STAFF

Mary Romaya

Executive Director

Mary is a retired teacher and former Executive Director of the Chaldean Cultural Center. Born in Detroit to Chaldean parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Telkeppe, she graduated from the University of Detroit with a B.A. degree with a major in History and received an M.A. Degree in School Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mary worked for 45 years as a professional educator with Warren Woods Public Schools leaving the district in January 2011. Mary served on the Board of Directors of the Chaldean Cultural Center since its inception from 2003 until becoming its Executive Director in 2011 though 2017.  She resumed the position of Executive Director in 2025

BOARD MEMBERS

Mark Mukhtar

Chairman, Board of Directors

Mark is a partner at Ernst & Young LLP.  He is a licensed CPA and specializes in International Tax.  He has spent the last 30 years in the public accounting arena servicing a wide variety of clients ranging from smaller owner operated businesses to large multinational organizations.  He has also held a number of leadership positions with the firm.  Mark has held a number of board positions over the last number of years.  He was the Athletic Booster Club president for Notre Dame Prep from 2019 to 2021. Currently he serves on the Board of Directors for Great Oaks Country Club as a finance committee and strategic committee member. He will be assuming the Treasurer role at Great Oaks in 2023.

Wafa Bunney

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors

Wafa is an IT Executive (retired) at Ford Motor Company. Wafa’s 35-year career at Ford included managing and directing global IT teams from Americas, Europe, and Asia in delivering major IT applications in Manufacturing, Product Development, Marketing, Sales and Service, Finance and Human Resources. In addition to her job responsibilities, Wafa mentored and coached future leaders in IT at Ford and recruited talent from universities country wide. She is currently part-time consultant and chairman of the Business and IT school Advisory Board at Lawrence Technological University. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration at University of Detroit Mercy while working at Ford.  

Judith (Judy) Jonna

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Judy is a Certified Energy Touch Practitioner at Healing Solutions in Bloomfield Township with a decade of successful experience in wellness and alternative healing.  She also teaches green cleaning classes and facilitates meditation and spiritual counseling as part of her practice.  Of Chaldean decent, Judy was born to immigrant parents and raised in Detroit. She served as campaign finance director for her Congressman in Bloomfield Township, her place of residence, for four years and has experience in retail as owner and operator of two candle stores. Judy is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Belle Isle Conservancy, and on the development boards of Angels Place and the Chaldean Community Foundation.  

Jennifer Gumma

Board Member

Jennifer Gumma is a registered pharmacist specializing in long-term care, with a deep passion for patient care and advocacy. She enjoys fitness, cooking, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Committed to volunteering and helping others, Jennifer cherishes her faith, family, friends, and the Chaldean community. She believes it is essential to nurture their culture to provide a solid foundation for future generations. Jennifer has been married to her husband, John, since 1997, and together they have two beautiful children, Amelia and Roman.