Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Akhras is the Democratic candidate for IL State Representative District 82. She is a passionate advocate committed to driving positive change and upholding our shared values. Suzanne is dedicated to ensuring women’s access to reproductive healthcare, securing and expanding mental health resources, advocating for community safety initiatives, and reducing gun violence. 

An Advocate, Leader, and Collaborator

With a proven track record and extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, Suzanne has built strong coalitions to create positive and impactful solutions. Her dedication is evident in the founding of a nonprofit organization and her service on various boards, where she has served the most vulnerable people and driven meaningful change.

Rooted in Community and Family

Suzanne has lived in District 82 with her family for almost 20 years. Born in Syria and immigrating to the US at the age of 10, Suzanne’s diverse background has shaped her dedication to service and advocacy. Her father is Syrian, and her mother is Canadian. Her maternal grandparents, originally from Ireland and Scotland, welcomed Suzanne and her sisters to the U.S. Her grandfather, a Methodist minister, profoundly influenced Suzanne and taught her the importance of welcoming others, famously advising, "Say hello to everyone, even if you don’t know them!"

Suzanne is married to Dr. Zaher Sahloul, a physician at Advocate Christ Hospital. He was recognized as Chicagoan of the Year in 2016. He is an award-winning humanitarian who founded MedGlobal, a nonprofit organization providing life-saving medical aid in conflict areas.

Their oldest son works at the Pentagon and serves in the Navy, ensuring safety both domestically and abroad. Their youngest son is a management consultant and adjunct marketing professor at Loyola University of Chicago, who also helped build Suzanne’s creative brand. Their daughter is in medical school, aspiring to specialize in women’s health.

Suzanne’s greatest joy is her grandson, Rayan, and she is deeply committed to ensuring a better future for him and all future generations. Rayan’s future is a driving force behind Suzanne’s decision to run for office.

Committed to Service and Unity

Suzanne believes in the power of volunteerism and public service. She has served on executive boards of various nonprofit organizations, addressing needs such as mental health services, youth programs, and immigration reform. In 2015, she 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.

Suzanne is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants and serves on the Council of Leaders of DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. She has been actively involved in her local community, establishing a food pantry and a neighborhood watch program.

Education and Recognition

Suzanne holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University and has completed Nonprofit Management and Executive Education at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her community impact and humanitarian efforts, including:

  • “Accomplice Award” from Girlforward (2024)

  • Visionary Leader Award (2023)

  • Nation of Neighbors Community Award (2022)

  • emPower 10 recognition (2022)

  • Sisters on the Planet Ambassador through Oxfam America

  • Induction into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame (2020)

  • Humanitarian awards from UNICEF Chicago and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights (2017)

Join Suzanne in Making a Difference

Suzanne Akhras is dedicated to ensuring women’s access to reproductive healthcare, securing and expanding mental health resources, advocating for community safety initiatives, and reducing gun violence. She is committed to fostering unity and addressing common priorities and concerns. Join Suzanne in her mission to create a better future for IL District 82.