BENNU Welcomes New Leaders to our Board of Directors

BENNU Legal Services, an innovative nonprofit Supporting American Dreams throughout the Chicago suburbs, welcomes new members to its Board of Directors and to its Advisory Council.

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BENNU's Office

“I look forward to sharing my experiences as both an immigrant and an entrepreneur to help BENNU with these two crucial aspects of its services.”

Lake Bluff, Illinois (Vocus/PRWEB) February 23, 2011

Without teamwork, BENNU’s work to keep families together would be as arduous as one man attacking this glacier with a solitary shovel. Fortunately, BENNU’s Board of Directors and its Advisory Council jointly provide warmth and dedication to melt away difficulties. With gratitude, BENNU announces the newest members of its mountain-moving team.

Joining BENNU’s Board of Directors are Del Parra and José Rodriguez, who replace exiting members Estelle Walgreen (who now remains actively involved as an Advisory Council member) and Fr. Bob Cook. Among other things, the Board of Directors oversees BENNU’s mission, programs, and leadership; helps BENNU strategically plan; and assists with securing its financial future. Board members also act as ambassadors of BENNU with the community and foster key connections for the agency.

Del Parra brings valuable experience to these tasks. Over the last 16 years, he has served Lake County through professional involvement with Washington School in Mundelein, Mundelein High School, and Diamond Lake School District 76. He has also volunteered with St. Joseph Church in Libertyville, Greater Libertyville Soccer Association, Hawthorn School District 73, and Boy Scouts of America, among other organizations. “I will bring the voices of Lake County to BENNU,” explains Parra. Additionally, Parra’s extensive travel across the country and the globe enables him to relate to many of BENNU’s immigrant clients, whether they hail from the Americas, Europe, or Asia.

José Rodriguez also brings years of experience to BENNU’s Board. Born in Tampico Tamaulipas, Mexico, Mr. Rodriguez moved to the United States with his family at a young age. He worked as an electrician for 20 years before launching a home inspection company, Rodriguez Home Inspectors, Inc., as a small-business entrepreneur. Rodriguez is extensively involved in the community: He serves on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, fills the position of Vice Chair of the Hispanic Network Business, and hosts Unión Latina, a weekly radio show in Spanish. He explains, “I look forward to sharing my experiences as both an immigrant and an entrepreneur to help BENNU with these two crucial aspects of its services.”

Acting as a resource to BENNU’s Board of Directors and management is its Advisory Council. The Council provides valuable feedback and serves as a liaison between BENNU and the community. Advisory Council members hail from broad professional backgrounds and reflect the diversity of the population BENNU serves. Among those joining the Advisory Council are Linda Dlabay; Chuck Gutman and Dan MacKinney (both educators); Tony Ma (of Chinese heritage); Steve Papadakis (originally from Greece); Jo-An Takamoto Sabonjian (of Japanese heritage); Aida Munoz (originally from Central America); and Kwadwo Ntim (originally from Ghana and Pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church, Zion).

Pastor Ntim provides an example of how Advisory Council members offer a unique perspective to BENNU. With over 15 years of experience as a grassroots leader in the greater Chicago area, his insights will help BENNU implement its mission of compassion. Says Ntim, “Together we can build communities free from injustice and suffering.”

With such excellent additions to its leadership, BENNU anticipates nothing less.

About BENNU Legal Services

BENNU Legal Services, an innovative nonprofit Supporting American Dreams, provides low-cost legal services and education to help families and individuals new to the United States to legalize and integrate. Through our services, BENNU also supports small business entrepreneurs and helps address important issues such as domestic violence. To meet clients’ needs, we offer services on a sliding-fee-scale, and sometimes pro-bono, basis. Our multicultural staff meets clients at locations convenient to them. BENNU also conducts vocational trainings to increase employability, helping individuals successfully rise to new beginnings like our symbol, the Egyptian phoenix or bennu bird. To learn more, visit http://www.BENNULegal.org.

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