Local Business Spotlight Suzanne Akhras for State Representative IL82

This Patch article is sponsored by Suzanne Akhras for State Representative IL82.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Suzanne Akhras, Candidate for State Representative IL82.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Suzanne Akhras: I am the Democratic candidate for IL State Representative District 82. I am a passionate advocate committed to driving positive change and upholding our shared values. I am dedicated to ensuring women’s access to reproductive healthcare, securing and expanding mental health resources, advocating for community safety initiatives, and reducing gun violence.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Suzanne Akhras: I have lived in District 82 with my family for almost 20 years. I raised my family in District 82 and plan to continue serving my community as an elected official.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Suzanne Akhras: I believe in the power of volunteerism and public service. I have served on executive boards of various nonprofit organizations, addressing needs such as mental health services, youth programs, and immigration reform. In 2015, I founded the Syrian Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit organization that supports refugees and immigrants in navigating new systems and provides them with services to attain economic security. I am also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants and serve on the Council of Leaders of DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. I have been actively involved in my local community, establishing a food pantry and a neighborhood watch program.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Suzanne Akhras: Perseverance. If you are not successful, keep trying, again and again. You will succeed!

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Suzanne Akhras: I love meeting people, and finding out how I can be of service. Through my nonprofit work, I have met so many people in need, sometimes in desperate situations and it is fulfilling to help them become successful and independent. For example, the nonprofit I run offers after-school programs, and it is so rewarding to see students be successful in school because we were able to give them a little bit of extra help.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Suzanne Akhras: I come from a place of being of service to others. People think politics is about power, I think politics should be about service to the community you represent. In a world dominated by corporate greed and interests, I choose to focus on people and their needs.