Board of Directors
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Beth Knobbe
Beth Knobbe serves as a relationship manager with Catholic Relief Services, working with dioceses and universities to engage Catholics in living their faith in solidarity with the poor around the world. Prior to CRS, Beth served as a campus minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University where she coordinated spirituality programs and international service-immersion trips. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and she has a Bachelor of Science degree from Briar Cliff University. Beth has traveled extensively and also shares her time writing and speaking about the spiritual life. She is the author of Party of One: Living Single with Faith, Purpose, and Passion (2011) and Finding My Voice: A Young Woman’s Perspective (2009). |
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Timothy Matovina
Timothy is 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 won five book awards, including selection as a CHOICE “Outstanding Academic Title.” His books in Spanish include Ministerio Hispano: Una introducción and María en la fe católica. In addition to his scholarly work, Matovina offers presentations and workshops on U.S. Catholicism and Latino ministry and theology throughout the United States |
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Laura A. Villa
Laura immigrated from Mexico to the United States at the age of 9 with her parents and sister, seeking the “American Dream.” Right after high school, while going through difficult moments in her young life, she came across Iskali. A few months later, she had an encounter with God and has been involved in ministry ever since. She is passionate about creating a safe space for people to find God and hopes to continue inspiring others to transform their lives through the power of faith. Laura is currently married and has three children, whom are the center of her life. She is the general secretary of Iskali and together with her husband, Adrian Ramirez, continues helping families grow in their faith and hopes her life continues to be guided by the Holy Spirit. |
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Founder & Director Vicente Del Real
Vicente Del Real is the Executive Director and founder of Iskali, a Romero Scholar at Catholic Theological Union where he is working towards his Masters in Divinity. He has facilitated seminaries for Hispanic leaders at the University of Dayton, DePaul University in Chicago, Boston College and innumerable parishes and across different dioceses in the United States. Vicente also has participated in national gatherings around Hispanic Ministry and Young Adult Ministry in Notre Dame University, Dominican University, and Boston College. Vicente was selected by The McGrath Institute for Church Life of Notre Dame University to participate in Strong Foundations initiative as one of fifteen emerging young leaders in the Church in the US. Vicente is recipient of the Bishop Quater Award by the Archdiocese of Chicago for his work with young people and the impact iskali's ministry in the catholic community. |
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Norma Alvarez
Norma Alvarez is the business Manager at Our Lady of the Mount Parish, a well-recognized leader in the community with wide expertise in liturgy and family ministry. Norma is the mother of four and loves to cook for her family and friends. |
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Anthony Suárez-Abraham
Anthony Suárez-Abraham is a Cuban-American from Miami, Florida. He is a member of the theology faculty at Dominican University where his research and courses focus on the Latin@ experience. Anthony is the former Director of the Office for Peace and Justice of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He serves on numerous local, national, and international boards. His most recent award comes from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood for his efforts on behalf of social justice and for being a faithful advocate of clemency toward juvenile offenders. |
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Sonia Martinez Sonia Martinez an Underwriting Lead at PNC Bank with great passion to help the community and younger generations. |
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Mike Mesterharm
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. |
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Rick Moreno
Rick Moreno Vitality coordinator for vicariate IV of the Archdiocese of Chicago. |
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Javier Pineda
Javier Pineda, deacon in St. Turibius Parish, along with his wife Irma, are very involved in ministry, with special passion for developing new young leaders. |
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Andrea Hernandez
Andrea Hernandez is member of the Iskali community, passionate about arts and ensuring that young people have space for healing and transformation. |
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Episcopal ModeratorBishop John R. Manz Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Episcopal Vicar for the Vicariate IV.
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