D219 Schools Welcomed 170 Speakers to 20th Ask the Expert Days

Niles Township High Schools District 219 in Skokie, IL hosted the 20th Annual Ask the Expert Day: A Career and Academic Content Exploration Program at the schools on November 19 and 21. During these days, 170 business professionals and community members shared their expertise with almost 270 classes. Over 90 businesses participated (37 new businesses in this year’s program), and the industries covered all of the seven D219 Career Pathways. Of the 170 speakers, more than 25 were District 219 alumni (Niles North, Niles West or Niles East).

The Ask the Expert Day initiative is intended as a supplement to classroom learning, and helps students to explore post-high school career opportunities while acquiring knowledge about education, training and additional skills (soft, interpersonal, communication, etc.) necessary to be successful in their career of choice.

Helping to make sure the speakers reached their classroom speaking engagement on time were student volunteers from the DECA business club and the HOSA health careers classes. Student Ambassadors from Niles North: Bushra Ahmed, Romesa Amiwala, Prasanna Bharatia, Faiza Desai, Hafsa Feroz, Kamran Khan, Anna Pirvu, Yash Sharma, and Peter Warda. From Niles West: Rabia Chaudhry, Joshua Kandu, Abira Mehmood, Safa Noor, Dhurvi Patel, Soha Pervaiz, Vaneeza Siddiqui, Jawad Yousuf, Hamna Zaidi and Niko Krajlevic. Student volunteers assisting in videotaping sessions: Gianna Agrelo, Ellie Henderson, Ishana Patel and Sarah Rupani.

This yearly event is organized by Lisa Edelson, Education-to-Careers Coordinator. To participate in a future career exploration program at the schools, please email lisede@d219.org or call (847) 626-2062.