Suzanne Akhras is the founder and Executive Director of the Syrian Community Network (SCN). Under her leadership, SCN has grown exponentially to become a strong voice for refugee and immigrant rights and a community-based refugee support organization working in partnership with local and national refugee, immigrant rights, and faith-based organizations. She has led several community-based foundations and raised funds for many causes in Chicago and her homeland. Suzanne is passionate about community service, advocacy and human rights. She received UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian award and Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights annual humanitarian award. Suzanne was inducted to the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 for her work with SCN. In 2022, she was awarded empower10, one of ten Arab American women making a difference in her community. She is educated in Nonprofit management and leadership from Lewis University and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Suzanne has also served as a PTA president and a board member at Universal Islamic School. She is married with three children.
