Board of Directors
GERALD DOYLE
President
Jerry has a breadth of experience in higher education including in teaching and admissions at prestigious universities across the world. Jerry first connected with Suzanne, SCN’s Founder, in June 2012 when his team launched the IIT Syrian student initiative which eventually enrolled 26 students during the 2012-13 academic year. This work has led to the establishment of the IIE Syrian Higher Education Consortium which now has forty university and college members. He joined SCN’s Board of Directors in 2020 because of its deep commitment to social justice, human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion.
KIRAN SIDDIQUI, M.Ed, LPC. COO.
Vice President
Kiran has two decades of experience working in the field of behavioral health and management and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She leads Hamdard Health Alliance, an important community partner for SCN in Rogers Park and the western suburbs. As a daughter of immigrants and growing up in Africa, she is acutely aware of service and providing for others. Kiran joined SCN’s Board of Directors to contribute to an organization that is committed to improving the lives of Syrian refugees and others holistically. She is also a Board Member at Illinois Primary Health Care Association as a member of the steering committee for the Safety Net Learning Collaborative
LAUREN ZAJAC
Secretary
Lauren has worked in higher education for the past fifteen years, with much of her experience in teaching Adult Education and working with non-native speakers. She is well-versed in identifying opportunities for community members and connecting them with opportunities to achieve their goals. She joined the SCN Board of Directors in 2022 to connect with and support refugees and immigrants in the area.
KARIM AWWAD
Member at Large
Karim brings financial expertise and dedication to SCN's mission. Originally from Amman, Jordan, he moved to Chicago in 2014, where he's been an active member of the Arab American Community. Karim has been vital in optimizing SCN's financial resources to support refugees. Before joining SCN, he served as Student Trustee on Moraine Valley Community College's Board of Trustees. Beyond SCN, Karim is the local Chapter Treasurer with PCRF and contributes to the Chicago Palestine Film Festival committee. In his spare time, he's a two-time Chicago Marathon finisher, a passionate tennis player, and a tech/finance podcast enthusiast.
JOSE GARCIA
Member at Large
Jose Arnoldo “Arnie” Garcia was born and raised in Chicago, to parents who emigrated from Mexico as part of the Bracero program in the 1950’s. He has been an Assistant Cook County Public Defender for the past 22 years where he has worked tirelessly representing the indigent accused, specializing for the last 19 years in the Juvenile Justice Division, handling complex trial matters in representation of accused Minors. Arnie is an avid long-distance runner, completing the last four Chicago Marathons. Arnie has been able to combine his love of running with fundraising efforts for charitable causes, including Parkinson’s Research, Latino’s Progresando (a Community Organization based in Chicago’s Marshall Square), and Gerry’s Café, which provides employment opportunities to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arnie lives in Forest Park, Illinois with his wife AnnMarie Anandappa , a fellow Assistant Cook County Public Defender..
SUZANNE AKHRAS, SCN Founder
Member at Large
Suzanne Akhras is the Founder and past Executive Director of Syrian Community Network (SCN). Under her leadership, SCN became a key community partner in serving and supporting refugees through collaboration with local and national organizations. Suzanne's dedication to human rights and advocacy has earned her awards including the UNICEF Humanitarian Award, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Humanitarian Award, empower10 recognition, the Hamdard Health Visionary Leader Award, and the GirlForward Accomplice Award. She holds credentials in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Lewis University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She was inducted in the Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College in 2020. Suzanne is married, together they have three children and two grandsons. In 2024, Suzanne ran for Illinois State Representative to serve her community.
SANA IHMOUD
Member at Large
Sana is a second-generation daughter of immigrants and a passionate advocate for human rights. She joined SCN’s Board of Directors because she believes in its mission to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for those seeking a better future for their families. With over 10 years of experience in marketing and the ad-tech space, Sana hopes to leverage her skills in strategic communication and outreach to amplify SCN’s initiatives. Her dedication to giving back to the community drives her commitment to supporting the important work of SCN.
RANA JABER
Member at Large
Rana is a Palestinian American who has dedicated 15 years to the IT sector and is passionate about giving back to her community. In her experience as a business analyst, she bridges the gap between business groups and IT. She brings the same vision to her volunteering work over the last 2 decades. She co-founded and leads the volunteer group Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which brings the community together through acts of service. Rana joined SCN’s Board of Directors to support refugees and immigrants in her community.
AMENA QURESHI, MHSA
Member at Large
Amena has over a decade of experience in the healthcare field working in strategy, operations, and managing large scale projects. She recently joined IMAN Health Center as an Associate Director. She is very passionate about youth development, especially for those with a Muslim American experience and tutored youth for over 5 years through the Rohingya Cultural Center. Most recently, she is one of the founders of the organization Neighbors Helping Neighbors where she leads monthly volunteering events to service the local community. You can always catch Amena trying something new like biking around the city, hiking anywhere, and playing tennis.