Metro Achievement Center Welcomes Its New COP Director
We Say Goodbye to Metro’s Most Senior Director and Welcome a Metro Alumna to the Role
When the Metro Achievement Center (Metro) school year program kicks-off on September 28th, a new, but familiar face, will be seen running the 9th-12th grade College Orientation Program (COP). Earlier this month; long-time COP Director, Emily Warpinski, made the decision to pursue a new career adventure. After vetting many candidates, Metro is happy to announce that it has hired Metro alum, and veteran volunteer and instructor, Rachel Palos to succeed Emily as the new high school COP Director effective immediately.
Ms. Warpinski, rallying her “troops” at O’Hare airport on their way to Washington D.C.
A Salute To Ms. Warpinski
Before we introduce Rachel, we would like to salute a true Metro hero, Emily Warpinski, for her many years of service to Metro. Emily began her Metro story as a summer counselor while a freshman in college and has been giving back to Metro as a volunteer or employee for over twenty years. She joined the Air Force in 2003 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, and then served as a Young Adult Outreach Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago as well as a Financial Advisor and Specialist before joining the Metro staff in 2015. It was very moving each time she would share her career path with high school students, college staff, and volunteers. Her experience in the Military also brought a great perspective to the Metro staff, a no-nonsense approach that avoided panic and encouraged everyone to “improvise, adapt, and overcome.
“Emily has an extraordinary gift for friendship, and we are so grateful she has shared that gift with the Metro family over the years. She not only understands the commitment and love that is required in a good friendship but puts it in action in a fun and lighthearted way. One of her favorite quotes comes from C.S. Lewis, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” A few of her other favorites come from Aristotle, “a friend is a second self” and “friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies” (which has been super helpful since Metro uses Aristotle a lot when discussing friendship). These quotes give an idea of the flavor of Emily’s relationships at Metro. The perfect combination of fun and wanting what is best for the other! So while it is time for Emily to take another step in her professional journey, she will always be a part of the Metro family as her friendships run deep. We are very grateful for her generosity over the past 20 years!”
Welcome Ms. Palos!
At Metro, we encourage young women to grow into confident adults with outstanding character. We also emphasize the concept of service, to your family and to your community. One of the most gratifying experiences is when a Metro alum returns to give back as a volunteer or staff member. This is why it is with such great pleasure that we welcome Metro alumna and former volunteer and instructor, Rachel Palos, as the Metro COP Director.
Ms. Palos (bottom, center) pictured with some of her Metro High School students during her previous role as a Metro Achievement Center Instructor. She will now work full-time as Metro’s High School College Orientation Program Director to help even more Chicago High School girls excel.
Ms. Palos is a Chicago native with an educational background in philosophy, creative writing, and event planning. She previously owned her own marketing and consulting business. Rachel has been an instructor at Metro Achievement Center for the past 8 years. She formerly ran the summer Business Apprenticeship Program and taught Character Education and Creative Writing classes during the school year. Rachel is the oldest of 9 siblings and loves spending time with her family. Rachel also enjoys biking and reading and is a member of multiple book clubs.
“I am incredibly grateful for all MEF has done for my family over several generations, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the many years I have spent at Metro Achievement Center as an instructor. The relationships I have formed with students, families, and staff are a priceless component of my life. I am excited to serve this community at a greater capacity in this new role.”
Please join us in welcoming Rachel Palos to the MEF family. You can easily meet Ms. Palos by registering your students for our award-winning after-school programs at Metro and Midtown Centers this fall or signing-up to become a volunteer or instructor. We are still accepting both student and volunteer applications through October. Please visit www.midtown-metro.org for more information and to apply.