Interfaith Advisory Council
Our Interfaith Advisory Council represents many religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. The Council serves as an advisory group that helps Gift of Hope staff members better understand how to support the diverse families and hospital staff that we interact with. The Council also helps us identify educational needs within various religious communities. We are privileged to have such a distinguished group of religious leaders agree to be an intricate piece of promoting hope through the gift of life.
Dr. Shashank Atre
Math and Science ProfessorOakton Community College
Dr. Shashank Atre
Math and Science Professor
Oakton Community College
Shashank Atre, PhD, is Professor of Natural and Physical Sciences at Robert Morris University Illinois in Chicago. He represents the Hindu faith on our Council.
Lori Chana
Donor MomLori Chana
Donor Mom
Lori Linton Chana is the owner of Money Mailer of Eastern DuPage County. Her business provides direct-marketing services for local, regional and national companies. As owner, Ms.Chana manages all aspects of her business and has special expertise in developing and designing marketing plans and project management. She previously served as area director for Norrell Corporation in Los Angeles.
Ms. Chana earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from San Diego State University and studied international business at Richmond College Extension in Kensington, England.
A tireless philanthropist and community volunteer, Ms. Chana has served as a Gift of Hope Advocates for Hope volunteer in honor of her son, Cameron, who died in 2009. The donation of Cameron’s organs provided great comfort to Ms. Chana and her family. Cameron’s heart, lungs, liver and kidneys saved the lives of five people, and his tissue gifts have enhanced ...
Karen Danielson
Muslim American SocietyKaren Danielson
Muslim American Society
Karen Danielson is Executive Board Secretary of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and PACE, and Outreach Director for the Muslim American Society in Chicago. She represents the Muslim faith on our Council.
Fr. Domingo Hurtado-Badillo
St. Alexius Medical CenterFr. Domingo Hurtado-Badillo
Spirit Rising Chicago
Father Domingo Hurtado-Badillo is Coordinator Chaplain at St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates, Ill.
S. S. Shiva Singh Khalsa, E-RYT500
Singh SahibMinister of Sikh Dharma International
S. S. Shiva Singh Khalsa, E-RYT500
Singh Sahib
Minister of Sikh Dharma International
Shiva Singh Khalsa is President/CEO of Spirit Rising Foundation in Chicago. He represents the Sikh faith on our Council.
Becky Lorentzen
Baha'i Faith RepresentativeBecky Lorentzen
Baha'i Faith Representative
Becky Lorentzen represents the Baha’i faith on the Interfaith Council.
Suzanne ‘Sam’ Martinez
Congregational Outreach Coordinator, Office for Mission and Spiritual CareAdvocate Good Shepherd Hospital | Advocate Sherman Hospital | Condell Medical Center
Suzanne 'Sam' Martinez
Congregational Outreach Coordinator, Office for Mission and Spiritual Care
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital | Advocate Sherman Hospital | Condell Medical Center
Suzanne Martinez is Congregational Outreach for Advocate Aurora’s Illinois Northern Region; Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Advocate Sherman in Elgin. Suzanne represents the Roman Catholic Faith tradition.
Father Chris Mihalopoulos
Parish Priest of St Nectarios Greek Orthodox ChurchFather Chris Mihalopoulos
Parish Priest of St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church
Víctor Mirelman
Rabbi EmeritusWest Suburban Temple Har Zion
Víctor Mirelman
Rabbi Emeritus
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
Víctor Mirelman is Rabbi Emeritus of West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest, Ill.
Pastor Scott Onque
St. Luke's Missionary Baptist ChurchPastor Scott Onque
St. Luke's Missionary Baptist Church
Scott Onque is Pastor of St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago.
Michael Zedek
Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel CongregationSenior Advisor to the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Michael Zedek
Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel Congregation
Senior Advisor to the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Michael Zedek is Senior Rabbi at Emanuel Congregation in Chicago.