Benjamin Salentine

Benjamin Salentine was appointed by Governor Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion in June 2023. Most recently, Salentine served as Associate Director of Health Sciences at UI Health. He was selected to serve on the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities, Anti-Racism and Equity Committee, Culture and Heritage Month Committee, BEST Community Advisory Committee, Equity and Screening Tool Workgroup and Social Determinants of Health Collaborative.  Salentine has worked diligently toward increasing social justice, while contributing to further education and awareness through several mediums. He participated in a radio interview on National Public Radio - WBEZ Chicago Reset, reflecting upon the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

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Salentine has contributed to publications regarding disability and healthcare, while also participating in several panel speaking engagements. He was also featured in 2023 Crain’s Notable Leaders in Health Care. Salentine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Silver Lake College, as well as a Master of Science degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation from UIUC. He also recently earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).