Timothy Matovina
Board Co-Chair Timothy is a Professor and Chairperson of the Theology Department at the University of Notre Dame. His most recent books are Theologies of Guadalupe: From the Era of Conquest to Pope Francis and Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America’s Largest Church, which has received five book awards, including recognition as a "CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title." His works in Spanish include Ministerio Hispano: Una introducción and María en la fe católica. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Matovina provides presentations and workshops on U.S. Catholicism and Latino ministry and theology across the United States. |
Beth Knobbe
Board Co-Chair Beth serves as a relationship manager with Catholic Relief Services, where she collaborates with dioceses and universities to encourage Catholics to live out their faith in solidarity with the poor communities worldwide. Prior to CRS, Beth served as a campus minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. In that role, she oversaw spirituality programs and organized international service-immersion trips. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree from Briar Cliff University. Beth has extensive travel experience and dedicates her time to writing and speaking about the spiritual life. She authored Party of One: Living Single with Faith, Purpose, and Passion in 2011 and Finding My Voice: A Young Woman’s Perspective in 2009. |
Mike Mesterharm
Board Treasurer Mike currently works in business development. He has held positions in fundraising and operations at a variety of Catholic institutions throughout Chicago including the Archdiocese of Chicago, Saint Ignatius College Prep, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. He’s pursuing a doctorate in educational policy from Loyola University Chicago and holds graduate degrees in business and education from the University of Notre Dame where he also completed his undergraduate work. He and his wife live in Pilsen and are members of Old Saint Patrick’s Church in the West Loop, where they assist with the church’s “Foundations” youth ministry program. |
Luis Montgomery
Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in civil engineering and environmental services. Skilled in Construction, Transportation Engineering, Airport, Rail, Highways, Drainage, and Road. Strong entrepreneurship professional and Executive Program from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. |
Jack Crowe
Jack is the former Executive Director of Year-Up Chicago, a one-year intensive training program connecting Opportunity Youth to professional careers. Prior to that, he was the COO of Cristo Rey Network, the largest network of high schools in the U.S., which includes a corporate work study internship. Before that, he was a longtime partner at the law firm Winston & Strawn. |
Vicente Del Real
Vicente is the founder of Iskali. He is currently a student at Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative within the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business as part of LBAN. He is an adjunct faculty at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University in Chicago and other universities. Vicente was recognized as part of 2020’s class of 40 under 40, by name by Negocios Now, a national award-winning Hispanic business publication, that recognizes 40 leaders and entrepreneurs in the Hispanic community under the age of 40 in Chicagoland. He earned Master's Degree in Pastoral Arts from Catholic Theological Union. |
Rick Moreno
Rick works for the Archdiocese of Chicago as a Vitality coordinator for vicariate IV. In this position he works closely with all the parishes especially with their process of renewal via the Renew My Church Initiative. He has over 24 years of ministerial and pastoral experience in the church, giving him a deeply sensitive and practical ability to work with the faithful and their faith communities. |
Zuly Gómez
Zuly, an accomplished IIT graduate ('14), holds a Masters in Construction Engineering and Management and a B.S. in Architectural Engineering with a minor in Architecture & Psychology. During her time at Armour College of Engineering, she excelled as an IIT Leadership Academy and Kern Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy Scholar, receiving the Martin Cooper Endowed Scholarship. Zuly actively participated in SHPE, LIFE|HACE, and served on the Executive Board of the NSLS IIT Chapter. She also contributed to the IIT tennis and women's basketball teams. Currently, Zuly serves as the Executive Vice President of Customer Experience & Business Development at myowndoctor, driving business growth and innovation strategies. In her free time, she volunteers at Gilda's Club and advocates for STEAM education in high schools. |
Giselle Campos
Giselle serves as a math and science teacher at Reavis High School in Burbank, IL. She received her degree in Physics with a Minor in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Benedictine University in 2021. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Trauma and Resilience from Concordia University Chicago. Through her experiences in education, Giselle has been blessed to touch the lives of many students who belong to the Latino community. She was recently selected to join the 2023 Teaching Fellows Cohort for the Knowles Teacher Initiative, a national network that seeks to support math and science educators in order to transform the educational experience for all students in the United States. Giselle has been with Iskali since 2019 and has served as a parish leader for many years prior. She is committed to sharing Christ’s love with those around her and working to provide opportunities for all young people to fulfill their potential. |
Edgar De La Cerda
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Edgar has lived in suburban Chicago since he was 3 years old. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, and now works in nuclear operations for Exelon Generation. Edgar has been involved with Iskali and his local parish ever since a retreat in 2016. His roles in Iskali have included community guide and coordinator at Sacred Heart. At Sacred Heart and St Eulalia Parish he is a member of the parish council and the Hispanic Committee. He is now a part of Iskali's consecrated community, with the role of Vice Director. |
Karina González
Karina currently serves as a 5th grade Dual Language Teacher in Berwyn, IL. She received her Bachelor’s in Urban Education with an endorsement in Social Science and Spanish from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a Dual Language teacher, Karina has been able to support students who are newly arrived in the country and are learning to navigate a new language and culture. Karina has been with Iskali since 2017 and has served as a parish leader at Our Lady of the Mount for many years prior. Her roles in Iskali have included community guide and coordinator at Our Lady of the Mount. She is now a part of Iskali's consecrated community, with the role of Community Assessor. Karina is committed to sharing God’s love and working with young people to be the salt and light of the world. |