Shermin Kruse is a partner at the law firm of Barack Ferrazzano, the author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling novel Butterfly Stitching, a contributor to the Huffington Post, co-founder and director of the peace organization, Pasfarda Arts and Culture Exchange, a director of the international refugee center Heshima Kenya, and a director of the ACLU of Illinois. Shermin, spent her childhood in Iran dodging rockets and the morality police and immigrated with her family. Kruse graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. In addition, she is a frequent speaker and writer on issues relating to human rights and women in leadership. Kruse is globally dedicated to raising awareness. Shermin was named by BizWomen Magazine as one of the top 100 “Women to Watch” in the US and is one of Chicago’s most influential women in business.