Page 51 - Perceptions papers

Panalal, Harendra MSE, PE (Jainism)

Born and raised in Mumbai; received BSE and MSE degrees in mechanical engineering from the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He also studied MBA at the University of Chicago. In 1970,
he and his wife immigrated to Honolulu. He works as a project manager for a large mechanical
contractor. He is a director in a large condominium project, and president in another one. He has
been the treasurer of the All Believers Network since its inception in 2003. He is also VP of
Gandhi International Institute for Peace since its inception.
He may be contacted at home (Contact: harenp2009@hotmail.com).

Sakata, Merritt, T. (Seicho-No-Ie)
A third generation AJA (“sansei”) born in 1946 is a recently retired architect who helps organize
and conduct the Belnet “monthly forum” at First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, aired on Olelo
Community TV as “Now that you asked me.” As a Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii “lay-teacher (regional
lecturer)” he hosts monthly “home gatherings” at which all are welcome.
(Contact: msakata808@gmail.com).

Sperry, Mollie (Bahá'í )
Mollie Sperry, MS in Education and MS in Educational Administration, Secretary-General of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Hawaiian Islands, retired educator from both
public and private schools in Hawaii: Punahou School, Waimea Elementary and Middle School,
Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Le Jardin Academy (Principal), and Academy of the Pacific
(Head of School), writer, historian, clinical reading tutor, wife, mother, grandmother. Ms.
Sperry has been a member of the Baha’i Faith since 1981. Contact information:
(Contact: molliesperry@gmail.com).

Tucker, Alice (Judaism)
She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Newcomb College of Tulane University with a major in
languages and a minor in communications. She has been a resident of Honolulu for 56 years.
Alice is a former Program Coordinator for the Central YMCA, Hawaiian Instructor for the
Hawaii Visitors Bureau and Director of Volunteer and Employee Services for the Rehabilitation
Hospital of the Pacific. Alice’s life goal—to leave the world a little better than she found it—has
guided her to “service above self”. She has been president of Congregation Temple Emanu-El,
Hawaii Medical Auxiliary, Samaritan Counseling Center, Pacific Health Ministry and Hawaii
Society of Directors of Volunteer Services. She has been an officer of the Honolulu Marathon,
the Outdoor Circle and Hawaii Women’s Political Caucus. She is currently on the boards of
Manoa Valley Theatre, Jewish Community Services, Oahu Jewish Ohana, Arthur Murray Fund
for Needy Jews in Hawaii and is Program Chair for the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Alice has three
grown children and three perfect grandchildren.

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