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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Vicente Del Real
Vicente Del Real, a Mexican immigrant and founder of Iskali, an independent Catholic non-profit in Chicago, is dedicated to empowering young Latino adults as faith-filled leaders. Recognized in Negocios Now's 2020 "40 under 40" for his leadership and entrepreneurship, Vicente graduated from the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative and holds a Master’s in Pastoral Arts from the Catholic Theological Union. He speaks at national Catholic conferences and esteemed institutions like Georgetown and Notre Dame, and teaches part-time at Loyola University Chicago. Vicente's dynamic leadership and passion for his mission inspire and uplift young people, driving transformational change within the Latino community. |
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Luz Maribel Jimenez
Luz Maribel Jimenez serves as the Human Resources Director for the family-owned business, Carnicerias Jimenez, based in Chicago, IL. In her role, she oversees all aspects of the grocery business, including operations and business development. Maribel attributes her success to her entrepreneurial parents, Jose and Guadalupe Jimenez, who instilled in her the values of perseverance and dedication. Known for her strong work ethic and ability to lead and inspire her team, Maribel has always valued family, faith, and community, actively supporting community events where their grocery stores are located. She earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from DePaul University, followed by an MBA from Dominican University. Maribel is an active member of Old Saint Patrick’s Church in the West Loop, participating in the Beloved community. Additionally, she sits on the Finance Council for Saint Pius V Church in Pilsen and the Community Advisory Council for Dominican University. |
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Eva Díaz
Eva J. Díaz serves as Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She is the past Director of Intercultural Ministries, assisting as liaison and resource person for the Asian and Pacific Islander, Black Catholic, Native American, Hispanic/Latino and Deaf and Hard of Hearing cultural families. She also served as Parish Consultant for Northern Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties, working closely with parish leadership in matters related to parish planning and collaboration and supporting parish councils and committees in their ministry. She holds a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Pastoral Arts from St. Francis de Sales Seminary, St. Francis, WI. For 15 years, she taught in the Hispanic Studies Program as an adjunct instructor and served in the Pastoral Formation Department at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Hales Corners, WI. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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José Carlos Sandoval
Jose Carlos Sandoval Garcia is a proud immigrant and DACA recipient originally from Zamora Michoacan, Mexico, who has called Chicagoland home since 2001. His journey took him from playing semi-professional soccer in Spain to joining the family business, Chula Vista Imports, upon his return to the US. Although he left college during his senior year, Jose Carlos obtained an associate degree and later pursued a Business Leadership certification from Stanford University. He is actively pursuing a business leadership certification from Harvard Business School Online. As Vice President of Chula Vista Imports, José Carlos has been instrumental in driving consistent annual growth of over 15%. Beyond business, Jose Carlos is deeply involved in his community. He co-coordinated the Iskali young adults community of Queen of All Nations and serves as co-chair of the Iskali Junior Board, as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He actively leads discipleship efforts and the Iskali Service day, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and community engagement. |
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Deborah Sánchez
Deborah began her career as a successful business owner, working as a celebrity hair and makeup artist. After the onset of COVID-19, she transitioned into the corporate world and currently serves as a manager for the global brand AllSaints. Deborah has been actively involved with Iskali since 2021, where she deepened her faith in God and discovered her passion for serving others. She served as a coordinator for the Cristo Rey community for two years and is now a member of the consecrated community, taking on the role of assessor for the Milwaukee and Indianapolis communities. |
