Program Officer for School Support
As a Program Officer of School Support, Ayesha is best known as the CEO of teacher support and tournament facilitation.
As a former Lane Tech debater (2011-2014), Ayesha developed a passion for debate and education, through the activity and strong relationship with her coaches. Debate helped her find her voice and develop and enhance skills that she has been able to use in her personal and professional lives. Debate helped shape her passion for social justice and understanding of the structural inequities that exist in our society, and specifically in Chicago.
Upon graduating from Lane, Ayesha obtained her BA in History at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While at UIUC, she became involved in leading a social justice organization, UMMA (United Muslim and Minority Advocates), which revolved around social justice issues, with an emphasis on their importance in Islam.
Ayesha was able to really expand and develop her passion for education at UIUC through her courses and various education-based organizations. She tutored and student taught in the Champaign-Urbana area, focusing mainly on the social sciences. There, she gained a stronger appreciation for education and the impact that teachers have on students’ lives. She was also able to teach a freshman seminar her Junior and Senior years of college where she had the opportunity to mentor freshmen in their transition to college. Upon completion of the freshman seminar, she was awarded the Edward W. Collins and Doris Strickland-Collins Intern Award for teaching.
In her free time, Ayesha enjoys reading, watching basketball, cooking, baking, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.