Cast Your Ballot
To better serve Chicagoland, CEDA is bringing new community representatives onto our Board of Directors! If you live in Southwestern or Western Suburban Cook County, please read about the candidates and cast your vote below. Vote for one or all three.
The Candidates
Harold Barr
AREA OF EXPERTISE: Education Administration / HR
About Harold
I am currently the HR Specialist at the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park. The journey to the present day was full of lessons and experiences I hope to use to motivate and better assist others. There is a special place in my heart for service. I believe community programs and organizations play a key part in the development process by offering education, leadership, and assistance. It is important to me that I continue to be active in service to others. We all encounter hardships, and it’s helpful to know that support exists. I look forward to starting a new journey by serving as a Community Representative on the CEDA Board of Directors.
What do you think you can contribute to CEDA as a Board Member?
I created a group of moral characters called “the goal squad”. They are based on characteristics I think every human should have and use. I also strongly believe they are a part of who I am. They are: communication, respect, empathy, cooperation, resilience, thoughtfulness, adaptability and curiosity. I firmly believe these characteristics can assist this organization and its purpose.
Why are you interested in becoming a CEDA Board Member?
For the past few years, I have worked in a private school setting and have learned how to lead change. Growth is an important activity in the world and CEDA does an amazing job at supporting communities in doing so. Helping and guiding others has always been a passion of mine because I witnessed my grandmother, Alice Barr do so for most of my life.
Larsenia Horton
AREA OF EXPERTISE: Finance
About Larsenia
I have more than 25 years of experience working as an auditor of financial institutions. My employment entailed working with individuals at all levels of an organization, including assistants and members of the board of directors and audit committee. I have been recognized for outstanding interpersonal, problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills. I have utilized CEDA services for the past two years and am knowledgeable about CEDA services and processes. With this knowledge and experience, I can speak to the community’s needs and help empower individuals and families to secure a better life.
What do you think you can contribute to CEDA as a Board Member?
I am flexible, able to multitask, good at research and a people person. I can provide a client’s point of view from using CEDA personally and any challenges I experienced with the process (if applicable). I have worked with boards as an auditor and understand the challenges with overseeing various aspects of an organization.
Why are you interested in becoming a CEDA Board Member?
I would like to be a community voice within CEDA–to provide the perspective of one who has used CEDA services—to help with providing clients with the best possible service.
Sabah Saqqar
AREA OF EXPERTISE: Social Services
About Sabah
I have Ph.D. in Sociology. I also have experience working with the Social Development Ministry of Jordan, helping people with disabilities, and low-income families with relatives in prison. I was the Director of the Social Defense Department, which works on Family Protection Against Violence. I worked as a civilian researcher and social services specialist. I also taught at several universities, such as the University of Jordan, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Yarmouk University, and Zarqa University. I work at Elevated Groups Counseling as a part-time Counselor assisting clients with mental health development. I have been in this role since Jan.2021. I’m currently a student at New Hope Academy for Mental health Education.
What do you think you can contribute to CEDA as a Board Member?
I would try my best to help CEDA to achieve goals for both the people we serve (clients) and the organization itself. I believe our mission in life is to do good things for ourselves and others.
Why are you interested in becoming a CEDA Board Member?
I’m a Sociologist so I like to help people and strengthen the connections between them and society.