Ayesha Akhtar of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago
As a mother, personal trainer, and a director in a non-profit organization, Ayesha Akhtar believes that everything you do in life is a stepping stone for something greater. Being the Director of Education at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, Ayesha’s story is sure to move you, as she is a strong advocate for societal collaboration, and the idea of working together to achieve the greater good. Initially pursuing a career in accounting, Ayesha had an epiphany after reading the book “The Alchemist”, and realized she had instead been longing for more a fulfilling career that made a larger societal impact. Following her moral compass, she began working towards a path that was focused on making a difference by improving the health of communities through education and advocacy. Tune in to hear how Ayesha brings together her background in business with her degree in public health, to help empower and educate individuals to build healthier lives.
Since 2011, Ayesha has been an educator with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy. The Foundation provides free case management, education and advocacy services to people living with epilepsy, including their families and support system. As the Director of Education, she manages seizure first aid training for schools and communities in 43 counties of Illinois. She has presented to schools, social service agencies, law firms, and the Chicago Police Department. She recently worked on the successful passing of the Seizure Smart School Act, which was signed into law in July 2019, and makes this first aid training mandatory in all public schools in Illinois.
Listen & Subscribe
Bridging Chicago Team
Nathan Ciulla, Host and Senior Producer
Nathan is an experienced, relationship driven host with a strong desire to connect our listeners to our guests by providing a fun, interactive experience that celebrates the experience and achievements of our guests. He is also a legal assistant at SATC|Law and enjoys cooking and baking for his friends and family.
Savannah Rountree, Host
“Feminist. Lipstick collector. Bibliophile. Dog-mom.” Savannah is a passionate advocate of equality for all. She is a current law student at Loyola University Chicago, where she is simultaneously working towards a master's degree in public policy. Did we mention that she already has a master’s degree in religion/religious studies from The University of Chicago. Savannah is also a law clerk at SATC|Law, where she looks to continue her career as an attorney once she is finished with school.
Nora Becerril, Contributor
Mother to Josephine and a legal assistant at SATC|Law. Nora graduated from Western Illinois University where she obtained a degree in Agricultural Science with an emphasis in Environmental Studies. Nora is a multi-lingual (English, Spanish and French) and multi-talented advisor to the @BridgingChicago podcast. Be sure to watch out for Nora on future episodes of the podcast.
Karen Small, Advisor
Karen is our task-oriented leader that ensures our team is producing our desired results by providing the necessary structure, roles and goals. Karen is also the office manager of SATC|Law, where she has honed her skills at running an office at the highest standards and efficiency.
John W. Campbell, Jr., Head of Operations
John is a principal at SATC|Law in Chicago. He represents individuals, entrepreneurs and privately held companies on developing and achieving their strategic business goals and asset protection and long term planning needs. He is also the director and vice president for the Center for Law and Social Work, a public charity that provides adoption and adult guardianship services, and a director of Rebuild Foundation, a public charity that provides a platform for art, cultural development, and neighborhood transformation.