Xavier Jesuit Academy welcomed financial advisor and world traveler Kertsze Nunes to share his inspiring journey with our scholars.
At Xavier Jesuit Academy, we believe in the power of authentic connections to shape young leaders. Recently, our scholars heard from Kertsze Nunes, a first-generation American whose family immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s.
Raised in Cincinnati, Mr. Nunes attended St. Bernard's of Taylor Creek before graduating from St. Xavier High School. After earning his economics degree from the University of Virginia, he traveled the world as an international recruiter before becoming a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual.
Having traveled to nearly every continent, Mr. Nunes has spoken with people from all walks of life. His message to our scholars was simple yet profound: relationships matter most.
"I've had the chance to meet so many different people from so many different places," Mr. Nunes shared. "The one thing that they've always mentioned to me was how important relationships are to life."
Connecting to Our Values
Mr. Nunes' message resonated with our students' daily pledge, which emphasizes "giving yourself to fellow students, your teachers, your family." His advice aligns perfectly with our Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis (care for the whole person).
"Being a good son, being a good family member, being a good student, being a good teammate, all these different things really pay off in life," he told our scholars.
The Power of Connection
Mr. Nunes learned about XJA through Patrick Cartier, a fellow St. Xavier alumnus whose son attends our school. This network of Jesuit-educated men supporting the next generation demonstrates the lasting impact of values-based education.
As a new father, Mr. Nunes brings a fresh perspective: "I keep thinking about what I want to tell my son so that when he gets to the situation you guys are in, he'll have a really good start."
Living Our Mission
Along with fellow St. Xavier High School alumni, Mr. Nunes has volunteered with XJA to help build our community of supporters throughout Cincinnati. His commitment exemplifies the Jesuit ideal of service to others.
His closing message was clear: "Everything you're learning right now, all those values, is really important. If you keep with it, it's going to work out for you."
At Xavier Jesuit Academy, we're grateful for community members like Mr. Nunes who demonstrate that education rooted in faith, relationships, and service creates leaders who make a lasting difference.
