JUF/Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s president raises funds for a charity fueled by faith.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Grew up in: Lifelong Chicagoan and die-hard White Sox fan.

Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois; master’s degree from Roosevelt University; Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Role model/hero: “My father. He worked hard for his family, and he was an honest man.”

Why fundraising: “I didn’t [plan on going into fundraising]. I saw myself as a future university president. Of course, as president of JUF/Federation or president of a university, the development role is crucial. At JUF, we view fundraising as a community-building enterprise. Since Sept. 11, 2001, I think that all Americans have developed a deepened understanding of the unending strength and spirit that comes from a united community. JUF/Federation works to translate that sense of solidarity into action.”