About The Suburbs Chapter

Rishaan Shah is a Senior at James B. Conant High School and serves as the Co-President of the Suburbs Chapter of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Rishaan is a motivated student who plans to pursue a pre-law and business track in college. At Conant, he is a member of the National Honor Society, serves on the Student Council Executive Board, and is part of the Principal’s Advisory Board. He has been on the Conant Soccer Team for four years and has hosted youth soccer camps to encourage athletic engagement in his community. Beyond school, Rishaan is a board member of Young Jains of America, has founded a mental health foundation focused on destigmatizing bipolar disorder, and is the owner of SurSangeet, a tabla performance business through which he has performed at weddings, concerts, and cultural events.

Arissa Patel is a junior at James B. Conant High School and is serving as Co President of the Suburb chapter for Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Arissa is a hardworking and motivated student who plans to pursue a pre-law track and eventually go into politics. Within her school she is the president of RISE, serves as senior leader for Student Council, is on executive board for cultural awareness, and apart of her principal advisory board. She has played tennis for her school for three years and served as captain for one. She helps organize school events, plan charity and fundraising opportunities, and loves getting involved within her community. Outside of school she interns with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi where she is able to contribute to making sure the voices in her district are heard. She is hardworking and eager to continue to educate and learn.

Hena Patel is a senior at James B. Conant High School and serves as Vice President of the Suburbs Chapter of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. She plans to pursue a pre-law and business track in college. At Conant, Hena serves on the Executive Boards of both the National Honor Society and Student Council, and is actively involved in Peer Mediation and Business Professionals of America (BPA) developing her skills as a leader and professionally. Beyond school, she dedicates her time to volunteering at a center for elderly individuals with mental health needs, demonstrating her commitment to service and community impact.

Irina Gut is a Junior attending James B Conant High School and serves as the Secretary for the CSRC Suburb chapter. At Conant, Irina has been involved in Cross Country for all 3 years, as well as the Cultural Awareness Board, the Student Council Executive Board, and serves as the Model UN President. Outside of school, she enjoys driving with her friends as well as practicing calligraphy, reading, and writing letters. As a dedicated student, she plans to pursue International Law after high school. Irina is passionate about the integration of immigrant students into new environments, and hopes to share enthusiasm through the Chapter’s work this year. She is very excited to work with the team this year in order to bring CSRC’s impact to the suburbs, and support refugees locally!

Krish Patel is a senior at Stevenson High School and serves as the Treasurer of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is a motivated and driven student who plans to study finance in college, with an interest in combining business with social impact. Krish is actively involved in athletics—he competes on Stevenson’s Track and Field team and plays baseball outside of school. Through his work with the CSRC, Krish supports refugee-focused initiatives across Chicago and brings a strong sense of purpose and leadership to the team.

Saniya is a current high school senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School! She’s involved with Peer Tutors, NHS, Peer Helpers, Best Buddies, FBLA, and Mock Trial! Saniya is a motivated student planning on majoring in economics or business track in college. Outside of school, she has enjoyed working on projects relating to financial literacy and community service.

Elie Koo is a Rising Senior at Barrington Highschool. She is a diligent student at school and within her community. She plans to study Political Science and International Affairs in college, and plans to be on the pre-law track. She is in HOSA at school, and  is the team lead for her internship that deals with human rights in Nigeria outside of school. Elie is super excited for CSRC’s 2025-2026 season!