Meet our Suburbs Chapter Team
Crystal Park
Crystal Park is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a deep passion for Korean culture and the performing arts. She serves as the Vice President of the youth group at the Korean Dance Company of Chicago and is an active member of the Youth Council for the Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago. Crystal also represents the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago as a Junior Ambassador. At school, she is highly involved in student life, participating in Student Council, Model UN, AAPI Club, and other organizations. After high school, she plans to pursue a degree in Political Science.
"I am the Co-President of the Suburbs Chapter of CSRC. I strongly believe that change can be created in any place and at any time. When I first learned about CSRC, I was impressed. Impressed with the dedication and effort of teenagers who were just like me, but most importantly, impressed with the change that they were creating. Coming from a family of immigrants, I was able to learn about the adversity they faced when first transitioning to America. So, through CSRC, I want to help others, just like my parents, have an easier and safer transition to their new home."
- Crystal Park
Neel Modi
Neel Modi is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a strong interest in leadership and athletics. He is actively involved in both Model UN and Student Council, where he hones his skills in public speaking and team collaboration. A dedicated athlete, Neel competes on the swim and basketball teams, embracing the challenges and teamwork that come with both sports. Outside of school, he enjoys watching movies and exploring film. After graduation, Neel plans to study Economics or Finance in college, aiming to build a career in business.
"I am a Co-President and Co-Founder of the CSRC suburbs branch. I hope to expand the CSRC movement in order to aid refugees and greaten their sense of safety and belonging within the community. I believe CSRC provides a great opportunity to help others and build a stronger community. As the organization continues to grow, I hope to spread positivity and profoundly impact youth lives."
- Neel Modi
Julia Dobra
Julia Dobra is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a passion for athletics, leadership, and public speaking. She competes on both the cross country and track teams, where she enjoys the dedication and teamwork required to excel in her sport. Julia is also an active participant in Model UN and Student Council, where she builds her leadership skills and engages in meaningful discussions. After high school, she plans to study Kinesiology, combining her interests in health and physical activity to pursue a career that helps others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
"I am a Co-Founder and Co-Vice President of the suburbs chapter of the CSRC. The reason I decided to become a part of this organization is because I believe that every human being deserves the same opportunities. With CSRC I can help to bridge the gap between young refugees and the rest. I love what CSRC did in the Chicago land area, and am honored to have to opportunity to help expand."
- Julia Dobra
Delia Brennan
Delia Brennan is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a strong interest in health sciences and athletics. She is an active member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), where she explores various fields in healthcare, and BPA (Business Professionals of America), developing her leadership and professional skills. As a dedicated athlete on the Track & Field team, Delia enjoys pushing her physical limits and working toward new goals. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy, combining her passion for sports and healthcare to help others improve their mobility and quality of life.
"I am a Vice President of the CSRC Suburbs chapter. As soon I learned about the refugee situation in Chicago, I was eager to find a way to help. When our team discovered the CSRC, we knew we wanted to open a branch and quickly got to work. I am honored to be able to be involved in collecting donations and raising funds for these families and individuals in hopes of providing them with assistance during this challenging time. Additionally, I aim to help foster a greater sense of belonging and inclusion for refugee students through the events rub by the CSRC. I look forward to continuing to work with the CSRC and providing our best support from the suburbs. "
- Emir Ismailov
Emir Ismailov
Emir Ismailov is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a strong commitment to leadership, sports, and helping others. As an active member of the Student Council, he contributes to creating a positive environment for his peers. Emir is also involved in peer mediation, where he helps students resolve conflicts and build understanding. Outside of school, he enjoys snowboarding and playing golf, which allows him to stay active and challenge himself. After high school, Emir plans to study Neuroscience, aiming to deepen his understanding of the brain and pursue a career in the field.
"I am the committee head of the CSRC suburbs chapter. I decided to be a part of the suburban chapter because I wanted to have the opportunity to create a direct impact within my community. One of my passions is to help people and make the world a better place. Joining CSRC allows me to do just that. Being able to do events within my community allows me to make connections with people of various ages as we all come together for one cause. The goals of CSRC are something I highly value and something I want to help push into the world."
- Emir Ismailov
Rohan Patel
Rohan Patel is a senior at James B. Conant High School with a keen interest in finance, leadership, and community service. He is a dedicated member of the basketball team and shares his love for the game by coaching younger players. As a board member of the National Honor Society, Rohan takes on leadership responsibilities to support academic excellence and service initiatives. Additionally, he volunteers at a local hospital, gaining valuable experience in patient care and community support. Rohan is also involved in the Finance Club, where he develops his understanding of the financial world. After high school, he plans to major in Finance, aiming for a career in business and financial management.
"I helped create and run the suburbs branch of the CSRC. CSRC not only is an amazing cause to help bring attention to but it gives me the opportunity to continue pursuing the passion I have that is helping out within my community. Through CSRC we are able to call upon others to do their part as a community member and help create a better life for others. Being part of a group of like minded individuals who also pride themselves in helping those in a tough situation is truly exciting because with a common passion there is no ceiling to how far we can help take the CSRC. The work the CSRC has done already on their own has been so impactful on their respective communities and I want to help bring that same impact to areas near me while also enjoying what it is I’m doing. Having a passion in life is so valuable and by working for and with the CSRC, I get the opportunity each day to follow my passion of helping others and getting to do so in innovative, collaborative, and exciting new ways."
- Rohan Patel