Suzanne Akhras
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Suzanne Akhras | |
|---|---|
| Born | Suzanne Akhras Sahloul |
| Citizenship | Syrian-American |
| Education | Masters Degree |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University |
| Occupations |
|
| Known for | Syrian Refugee Rights Activism |
| Notable work | Syrian Community Network(SCM) |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Website | suzanneforil |
Suzanne Akhras Sahloul is a Syrian-American Humanitarian Activist and Politician, known for her strong support for Syrian refugees.[1][2][3] She is the founder and CEO of the Syrian Community Network (SCN), a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois.[4][5][6]
Early life and education
Suzanne Akhras was born in Homs and raised in a Syrian family. Her family migrated to the U.S. when she was 10 years old.[7] After completing her initial education, she earned an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Studies from Moraine Valley Community College in 1991.[8] In 1995, she obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois Chicago. Later, in 2012, she earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from the Lewis University. From 2013 to 2017, she pursued executive education in Nonprofit Management from the Kellogg School of Management, at Northwestern University.[9]
Career
Suzanne started her career as a humanitarian activist in 2004 by joining Syrian American Medical Society(SAMS) as a secretary.[10][11] Later, she got promoted and worked as the society's president till 2015. She started serving as the president of Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI) in 2015.[12]
In 2018, she founded the Syrian Community Network (SCN) in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, which began in 2011.[13][14] SCN assists Syrian refugees with their resettlement needs, providing services such as language assistance, education, and cultural integration programs.[15][16][17][18]
Politics
In December 2023, it was announced that Suzanne will be running as Primary Democratic Candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 82 in 2024 Elections.[19][20][21][22]
Recognitions
In 2020, she was inducted into the Moraine Valley Alumni Hall of Fame.[8] In 2022, she received Nation of Neighbors Empowerment Award.[23]
References
- ^ Conway, Sarah (2017-02-20). "Suzanne Akhras Sahloul on the Muslim Ban's impact on the Syrian community". Borderless Magazine NFP. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Cherney, Elyssa (2018-04-14). "Syrians in Chicago react to U.S. bombings: 'Just a slap on the wrist'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Elaine, Pasquini (2018-10-23). "Syrian Refugee Resettlement: Successes and Shortcomings". wrmea.org. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Suzanne Akhras, Founder & Co-Executive Director". Syrian Community Network. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ McCabe, Coco (2016-09-16). "This community network helps Syrian refugees feel like they have 'a second family'". Oxfamamerica. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Dudek, Mitch (2015-11-18). "Pro-Syrian refugee activists invite Gov. Rauner to talk". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Alfaro, Mariana; Fishman, David (2016-04-06). "Despite anti-immigrant sentiment from politicians, refugees continue migrating to state". The Daily Northwestern. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ a b "Refugee Network Founder Inducted into Moraine Valley Alumni Hall of Fame - Moraine Valley Community College". Moraine Valley Community College -. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "International Center for Law and Religion Studies | Suzanne Akhras Sahloul". Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Conway, Sarah (2015-12-17). "The Power of Hospitality: An Interview with Chicago's Advocate for Giving Syrian Refugees a Second Chance | Newcity". NewCity. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Bowen, Caroline (2017-01-23). "Syria advocates call for more than retweeting". The Columbia Chronicle. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Our Board of Directors – ICDI". Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Interview with Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, founder of the Syrian Community Network. | American Relief Coalition for Syria". arcsyria.org. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Saleh, Maryam (2016-10-19). "Resilient Syrians could use community support". Medill Reports Chicago. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Foertsch McKinney, Maureen (2016-02-11). "Illinois Issues: Refugees Seek A Haven In Troubled Times". NPR Illinois. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Schamisso, Ben (2023-02-09). "A Syrian American couple helps with aid after deadly earthquake". Scripps News (SNEWS). Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Healy, Vikki Ortiz (2018-01-16). "Syrian family reunited in Chicago awaits green cards". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Sahloul, Suzanne Akhras (2021-01-15). "Chicago: Embracing Refugees for the Good of All". globalaffairs.org. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ "Suzanne Akhras". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Giuliani, David (2023-12-05). "Burr Ridge Area Lawmaker Resigns After 10 Months". Burr Ridge, IL Patch. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Nolan, Mike (2023-12-05). "Legislative races shape up with filings, John Egofske to quit 82nd House post on Friday". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Lynch, Jim (2024-01-30). "Candidates discuss issues". The Beverly Review. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
- ^ Bowers, Amber (2022-11-18). "Syrian Community Network". The Royal Neighbor Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-24.