Who We Are – Highland Park Baha’is
Diversity! Each person’s journey is unique.
Our community is comprised of people
from very diverse cultures, talents, life experiences—
and, oh yes, lots of personality!
Activity can also be diverse—including individual initiatives;
group projects; or combined efforts with neighboring Baha’i communities.
Steve Sarowitz
The Movie “The Gate”
Steve Sarowitz, Highland Park resident, Founder & Chairman of Paylocity, philanthropist, and filmmaker, shares his spiritual journey, “Why a Local Jewish Boy Became a Baha’i.”
Steve created the film, The Gate, which tells the story of The Báb, who prophesized the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.
A dedicated member of the community, Steve is the co-owner of the Highland Park Wayfarer Theater. He has infused a new vitality and spirit, with his community-minded vision. He also heads up the Wayfarer Foundation launched in 2021 as a Baha’i-inspired organization with the mission to “advance humankind spiritually towards a future peaceful world civilization.”
Dr. Jena Khadem Khodadad
As an emeritus professor, a biologist, and a cellular and molecular researcher, Dr. Jena Khadem Khodadad lectures nationally and internationally.
She has a depth of experience and memories going back to her early days in Iran, which shaped her Baha’i legacy—then and today.
Daniel Antezana
“Today’s youth are between two worlds. And, they have a lot of dreams.”
As they look ahead, they witness a world in disintegration, yet a new era emerging with justice arising amid the upheaval.
Nurturing a moral identity is essential alongside educational avenues.
Excellence in all things include: purity, integrity, detachment, and sacrifice.
The World Is Watching
As the Baha’i community has expanded, establishing itself globally, the Baha’is have increasingly become more socially engaged, working—often with others—to establish programs for education, literacy training, the empowerment of women and minority groups, and health and community development.
Manuel Martinez
My Story and Challenges
After being born in Mexico, my family relocated to Highland Park, where I spent most of my childhood growing up in a loving Spanish-speaking Catholic household.
I attended DePaul University, National University of Spain, and National-Louis University. As a therapist, community caseworker, and addiction counselor, I had a fulfilling career.
Right in the prime of my career one of my various medical conditions (including epilepsy) worsened. Among the treatments were medications, therapy, and brain surgeries.
Due to this situation, I was left unable to renew my licenses, and consequently, I had to resort to disability benefits.
I felt like my entire education was wasted!
And now I was on the other side of needing social services.
Amidst stress, I looked into the Baha’i Faith and other major religions. I did not just skim printed materials or read online; I went deeper. Through the Baha’i teachings and with the support of the Baha’i community, I have now expanded my spiritual life and continue to grow.
My daily prayer is that I may be of service and have purpose—and use my skills that I thought were wasted.
From the window of some of my doctors offices in Evanston, I can look out and see the awesome Baha’i House of Worship. Two of my six doctors even asked me, “I didn’t know you were a Baha’i? Did you know their Temple is close to here?”
Visiting the Temple (Baha’i House of Worship) brings me mental and spiritual peace. It gives me “seeds of hope!”
Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying world vision. To learn more visit Bahai.org
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