Board of Directors

Carolina Nevarez

​Carolina Nevarez is a member of Iskali community and young leader. Her personal mission is to inspire young people to live authentic lifestyle into their lives as Catholic young adults. Currently, she is community college student with plans to finish her studies at a four-year university, majoring in Theology.

Laura A. Villa
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​Laura Villa de Ramirez is member of the Iskali community; 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.

Mike Mesterharm
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Mike Mesterharm currently works in business development.  He’s 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

​Timothy Matovina

Timothy Matovina 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.

Founder & Director

Vicente Del Real
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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 diocese 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 as one of the emerging young leaders in the Church.

Norma Alvarez
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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

Sonia Martinez
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Sonia Martinez an Underwriting Lead at PNC Bank with great passion to help the community and younger generations.

Anthony Suárez-Abraham
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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.

Rick Moreno 
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Rick Moreno Vitality coordinator for vicariate IV of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

​Andrea Hernandez

Andrea Hernandez is member of the Iskali community, passionate about arts and ensuring that young people have space for healing and transformation.

Javier Pineda
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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.

Episcopal Moderator

Bishop John R. Manz​ Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Episcopal Vicar for the Vicariate IV.