EMPOWERED POOR - Key Persons

Brad grew up working at his family's printing and packaging business, Lingraph, located in Glendale Heights, IL. He now runs the company as President, and has expanded his ventures to include helping run the startup company DigiWrap, Inc., a manufacturer of custom printed gift bags and tissue paper. He also runs two companies with his wife Sonia, called PJ Greetings - an online retailer of stationery, holiday cards, and other fine paper goods, and GiftLABS.com - a provider of free web-stores and fulfillment services for small charities in need of fundraising assistance. Brad attended Loyola University in Chicago to study Economics and Finance, and currently lives in Elmhurst with his wife and two sons. Brad is honored to serves as our Treasurer of Empowered Poor, and is eager to help spread the message and advance the mission of the organization.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board
• Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners

Chris currently serves as the Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners. His extensive background and experiences include serving as President of Kolber & Associates, President of Global Devices at Hospira, Inc., Vice President of Business Development at Hospira, and DVP of Licensing & New Business Development at Abbott Laboratories. Chris earned his MA from Central Michigan University, and a BSME from the Tri-State University. Chris served as the Chairman of Advisory Board at the Salvation Army of Metropolitan Chicago and continues his affiliation with them. He is passionate about serving the disenfranchised in US as well as internationally. He resides in Chicago area with his wife Barbara and they travel together to poverty stricken areas of the world to volunteer their services.

Job Titles:

• Co - Founder
• Executive Secretary

Donna is the Co-Founder and Executive Secretary of Empowered Poor, Inc. and is currently the Senior Editor for Mall Publishing Co. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 35 years both as a Registered Nurse specializing in Critical Care and as a Case Manager for Critical Care and Cardiology. Donna has had the opportunity to serve on the Ethics Committee of an area hospital as both an active member and advisor to staff members. She has authored a Pain Management Curriculum and has taught at various healthcare symposiums on Wellness Care. She has been involved with several organizations whose focus is on women and children at risk and currently is a Board Member of RIMI, Empowered Poor, Inc., and serves on Willow Creek Huntley Compassion and Justice Committee. She travels periodically to India and South Asia where she and her husband work with at risk individuals and families through micro-lending, education, healthcare and assist ‘Mercy Homes' that care for over 500 children. She has two adult children and lives with her husband in the Chicago area.

Job Titles:

• Founder and President of Reaching Indians Ministries International

Dr. Lukos is the founder and President of Reaching Indians Ministries International (RIMI) in the USA and Mission India (MI) in India. As the leader of a non-denominational International Christian mission agency, he is involved in leadership development, compassion ministries and church planting in South Asia. Saji has a Master's degree in business, a Master of Divinity from Trinity International University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Bethel University with a focus on Community Transformation. He is passionate about transformational micro-businesses and how this focus impacts those who live in abject poverty. He currently resides in the Chicago area with his wife and daughter.

Job Titles:

• President and Founder of Mall Marketing

Ernest is the President and Founder of Mall Marketing and Mall Publishing Company. He has worked in the publishing and marketing industry for three decades. He also owned Mall Graphics, Inc, a commercial printing and graphics company, for 33 years, which he sold in 2006. He, along with his wife, founded Empowered Poor, Inc. in 2011. He is impassioned to alleviate poverty in India and South Asia through micro-lending and helping the poor and disenfranchised thus changing lives and building legacies. Ernest has a B.Sc. in Horticulture from A. A. University in India and a B.Th. from Christian Life College. He currently serves on the board of Christian Life College, Reaching Indians Ministries International, Empowered Poor, Inc. and is an advisory board member for ALPHA USA/Chicago. Ernest also serves on the Appeals Panel for the Transnational Association of Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), VA.

Job Titles:

• General Manager for Standard Market Grill

Michael is the General Manager for Standard Market Grill in Lincoln Park, Illinois. His work experience includes a well-rounded perspective in the Food and Beverage industry having worked as a manager in restaurants, hotels, distribution and special events. Michael received a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Iowa State University specializing in Health and Human Performance. He has been a member of numerous Rugby teams both in the U.S and Australia where he served in various board positions including Events and Social Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. He has built his personal and professional platform on the basis of being an engaged leader. He has been a member of the Empowered Poor Golf Committee where he has served as the events MC since its inception. He is passionate about improving the lives of others and embraces Empowered Poor's commitment to Changing lives and Building Legacies.

Reuben Arulanandam is married to Evangeline, and they have a daughter, Reueline Stuthi. They make their home in Montgomery, IL. He is currently working with Alpha USA as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Information Technology as well as heading up Data Analytics Group within Alpha USA. Reuben is experienced IT professional with eight years of software development and twelve years of Corporate and Government Sales and Marketing background. After bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Reuben received his second undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute. After working with Intervarsity Press in their IT department, Reuben has been within the IT consulting marketplace for the last twelve year and served in various roles including as the Director of Business Development for a major Microsoft National Systems Integrator. He has won many accolades from Microsoft and has been one of the leading Microsoft Partner Account Executives within the Microsoft Government ecosystem. Reuben is passionate about not-for-profits, the street children of India, and the poor. Reuben enjoys strategic planning, complex sales and marketing, public speaking, and music.

Scott Goodman has lived in the Crystal Lake area for over 30 years with his wife Wendy, where they raised their children. Scott has been with WealthCamp Advisors for over 11 years now, he worked for NBT, which focused on tax-deferred savings and financial tools such as life insurance for family protection. Their client base was employees of large corporations and institutions nationwide. There he became educated on the importance of core financial educational concepts dealing with principal protection, emergency savings, and income planning for retirement.

 Wendy and Scott enjoy traveling, gardening, following Chicago sport teams, have a large family and enjoy their time spent with the whole crew. They have been active in their church, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois where Wendy and Scott were joined in marriage, they continue their work with local community service groups, as well as various charitable organizations. Scott and Wendy additionally like to be relational with our clients and friends.

 In the fall of 2017, Scott joined the board of directors of the Empowered Poor Charity.

Job Titles:

• National Account Executive for Chicago

Stacey is the National Account Executive for Chicago based corrugated display manufacturer, Ideal. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications from Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, a reputable institution which has afforded her a great advantage in sales and marketing. Stacey and her husband, Tim, have two beautiful daughters, Kennedy and Keira. In addition to her passion for serving and "empowering" others, her hobbies include working out, exploring new restaurants and breaking bread with family and friends. She is honored to serve on the Empowered Poor Board of Directors to contribute to the mission of Changing Lives and Building Legacies across South Asia.