CTK Seniors Benefit from CWSP Experience at FHLBank Chicago

“It’s a really great partnership with a positive impact, not only for the student but also for the company. Giving CTK students the opportunity to learn about different industries and to do things they might not have known existed is really impactful. The program also offers the opportunity to develop the managerial and professional networking skills of some of the future leaders at your company.” ~ Leslie Drish, Vice President, Director of Corporate Citizenship, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) has been a Christ the King Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) partner for 14 years as part of the company’s commitment to giving back and to provide meaningful work for its employees both at the bank and in the community. 

According to Leslie Drish, Director of Corporate Citizenship, who manages the CTK partnership at FHLBank Chicago, the company made a strategic decision several years ago to shift the students from working primarily in the facilities department to working across a range of departments on a variety of professional assignments. A key aspect of the change was to identify and train supervisors who could support and mentor the students and better integrate them into the workplace. 

We recently connected with two CTK Class of 2026 students assigned to FHLBank Chicago, along with their supervisors, to get their perspective on the Corporate Work Study Program. 

Clara Biolo Thompson is a Senior Operations Specialist on FHLBank Chicago’s Community Investment team. She describes her two years working with Ra’eal, CTK ’26, in a supervisory capacity as “a great learning experience and a big jump for her professionally.” When Clara’s manager asked her to support the program, she was excited.  She shared, “I’m super passionate about helping students achieve their dreams and reach their potential. I’m interested in working with students like Ra’eal to give them a leg up and professional experience.” 

Ra’eal credits Clara with helping her transition into the workplace and with her growth as a person. Clara focused on creating an inclusive learning environment. She started by having Ra’eal send professional emails to co-workers, introducing herself and scheduling interviews to learn about their backgrounds, college experiences, and former jobs. This helped Ra’eal feel more comfortable and be part of the Community Investment team, opening the door to her participation in meetings and conversations.

Ra’eal shared that she puts up sticky notes in her workspace with tips and advice for her senior year and college from Clara, including: “Everything is not promised to you.” “Always be positive.” “Don’t let others get in the way of your dreams.” 

Ra’eal’s dream of becoming a nurse stems from providing care for her sick grandmother while Ra’eal was in middle school. “That experience pushed me into nursing and wanting to help people by making someone’s life a little better and easier.” At CTK, Ra’eal strives to help others as a student Peer Minister and through various community service projects. 

Knowing Ra’eal’s interest in nursing, Clara was intentional about what she wanted to teach and assign to her. She focused on the transferable skills she can learn while working at a bank, but extend to nursing — email writing, speaking to people professionally, and networking. She also connected with her on a personal level, including providing assistance with her resume as well as the college application and scholarship process. “I focused on a balance of professional skill development and how I can support her next step into college and nursing,” said Clara.

Ra’eal recently announced that she will be enrolling at Coppin State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Baltimore, Maryland. Once she completes a summer bridge program, she will begin as a nursing major in the fall. Clara is proud of Ra’eal and happy that she was able to support her in her pursuit of her college and career dreams. She said, “Having CTK students work here means a lot to the company, and to other managers and me. Putting them in a position to see this type of work experience exists, and is possible for them, is life-changing. FHLBank Chicago and I value putting time and energy into young people that will help propel them into the next stage of their lives.”

A second CTK senior, Amyia, also works at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and has had a similarly positive experience to her classmate. Sara Manzo, Senior Auditor in the Internal Audit department, has been at FHLBank Chicago for 10 years, and values the opportunity to continue to grow her leadership skills as Amyia’s supervisor. “I feel it’s my job as supervisor to give her the best tools that I have in my toolbox and do whatever I can do to help her to grow.”

Amyia admitted to being nervous when she first started at FHLBank Chicago, but her confidence has grown over time. “[I’ve had to] step outside my comfort zone, speak to and make connections with a lot of different people around the bank. Everybody is friendly, which makes it easier.“ Sara signed Amyia (and Ra’eal) up for a public speaking skills class offered by the company to help her at FHLBank Chicago and in the future. Amyia’s improved confidence and social skills also extended to completing her work assignments independently. Amyia said it felt good to contribute to the team and earn the trust of her supervisor. According to Sara, “I’ve definitely seen growth over time. She talks to others on the team. She comes in with a positive attitude, ready to work and help out. It’s been a pleasure to have her here.”

To Amyia, the best part of her experience working at the bank is connecting with her co-workers and having normal conversations to get to know one another. She appreciates their advice and check-ins on her college and scholarship process. She recently made the decision to attend Roosevelt University in Chicago to study graphic design. She vows to be the first in her family to graduate from college. She heads to college more confident in her abilities to communicate and connect with different types of people. Her supervisor, Sara, expressed pride in Amyia’s development and pursuit of a college degree. “I’m grateful that I’m able to give back to Amyia, providing her with some of the tools she needs to be successful.”

Thank you to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago for your partnership and support of CTK students!