her chosen career field, we want to take a moment on this Thanksgiving Day to recognize her for all she has done. We give thanks to God for her life and the incredible impact she has had on this program

George Perham and Stephanie Barbagiovanni of Via Visionary Interiors Architecture in Wilton is one of our newest partners this year. This acclaimed firm provides architecture and design services that yield unique solutions for both corporate and private clients. Kolbe Prep student, Kiara, is excited to learn from them as she begins her year-long mentorship this Sophomore year.

, a family-owned business since 1940, has been dedicated to providing top-tier fuel services to homes and businesses in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. In addition to its exceptional services, Santa is also known for its generous support of the greater-Bridgeport community. When CEO, Peter Russell, agreed to partner with us and mentor Kolbe Prep student, Dazanique, we were thrilled. The customer service and business skills she gains through this internship experience will serve her well as she heads to college next year and beyond.

Kolbe Prep student Lourdemia is building on her past civil engineering internship this year with Bismark Construction Co., Inc in Milford, Connecticut. Bismark, one of Connecticut’s leading general contracting firms, is also behind the impressive renovation and redesign of Kolbe Prep’s new Student Success Center located within the Louis V. Gerstner III Center for Students and Families.

Internship placement is crucial for both the student and the mentor, and Kolbe Prep student-intern Andix has found the perfect opportunity. Hailing from Venezuela and a passionate soccer fan, Andix was thrilled to learn he would be mentored by John Torres, Executive Director of .03 (Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders.). He quickly realized this internship was an ideal fit, as it offers not only the chance to develop valuable leadership skills but also ties into his love for sports, potentially guiding him toward his future career.

Kolbe Prep student, Nevaeha, expressed an interest in pursuing a career as a real estate agent. With just one cold call to Agent Matthew Hyde of Southport, the opportunity was set in motion. He immediately grasped the purpose of our mission and was eager to help. While I wish every mentorship experience were this seamless, the reality is that true mentorship often involves giving without expecting much in return—at least at first. But those who have experienced the power of mentorship know that it’s a dynamic exchange that grows over time. Years later, the investment pays off, as the seeds sown are nurtured and eventually bear fruit. I’m excited to witness the future success of this initiative and the positive impact it will have.

Kolbe Prep student, Nyasha, has been placed at Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield this year for her internship with board certified prosthodontist, Dr. Christine Lee, and dentist, Dr. Bethany Horbal. These two incredible women take one day every week for an entire year away from their thriving practice to mentor and share their expertise and knowledge with Nyasha. What incredible role models.

This year we have been blessed to place several student-interns with local area non-profit organizations. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport is mentoring two Kolbe Prep students at their incredible new facility and students can see first-hand the amazing services it provides Connecticut youth. Giving back is the heart of mentorship and our student-interns are able to return the gift provided them through participation in our initiative. We love full-circle moments!

, one of Connecticut’s most prominent law firms, is participating again this year in our year-long internship program. This initiative not only introduces high school students to real-life professional environments but also teaches them what it takes to be successful in their future field of study. We are extremely grateful to Jamie Jackson, Jennifer Pedevillano and the entire New Haven H&S team for welcoming our students with open arms. The hours devoted to mentoring them will certainly produce a harvest with unimaginable yields for generations to come.

We had a ton of fun celebrating the kickoff of our 2024-25 program at the SportsCenter in Shelton with our student-interns. To say they are a competitive group, is an understatement.

Kolbe student Liana is in her second year of medical internship at OBGYN Physicians in Milford, Connecticut. The knowledge she has gained over the past two years will undoubtedly prepare her for success as she begins her premed requisites at university next year.

Today was a long awaited and special day for all who attended the Louis V. Gerstner III Center for Students and Families Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This newly renovated building is the home of the Marian Work Study Corporation along with many other integral programs which support Kolbe Cathedral. We can’t wait to move back into our new space and be close to our amazing student-interns.