Ayesha Akhtar is the current Director of Education, after having been an Education Coordinator with the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago since 2011. Ayesha is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where she earned a B.B.A. in accounting, and in 2010 she earned her M.P.H. from the University of Illinois-Chicago, focusing on culturally sensitive approaches to health care. She has over 18 years of experience in public health as an educator in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and communities at large. She is passionate about improving health literacy and outcomes in communities through education and example in order to help people live empowered and informed lives.
Swapna Dave, MPH, MBBS (SAB Co-Chair, Senior Scientific Manager, Corevitas, LLC)
I am a Public Health professional with extensive experience working on community-based research, and manage multiple NIH funded research projects focused on cardiovascular health in the South Asian community. I am passionate about Public Health and serve on the Skokie Board of Health. Working on the SAHELI study is personally as well as professionally fulfilling since I can help improve the health of my community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and learning music with my daughter.
Fatima Saifi, MPH (Epidemiologist, Chicago Department of Public Health )
I am currently an Epidemiologist at the Chicago Department of Public Health. I previously worked at Northwestern University to pursue my interest in research and public health. I am passionate about reducing health disparities within the South Asian community and my goal is to make a positive impact through outreach and health education. In my free time, I enjoy watching health documentaries, spending time with my family and friends, and coaching lacrosse.
Neiha Dhar, LMFT
Neiha Dhar is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and a new mom. She helps clients learn how to balance independence and connection and find ways to show up in all spaces as their authentic selves. She is the founder of the Chicago Coalition of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Clinicians which aims to foster a supportive community for BIPOC clinicians in the Chicago area. Living in quarantine and working remotely has created an opportunity for Neiha and her husband to move closer to Neiha's parents in Upstate New York and remain active with the Chicago community.
Dushyant Sharma (Business Consultant, DAS Financial)
I am a research scientist who is interested in the relationship between epi-genetics and healthy aging. As a member of the SAHELI-SAB, I hope to gain more insight into this and associated positive health outcomes. I enjoy reading, listening to and playing devotional music.
Jagruti Rawal (Information Specialist, NorthShore University Health System)
I work at NorthShore University Health System PeriOp Business services in a non-clinical position, helping the patients and the community. Being a South Asian and a MASALA study participant, I understand the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Proper diet and exercise has helped me lower my blood glucose level. Being a part of the SAHELI study team, I can share my personal experiences and achieve my goal of helping the community.
Muhammad Paracha, MD, MPH (Executive Director, Asian Human Services Family Health Center)
I am an Executive Director of a Federally Qualified Health Center, an advocate and a strong supporter of healthcare equity for the Asian and immigrant population in the US. I enjoy reading, going to the gym, watching cricket and spending time with my children.
Radhika Sharma-Gordon (MPH Manager of Education and Outreach at Apna Ghar, Inc) (Coordinator of the Health Sciences Field Experience Program, Northeastern Illinois University)
I am a community health educator who has been working in the Chicago area since 1989 in a variety of community, county, and statewide nonprofit organizations. My work has focused on immigrant community health and violence prevention. I am drawn to the SAHELI study because I am a public health geek who wants to learn more about chronic disease risk and protective factors in South Asian communities. I live in Chicago and enjoy exploring the city, completing word games, and traveling with my family.
