Jacqueline Romo
Director of Christian Parenting Initiative jaqui@iskali.org Jaqueline Romo, born in Jalisco, Mexico, moved to Chicago at the age of two. Growing up in the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhoods, she was inspired by the vibrant murals adorning buildings and markets, sparking her passion for graphic design. Jaqui pursued a degree in graphic design at Dominican University, where she fused her love for art and theology in her undergraduate thesis project, "The Passion of the Monarca Migrante," 2019. Currently, Jaqueline serves as a full-time Campus Minister at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, while also pursuing a master’s degree in Hispanic Theology and Ministry as a part-time St. Oscar Romero Scholar candidate at the Catholic Theological Union. She serves in Iskali as Director of the Christian Parenting Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment. |
Itzel Ramos
Managing Director of Casa Iskali itzel@iskali.org Itzel, originally from Santa Maria del Oro, Durango, Mexico, serves as Managing Director of Casa Iskali and supports the Christian Parent Initiative, which is funded by Lilly Endowment. Married with two sons, she relocated from Austin, TX to Chicago several years ago. Initially pursuing medicine, she transitioned to nursing and then to the dental field, building a successful career in administration. Itzel joined the Iskali community in March 2022, drawn by its mission to empower younger generations, especially within the Latino community. Her compassionate nature and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to Iskali, where she fulfills her calling to serve God and others. |
Vicente Del Real
Founder of Iskali vicente@iskali.org 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. |
Pablo A. Cruz
Director of Young Adult Initiative pablo@iskali.org Pablo is the Director of the Young Adult Initiative at Iskali. Pablo Cruz is a Business, Social Service, and Outreach professional with over 15 years of experience. An immigrant from Guatemala, he himself has overcome many of the challenges immigrants face when trying to establish themselves in the United States. Committed to meeting the high standards of an outcome-based program, he is bilingual and bicultural. With a degree in Young Adult Leadership from Saint Mary of the Lake University and over 10 years in young adult leadership and training experience. Pablo leads the Young Adult initiative in partnership with the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, with funding from the Lilly Endowment. |
Fernanda Balderrama
Support - Programs and Formation Fernanda Balderrama is a young Mexican from Phoenix, Arizona, currently pursuing her Master's degree in Theology and Hispanic Ministry in Chicago. At Iskali, she works as a coordinator for the Mother of the Americas Community in La Villita and is also a member of the Formation Committee. Fernanda became part of the Iskali community in June 2022, bringing her dedication to community engagement and spiritual development to the forefront of her work. |
Roxana Rueda
Support - Programs and Formation Roxana Rueda Moreno, known as Roxy, is a dynamic individual with a passion for education and faith leadership. Raised in West Ridge, Chicago, Roxy is a teacher's assistant, and works with preschool children. As a youth ministry leader at Iskali, she coordinates Discipleship for 2024, contributes to Iskali's Liturgical Planning team, and serves as a coordinator of the Service Day Committee. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Roxy enjoys reading, painting, and social dancing. Notably, her confirmation saint is Mother Cabrini, reflecting her deep spiritual connection within the Iskali community. |
Judith Flores
Development Intern Judith is a Mexican-American originally from Phoenix, Arizona that moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 2012. She graduated from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy with a B.A in Philanthropic Studies and a minor in Latino Studies in 2021. Since then, she has been looking for a way to combine her passion for helping others and serving the Latino community. She became part of the Iskali community in August 2022 after living her initiation retreat and feels that she has finally found her purpose working alongside Iskali. She’s eager to help advance Iskali’s mission and expand their outreach so more young adults have the opportunity to build and strengthen their relationship with God. |
María De León
Support - San Juan Diego Shop shop@iskali.org Maria de León, Social Media Coordinator for the San Juan Diego Shop at Iskali, is in her second year of a five-year educational program. Soon, she will take crucial exams to decide between pursuing a master's or a doctorate. Her passion lies in working with older adults, challenging the notion that their lives are defined by limitations. Aspiring to become a neurology psychologist, she focuses on biological issues related to memory. Additionally, Maria coordinates a missionary community, reflecting her commitment to service. Her unique vision centers on providing specialized care for the elderly community, addressing memory issues, and offering a comprehensive approach through her work and community service. |