Celebrating 30 Years in Business!
Our team of experts has deep experience in the service and hospitality industries, and brings that wisdom to our training programs
Sharon Barson, President
From slicing onions in her father’s restaurant when she was 12, to opening and managing some of Chicago’s best restaurants and small businesses, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every engagement.
Brittany Barson, Managing Director
As a fourth generation Chicago restaurant family member, Brittany has a vast network of restaurateurs, operators, restaurant experts and professionals. In combination with her first-hand service industry experience, she is uniquely qualified to create and manage training programs.
Irma Amparo-Ortiz, Curriculum Development
Throughout her career, Irma has developed various educational programs and initiatives, as well as developed curricula for student and adult learning in social/emotional topics such as self-esteem and high school transition as well as college and career readiness skills such as interview and resume writing.
Maria Kostas, Instructor
Maria Kostas is a natural leader and trainer with excellent facilitation strengths, with an intuitive ability to adapt to the situation at hand.
Suzanne Deveney, Instructor, Marketing & Brand
Using more than 25 years of experience, Suzanne works with Educational Advantage Inc. to develop programs that engage participants and improve learning through visual and creative processes.
Lawanda White, Administrative Assistant
Lawanda White is a competent and results-oriented professional with more than 15 years of cross-functional exposure across Administration & People Management.
Our Credentials
Important information about Educational Advantage, Inc.
Educational Advantage, Inc. is WBE certified in the City of Chicago, Cook County and the State of Illinois, DBE/ACDBE certified in the City of Chicago.
Training Center Location: 4448 S. State Street. Chicago, IL. 60609, ADA Compliant Class Space
Course Requirements: Participants must be able to speak, read and write English
Online Programs: E-learning programs are available for individual employers only. They are not open to the public.
Educational Advantage, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education:
Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, Illinois 62701
Website: www.ibhe.org
Online Complaint System: complaints.ibhe.org
We specialize in workforce development programs for the following industries:
- Call Centers
- Grocery Stores
- Retail Outlets
- Environmental Services
- Hotel and Convention Centers
- Minority and Female Owned Businesses
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Restaurants
- Retail and Wholesale Operations