Turkish American Heritage Award
Cigdem Akbay Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award  Cigdem Akbay was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama and is 24 years old. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she was awarded “Outstanding Undergraduate Student” upon completion of a BA in International Studies and a Minor in Political Science. Cigdem has lived between the United States and Turkey for the past five years where she has been able to increase her knowledge about Turkish issues and Turkish-American relations. She has studied two terms at Bogazici University and in the summer of 2002 was selected to attend a Turkish National Security Council sponsored cross-country conference tour of Turkey. This past summer she contributed towards Turkish-American relations by working as an ATAA-sponsored intern on Capitol Hill. Currently, Cigdem wishes to use all of the knowledge she has acquired concerning Turkish societal and cultural issues by disseminating it through the means of visual imagery. She is living in Istanbul where she has received a scholarship to work on a Master’s in Cultural Anthropology along with coursework in Video Production from Yeditepe University. Her concentration is on the “Americanisms of Istanbul Youth” and she hopes to shoot a documentary about her topic by next fall. In order to learn more about filmmaking she has also trained at Plato Film Production Company in Istanbul as well as worked as a Production Assistant on a documentary project concerning the fall of the Ottoman Empire and of the political unrest that took place between the Turkish and Armenian populations during that era.
Derya Baykent Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award
John Gokcen Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award John is 14 years old and is currently a ninth grader at the University Preparatory Academy in Seattle, Washington. He came to the University Prep in 7th grade. He served as the middle school government president for two consecutive semesters, the first time in the 25 years school history. He is thinking of running for the student body of my high school.  He has been chosen to be a Page at the Washington Senate in 2004 where he will serve as a secretary for a senator for one week.  He plays basketball and soccer and he skies.  In 8th grade his soccer team won the city championship for the first time in the school history.  He has earned the award called "Mary and Ellen Jones award" which is to show his leadership and social side.
Ozgur Madak Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award
Beril Unver Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award Beril Emine Nazmiye Unver is currently a 4th year senior at the University of California, Irvine.  She will be graduating with Honors this June with a major in International Studies and a minor in Political Science.  Beril is currently in the process of writing her Honors thesis on the development of relations between Turkey and the U.S. over the past half-a-century and how the trials and tribulations these two inter-dependent countries have already endured foreshadow their ability to overcome the latest hurdle, the operation of this past spring's Iraq War.  She was recently honored with a Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program award and funding for her research.  Beril will present her finished thesis in the UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium on May 15th, 2004.  After graduation, she plans on working in Washington, D.C.  Beril will also apply to graduate schools of International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies.  She hopes to become an analyst of Turkey and its surrounding region, the Middle East, as well as work towards strengthening the Turkish-American lobby.
Tuba Yesilkaya Winner of the 2003 Turkish American Heritage Award She was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Her  undergraduate degree is from Istanbul University in economics and She did her MBA from University of Miami. Now She is pursuing her Phd in international relations. She has worked in Sabanci Holding, Yunsa, Windmere Corporation, AFI filmworks and VIP garment company. She has also an ecommerce certificate from Harvard University.  She graduated as a Class Marshal and received the Katy Yang award given to students who have the highest GPA and showed academic excellence. She has 4 years of business experience. She speaks Turkish, English, Spanish and a little French.
Women of Distinction Award
Cigdem Acar Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award The firm’s founder and owner, Cigdem Acar received her Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law. Between 1994 until 1999, she served as Chair of the Immigration Law Committees of the New York Women’s Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.  Her other professional affiliations include the American Immigration Lawyers Association; the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the New York County Lawyers Association. Ms. Acar is also active in various international Chambers of Commerce; she is a member of the Board of the Turkish American Business Forum and past Board member of the American Turkish Society and the Belgian American Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Acar is a co-author of the immigration law reform proposal of New York Women’s Bar Association’s Task Force on Quality Legal Child Care of the Committee to Advance Women in the Profession.  In 1994, she served as a Paneled Judge at the International Rounds of the 35th Annual Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition on the “Case Concerning the Granting of Refugee Status.” Fluent in French and Turkish, she is a frequent speaker on U.S. immigration law issues within the context of international business. ·  Admitted in New Jersey Bar, 12/92 ·  Admitted in New York Bar, 03/93
Ulku Adatepe Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Mrs. Ulku Adatepe is the youngest of the three adopted daughters of Ataturk.  Even though the Founder of Turkey did not have any children of his own, he loved children and bestowed his affection on them. His love of children also exhibited itself towards the millions of Turkish children of his time, for whom he dedicated a special "Children's Day". This day is celebrated each year on the 23rd of April throughout Turkey. Ms. Adatepe's mother,Vasfiye, was the daughter of a family who were neighbors of Ataturk's parents in Selanica.  When Vasfiye's parents both died when she was a child, the grandfather asked Zubeyde Hanim (Ataturk's mother) to care for the orphan child.  So it came to be  that Ulku's mother became an adopted child in Mustafa Kemal's childhood home, and young Kemal was like a brother to her. When Mustafa Kemal became the President of Turkey, he had Vasfiye marry the Circassian train station chief of his farm, the Ataturk Ciftligi. When Ataturk heard that the new bride was expecting a baby, Ataturk sent word that , whether boy or girl, he wished that the child would be named, "Ulku".  Thus, Mrs. Adatepe was named Ulku by Ataturk even before she was born in 1932. When little Ulku was 40 days old, Ataturk got to see the baby, and took an instant liking to her.  From then on he had Vasfiye and the baby come and live with him at his residence at Cankaya Palace in Ankara. During the next five years,  Ulku stayed with Ataturk, traveled with him on his yacht, and was tutored by him.  Most Turks are familiar with the photo of Ataurk teaching Little Ulku the new Turkish Alphabet. When Ataturk was on his deathbed at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, he had Ulku and her mother sent back to Ankara to the farm, as he knew his days were numbered.  Ulku, even at that age, knew that she would never again see him, and remained a sad little child throughout her childhood. She returned to Ankara to live with her parents, and attended the elementary school at the Gazi Osman Ciftligi.  Later on, her parents moved to Icerenkoy in Istanbul and she was sent to "Uskudar Girls College".  While still a teenager, Ulku married the cousin of her "honorary sister" Sabiha Gokcen, Mr. Fethi Dogancay.  The marriage lasted several years, and they had two sons. At the present, Mrs. Adatepe is divorced, lives alone at her residence In Sisli; she devotes her time to giving lectures about Ataturk's legacy; she is invited to speak at various functions, and she travels  extensively throughout Turkey to talk about Ataturk, and to instill the values he preached to the Turkish Youth.  She is one of the most popular women in Turkish Society, having been elected "One of the Most Successful 100 Turkish Women".  She appears on television programs, and relishes her childhood memories. She does her utmost to ensure that the youth of Turkey remember Ataturk and the covenant he made with them.
Esin Akalin Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Esin Akalin, a graduate of English High School for Girls (Istanbul) and Uskudar American Academy for Girls moved to Canada in 1980 with her husband and two small children. Currently, her son Kaan is a filmmaker in Toronto, and her daughter Derya is the General Manager of ACEV (Mother Child Education Foundation) in Istanbul. As a Toronto resident Esin devoted her life both to raising her children and to completing her education. A graduate of York University, Glendon College (English/Drama), Esin Akalin received her MA (Shakespeare/Renaissance Drama) from the University of Toronto. In 2001 she completed her Ph.D. at the Graduate Centre for Study of Drama of the University of Toronto. Her dissertation: “Discovering Self and Other-Representations of Ottoman Turks in English Drama (1656- 1792)” is in the process of being published. She is now an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Kultur University, English Language and Literature Department, teaching English literature and drama courses. In Toronto, Esin Akalin has been instrumental in providing entertaining, educational and participatory activities to children, youth and community at large. She organized special events that celebrated Turkish culture through creative expressions presented by local talents. In 1988, under the umbrella of the Turkish Culture and Folklore Society of Canada, Esin founded the Canadian Turkish Youth Drama Group. As the Media Specialist for an Anti-Drug Coalition Project funded by the Provincial Government of Ontario, she also organized special events that celebrated Canadian cultural diversity through poetry, music, dance and theatre. In that capacity, she linked professional artists to ethnically diverse communities and facilitated training activities, which offered job-skills both to high risk street youth and students recruited from various drama programs throughout Toronto. She organized two major Street Theatre Festivals in Toronto and directed about 25 youth of diverse cultures in Jane Finch:A Thousand Solitudes, a story which she adapted for the stage. She produced a weekly radio program at the University of Toronto by addressing community issues and highlighting the positives of the culturally and racially diverse community through interactive programming with individuals, organizations and the Ontario school system. Later, she also participated in a Turkish weekly radio show (Radio Merhaba) through a program --Gunumuz Gozuyle Dunumuz—that she produced on Turkish history. Esin Akalin is the recipient of Canada's Birthday Achievement Award, Ontario Premier’s Award (1993) and City of North York Mayor’s Award of Excellence (1995).
Esen Akpek Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Esen Karamursel Akpek, MD was born in Diyarbakir, Turkey in 1967. She received her medical training in Ankara, Turkey. After her internship and residency in ophthalmology, she completed a subspecialty training in Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts and Cornea, Anterior Segment and Refractive Service, at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Dr Akpek has been a member of the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital since 1998. She is an international leader in cataract, corneal disease and transplantation with particular interest in inflammatory and infectious problems. Dr Akpek currently leads the Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Clinic at Johns Hopkins. She has published over 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals and awarded the prestigious Cora Verhagen Immunology prize in Ocular Immunology. She enjoys training resident and fellows, and internationally, and participates in volunteer eye care programs.
Sevda Aleckson Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Sevda Küpoglu Aleckson was born in Istanbul in 1957.  She is an Environmental/Analytical Chemist.  She has had various technical reports published in her field.  She is the recipient of US EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service winner.
Nazmiye Angunes Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award I was born in Gemlik, Bursa in 1949. I graduated from Bursa Kiz Ogretmen Okulu in 1967. In 1987 I graduated from Anadolu Universitesi Egitim Onlisans. I served as a teacher for Public Schools for 26 years then I served as a teacher and Principal for Private Schools for 4 years. I have been a member for Gemlik Yardimsevenler Dernegi and been a Director and Board of Directors for Ataturkcu Dusunce Dernegi and Soroptimist Dernegi. As a Soroptimist, I worked for the foundations of “ Kadinin Statusu” for District of Gemlik, under the Department of Children and Families.. I moved to Florida two and a half years ago. I have been on the Board of Directors for Florida Turkish American Association, organizing and managing Vocal Group Activities for two years. I am recently working as an Assistant Teacher for Kids Academy Learning Center and a teacher for South Florida Turkish School and Board Director for The Voice Group at the Turkish School.
Mutlu Atagun, MD Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Dr. Atagun was born in Sarikamis, Turkey and graduated from Erenkoy Girls High School and in 1945 established the Graduates of Erenkoy Girls High School Association.  She graduated from medical school as the youngest in her class in 1950.  After her marriage she immigrated to the US and astonished the newspaper reporter with her modern uniform who was expecting a conservatively dressed Moslem doctor. She continued her medical training and internship at Saginaw General Hospital and Baltimore City Hospital.  She returned to Turkey in 1956 and after completing her internship worked at Sureyya Pasha Sanatorium as Chief of Internal Medicine.   She and her family returned to the US and she continued to work at Detroit Hospital and Baltimore City Hospitals are Assistant in Internal Medicine departments. Dr. Atagun was instrumental in founding Washington Turkish Women’s Associations, Turkish Children Foster Care association and helping construct rural schools in Turkey.  She has received many awards both from the foundations she help found and different universities where she lectured.  She continues to be a pillar of the Turkish American community.
Victoria Barrett Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Victoria Barrett has 20 years experience in the entertainment industry as a producer, director, writer and actor. Ms. Barrett’s most recent production is Desperate Hours, an inspiring but little known story about Turkey and the Holocaust in World War II: how a Muslim country gave refuge to German Jews; how its diplomats saved Jews from concentration camps; and how Monsignor Angelo Roncalli, Apostolic Delegate in Istanbul during the war and Pope John 23rd from 1958 to 1963, helped save Eastern European Jews. She is director, producer and co-executive producer. Desperate Hours  was shot in Super 16mm in five countries: Israel, Turkey, Italy, Austria and the United States. . Desperate Hours was the Grand Jury Winner and Audience Award Winner at the DC Independent Film Festival in 2003. While living abroad, she produced, co-wrote and hosted the documentary film “The Forgotten Holy Land”, the history of Christianity in ancient Asia Minor and other parts of modern Turkey. This film was shot in Super 16mm in 15 locations throughout Turkey in a challenging schedule of five weeks. Locales included remote areas in the east such as Mt. Ararat, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Ephesus and Istanbul. Ms. Barrett was presented with a Special Award by the American- Turkish Council in 2002 in recognition for her documentaries which  ”interpret Turkish culture and history to the world.”
Nilgun Bici Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Nilgun Bici was born in Istanbul and moved to United States in 1973. She is an educator with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is married to Izzet and they have a 20-year old son Kaan. The Bicis are the owners and administrators of two nationally accredited pre-schools serving 250 children. Nilgun is the founder of Weekend Turkish School of South Florida. Purpose of the school is to teach Ataturk's principles, Turkish culture, history, language, music, folklore dances to children 5-14 years of age. This mission is achieved by our qualified teachers and dedicated parents. She is also the founder and the president of V.O.I.C.E.( Volunteers Of International Culture & Education) which was formed to help elementary schools in Turkey in various ways.
Meltem  (Cetin) Buyukonat Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Meltem (Buyukonat) Cetin was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1971. She pursued her scholastic education in various schools and locations from the very beginning, including Don Bosco (Brussels, Belgium), Notre Dame de Sion (Istanbul, Turkey) and Ankara Ozel Tevfik Fikret Lisesi (Ankara, Turkey). Following her high school graduation, Meltem Cetin became an exchange student with Rotary International, where she spent one year with Rotarian families in Fort Worth, Texas, and obtained her (second) high school diploma from Eastern Hills High Schools (1990). Meltem Cetin earned her BA degree in International Relations from Istanbul University in 1994 and her MBA degree from California State University Long Beach in 1998. Mrs. Cetin works for Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consulting company since 1999, where she is currently the Industry Manager for Patient Monitoring Group. Her primary responsibility is the overall strategic planning, development, and management of the patient monitoring group. She ensures quality in Frost & Sullivan products through her understanding of the market, research and analytical capabilities, and communication skills.  Prior to her current employment, Mrs. Cetin was an AIESEC intern at Underwater Systems, Inc and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in California, for a total of 1.5 years. Meltem Cetin has been involved in many international and professional organizations at various levels in the past, including Rotex Club, Rotaract Club, AIESEC and Turkish Business Forum. She is currently member of Daughters of Ataturk and ABD-ANA group. She is also supporting her husband in TAAF (Turkish American Alliance for Fairness) agendas. Meltem Cetin has been living in California, USA since 1995, and has been married to Ercan Cetin since 1998. She has one daughter born in 2003. Mrs. Cetin enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and traveling. She is also an amateur theater actor and performed in local theaters. Meltem Cetin and her husband live in the heart of Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, California, USA.
Nuket Cehreli Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Nuket Cehreli was born in Turkey.  After completing high school, she worked as a ground hostess for the Turkish Airlines.  She moved to the US in 1975 after her marriage to Turgay.  They have a daughter, Ceyda.  Nuket is an accomplished painter and designer and completed her studies in Interior Design.  She has been involved with the Turkish American community for many years, most recently as one of the founding members of TALL (Turkish American Ladies League), a new chapter of ATASC.  She also has designed many of the invitations, brochures for the Turkish American community including the Turkish American Friendship Benefit Concert Dinner in 2001.
Semahat Demir Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Semahat Demir is the daughter of Prof. Dr. Halit Demir (Civil, Structural and Earthquake Engineering Professor of Istanbul Technical University) and economist Guner Demir.  Semahat Demir was born in Istanbul, Turkey.  She graduated from Robert College (junior high school 1981 and senior high school 1984) as her brother and sister did.  Influenced by her father, Halit Demir, very distinguished civil, structural and earthquake engineering professor at the Istanbul Technical University, she decided to do an undergraduate degree in engineering and then to apply her engineering and math knowledge into medicine. The citation in the Distinguished New Engineer Award that Dr. Semahat Demir received reads  “Semahat Siddika Demir, Ph.D., embraces Society of Women Engineers’ mission daily through her cutting-edge research in cardiac electrophysiology; her exceptional leadership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society; her inspirational teaching of promising scholars; her outstanding outreach to women, minorities, and the international community; and her dedicated service to Society of Women Engineers. Please refer to http://ssd1.bme.memphis.edu/~sdemir for her complete CV.
Fazilet Demirezen Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Fazilet Demirezen was born in Kandira, Izmit on March 5, 1950. She graduated from the University of Istanbul, Faculty of Law, in 1972. She has since been working as a lawyer, concentrating on all fields of law, but mostly family law and law of inheritance. She worked in the Association of Social Solidarity and Assistance for 5 years. Their mission there was to bring in psychologists specialized in pedagogy in order to help educate women in the way they are treating the children. They would also bring doctors to talk about family planning in low-income neighborhoods, organize educational seminars in the municipal buildings to teach women how to make hygiene foods , the importance of hygiene, and tell them that they needed to allow their daughters to have education. She was selected to the board of directors of the Association later on and she served as the vice president for 18 years. She made efforts to provide many families with clothing, food, fuel and students with scholarships. She has been the vice president for Yucel Old Age Asylum Association of Preservation and Revival for 3 years. The women jurists’ web all over Turkey, Turkish Bar Association Women Jurists Commission TÜBAKKOM was founded in 1999. She was representing the Karabük Bar.She was assigned the job of TÜBAKKOM presidency of Karadeniz Region in the first meeting held. She worked for establishing TÜBAKKOM in 16 bars that functioned under her. She was awarded with a crystal statuette of Ataturk in the general assembly because of her efficient efforts that led to the establishment of 13 TÜBAKKOMs in the first year. She is the first person to have ever received this award and she feels very proud and honored to have it.
Huma Gruaz Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Huma Gruaz is a public relations executive, media spokesperson, entrepreneur, artist, curator, former president of Turkish American Cultural Alliance and has recently joined forces with her classmate Koray Yilmaz, (RC 85) along with 3 other partners to find tulumba.com the largest online Turkish megastore in the US carrying over 45,000 articles including product lines of Turkish giants such as Vakko, Kutahya porcelain and Divan.  Forming a bridge between Turkey and US, Tulumba has been mentioned as the “Turkish amazon.com” in an extensive article in the Chicago Tribune Newspaper as well as other print media both in the United States and in Turkey. As vice-president of Blair Worldwide, Inc., Huma has been using her expertise in marketing and public relations to promote the image of Turkey in the United States through her volunteer and professional work. She was instrumental in organizing the Istanbul leg of a major media tour bringing the largest and the most prestigious group of media from US and North America to US as part of a world cuisine expedition.  Huma also led the public relations efforts of the first Chicago Turkish Festival organized by TACA and securing unprecedented live TV coverage and media print placements bringing valuable media exposure to Turkey. Huma is also the frontrunner in initiation of a much needed project for Turkey: With the support of her associate, Patrick Rummerfield, world’s only fully recovered quadriplegic and an Iron Man Athlete who works closely with Christopher Reeve, she is in the process of bringing together a team to establish the first modern rehab center in Turkey in conjunction with one of the world's largest medical and spinal cord injury rehab centers based in St. Louis. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a double major in Fine Arts and Economics, Huma got her Masters in Fine Arts in Rotterdam Art Academy in the Netherlands.  Huma has been leading the double life of a corporate executive and an artist since. He art work was exhibited in the Netherlands, in 7 major museums in Turkey as well as in the United States. She is currently the exhibiting artist as well as the curator of  Gallery 415 located in downtown Chicago and her work is owned by private collectors in Europe and in the United States. A recipient of “Outstanding Athlete” and “Alumni Association Arts Award” during Robert College graduation in 1985, Huma is a former national swimming champion, record holder and member of the national team. Huma is fluent in Turkish, English, French and Dutch.  She lives in Chicago with her two children Jonathan and Celine. For information on Huma’s art go to: www.mikic.com/huma. To contact her: Humagruaz@rcn.com.
Engin Inel Holmstrom Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Dr. Engin Inel Holmstrom, Ph.D, was born and raised in Turkey. Following her graduation from the American College for Girls in Istanbul, she came to Duke University on a Fulbright scholarship and received her MA and PhD degrees in Sociology. After settling in Washington area in 1968 and teaching at various universities, she moved into the area of social policy research. She has over 50 publications dealing with higher education issues, women's rights, and health professions training. She has also been active in the Turkish American community, editing the local Turkish-American association's newsletter for 16 years as well as serving as its president for three terms.
Binnur Karaevli Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Binnur Karaevli is an award-winning film director and producer.  She was born and raised in Turkey.  She attended Robert College High School in Istanbul.  She received her BFA from Carnegie-Mellon University in Drama and started her career as a theatre director in 1989.  She received the prestigious Bud Yorkin Directing Award, for her work in directing theatre, right out of college.  She worked at the Los Angeles Theatre Center as a director and a literary manager.  In 1991, she founded the "Platform", an acclaimed political cabaret.  She attended University of Southern California’s Graduate Film School and earned her MFA in 1996.   Her short narrative films,  "Dance of the Whirling Dervish" and "Evelyn of the Desert" received top prizes from several festivals including, Nürnberg International Film Festival, Germany; New Orleans International Film Festival; and Istanbul International Film Festival.  She has worked on many independent documentaries and narrative films in the US, Germany and Turkey.  She has extensive international producing credits for many commercial production companies including RIDLEY SCOTT & ASSOCIATES.  When she worked on PBS/BBC documentary, The Great War, as a researcher and coordinator, she did extensive work with the Ottoman Archives in Turkey.  She has also produced and directed a short documentary, Global Friendship for the Space Camp Turkey in Izmir and Global Friendship Foundation in Los Angeles.  Binnur produced and directed "Searching for Paradise", a documentary about cultural identity, which won the Best Documentary awards at the Moondance International Film Festival and WinFemme Film Festival in 2002.  “Searching for Paradise”, mostly shot in Istanbul, is a film about living between the East and the West; Islam and Christianity; the demands of tradition and the urgency of the present.  She is currently working on several documentaries about modern Turkey and the Ottoman Empire and a narrative feature that takes place in Turkey.  She could be reached at: binnur@earthlink.net
Sheilah Kaufman Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Bringing the flavors of the world into homes and kitchens is Sheilah Kaufman's greatest gift. As the author of 24 delectable cookbooks and a culinary instructor for more than 36 years, Sheilah has shared her great passion for richly flavored, no-fuss food and cooking with thousands of home chefs across the nation.   Known by students and home chefs as the spokeswoman for all things "fearless and fussless," Sheilah brings to the table uniquely refreshing and creative recipes that are practical and easy while maintaining a delicious elegance.  In her latest book, A Taste of Turkish Cuisine, (Hippocrene Books, 2002 written with Nur Ilkin) Sheilah shares with her readers the deeply beautiful tapestry of Turkish food and culture, offering a multitude of delicious and healthy recipes that can easily be re-created in the American home and kitchen.
Leyla Kizilirmak Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Born in Istanbul, she earned a BA in International Relations at Istanbul University. Later she lived in London, England for almost 2 years and helped Oxfam. A plan to move to a village in Africa to help kids as an Oxfam volunteer was interrupted by her marriage to Bora. They have been living in Mississauga, Canada, with their daughter Ada. Combining her diversified rich culture with her love for chocolate and coffee, she launched her web site: www.SiegeofVienna.com
Tahire Kocturk Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award I was born in Izmir in 1945. I grew up in Columbia, Mo and in Ankara. I studied Nutrition and Dietetics at Hacettepe university in Ankara. I thereafter received a M.Sci degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn in 1968. I returned to Turkey in 1970 and was employed at the ministry of Health until 1979. During my stay in Turkey I received a Ph D from Hacettepe university. In 1980 I left Turkey and settled down in Stockholm, Sweden. I have held several employments in this country. My most recent employment is at the Dept of Family Health of Karolinska institute, a major medical university in Scandinavia. I have carried out several research projects professionally, in public health and nutrition-related topics. I am also, privately, engaged i questions dealing with women’s rights, religion, food customs and culture. The greater part of my publications consist of scientific articles in my professional area. I have also two published translations, one of which is a translation into Turkish of Betty Friedans book “The Feminine Mystique”. I am the author of the book “A Matter of Honor”, which is a study of Turkish women at home and abroad. This book was published in English (1992) and Swedish (1991) and has awakened some international interest. I am presently working on two new books, one of which will be a cook book on food from Izmir. I am divorced. I have two adult children, one grandson and three cats. I speak fluent Turkish, English and Swedish.
Ayhan Aytekin Lash, PhD, RN, FAAN Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Professor; Northern Illinois University PhD: The University of Chicago MSN: Wayne State University BSN:  Wayne State University               One of Dr. Lash’s most important contributions to the Turkish community in the Chicago area has been the founding of the Turkish American Women’s Scholarship Fund (TAWSF)in 1989. The aim of TAWSF is to provide financial assistance to needy university-bound women in Turkey. Dr. Lash served as the President of TAWSF for seven years. Subsequently, she assumed the positions of secretary, treasurer, corresponding secretary, and internal auditor. Dr. Lash wrote the by-laws and the operating procedures of the organization making it a truly reliable and a highly respected charitable organization. Through the generous contributions of the local Turkish-American community, starting with two students in 1989, TAWSF so far has provided university scholarship to 28 women in Turkey. More significantly, TAWSF also has served to unite local Turkish American women with a common mission that also brings the Turkish American community together during its fund raising activities. These fund-raising activities include concerts by Turkish musicians and scholarly presentations on topics related to Turkish history, economics, education, art and culture. In addition, Dr. Lash worked with several local organizations to advance the image of Turkey.  She was a member of the steering committee that assisted in the establishment of the Kanuni Chair at the University of Chicago. The fund raising activities of this committee raised close to $100,000. The Turkish government offered an additional donation making the Kanuni Chair a reality in year in 1996. The work of the Kanuni Chair researchers will present a richer and more balanced historical perspective of Turkey to the outside world.
Fevziye Manizade, MD Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Dr. Manizade was born in Bozuyuk, Turkey.  She graduated from Istanbul Medical University in 1955 and moved to North Carolina in 1956 to do her internship.  She received her degree in Anesthesiology.  She married her classmate Dr. Ali Manizade.  The Manizades were hoping to settle in Cyprus but due to political problems in Cyprus, Dr. Ali Manizade, even though he was born and raised there, was not permitted to work there.  Consequently, the Manizades moved to the USA.  She retired from the medical field in 1996.  Dr. Manizade is a member of Maryland Medical Society and Prince Georges County Medical Society.  Dr. Manizade has been very active in the Turkish American community through her relentless work at MATA (Maryland Turkish American Association), ATA-DC (Turkish American Association in Washington, DC), ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations), WTWA (Washington Turkish Women Association, FTAA (Florida Turkish American Association), Daughters of Ataturk, and TF (Turkish Forum).
Kenize Mourad Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Kenize Mourad is a journalist.  She is the daughter of Princess Selma of the Ottoman Empire and an Indian Rajah.  Her novel “From a Dead Princess” brought her international fame.  She has since then written “The Garden of Badalpur” as a sequel to the first book.  Her books have been published in many languages.
Hilal Nakipoglu Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Hilal Nakiboglu was born in Australia and raised in Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United States. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), earning B.S. and M.S. degrees in genetics. While there, she served as the sole graduate student advisor to the past and present presidents of the University. Through this position, Hilal was able to become a voice and advocate for the University of Maryland's 9,000+ graduate student community. At UMD Hilal helped identify and clone a proto-oncogene in the fruit fly. She also served as the Vice President of her student government. Currently, Hilal is pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education management. She hopes to become a senior university administrator someday. In 2002, Hilal became the first Turkish person to be selected as a Columnist for the Daily Pennsylvanian newspaper, a print and electronic circular.  The paper reaches over 40,000 readers a day. Through her writing, Hilal has managed to draw necessary attention to issues around being a minority in the United States. This past year, she has published four of her short stories in various print and online magazines. Her hope is to help fill the  void in mass media where voices of Turkish authors and advocates should be. She is also currently a contributing writer for the Turkish-American community guide: Turkuaz. For more information about Hilal, please visit her website at: http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~hilaln.
Munevver Ozdil Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Munevver Ozdil is a pillar of the Turkish American community in New York.  She was one of the first instructors of the ATA Primary School in New York as well as being instrumental in its establishment.   For the past 54 years that she has lived in New York, she has been continually involved with the Turkish American youth, organizations and clubs.
Feryal Ozel Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award
Hilkat Ozgun Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Hilkat Ozgun was born at Corum, Turkey in 1957 into a family with strong educational and community service values. Hilkat’s father, Galip Guler, graduated from Hasanoglan Village Institute and worked for twelve years as a village school teacher and leader. This work included improving agricultural methods, housing, hygiene and political awareness as well as teaching. Galip Guler’s work ethic and service to the community greatly influenced Hilkat. At eleven years of age she joined her father in opening a new primary school in a village with no electricity or roads. Here, Hilkat worked as a teacher’s aid and continued her own education through reading textbooks.This hard work and dedication led to Hilkat obtaining a scholarship to study at Halide Edip Kiz Lisesi in Ankara. The family moved to Germany in 1972 and Hilkat joined them for school holidays. In 1982 Hilkat graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Middle East Technical University, Ankara. Following employment with Ozkasikci Bulkon Food & Feeding Inc as Chief Chemist, Hilkat, in 1984, turned to teaching at Kale Private School, Ankara and later in 1985 at Ataturk Anatolian High School as Chemistry teacher. In 1986, Hilkat was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in education from Hacettepe University, Ankara. With husband Sinan, Hilkat moved to Australia in 1988, set up home in Melbourne and she and Sinan have been blessed with two beautiful children. Hilkat joined CSIRO, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia’s largest scientific research agency with 6500 employees worldwide. Despite family and community commitments, Hilkat continued to study and in 1996 she graduated a Master of Applied Science from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.  During the course of this Master’s Degree, Hilkat made a discovery that is used in the manufacture of automotive batteries. In 2000, Hilkat was awarded the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal for her work on the development and construction of a novel type of battery that is exhibited around the world at International Motor Shows in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles. Over 40 technical papers by Hilkat Ozgun have been published in scientific journals and at CSIRO. Despite this heavy workload and family commitments, Hikat has given generously of her time to the Turkish community in Australia and in Turkey. She has been involved in a number of large projects of a philanthropic nature. A registered teacher, Hilkat has helped with the education of Turkish children on weekends to ensure that they do not forget their language and culture.  Following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, Hilkat Ozgun organised the collection of large amounts of toys, clothes and money to assist the victims. Hilkat’s campaign led to the establishment of the first Toy Library, a concept that has been embraced and developed by officials in Turkey. Hilkat Ozgun is heavily involved with ILKYAR (Ilkogretim Okullarina Yardim Vakfi) and continues to promote this worthy organisation throughout Australia. Not only has she raised money for ILKYAR but Hilkat has organised an Australian school to raise money for a “Sister” school in Turkey. This is now an ongoing project, which will greatly benefit schools in Turkey and strengthen the bonds between Turkey and Australia. In August 2003, Hilkat organised a function to honour Mehmet Arpaci, a 74 year-old volunteer newspaper reporter and photographer, for his sixty years of contribution to the Turkish community. Over 400 people attended, an example of Hilkat’s ability to inspire the community and to unite them in worthwhile enterprises. With an insatiable desire to learn, Hilkat also has a certificate of Travel and Tourism, writes a regular column in a Turkish newspaper. She is Founder of Middle east Technical University Alumni- Australia and enjoys a busy social life with many friends.  Hilkat Ozgun is an excellent role model for young Turkish ladies. She is a person with high moral values and integrity. A warm, engaging personality, Hilkat gives generously of her time and talents to her community. She is passionate in her efforts to improve the lives of others both here in Australia and in Turkey.
HRH Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award HRH Queen Rania Al-Abdullah 1970 to a notable Jordanian family of Palestinian origin. She completed her primary and secondary education in Kuwait, and in 1991 obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo. Upon her graduation from university, Queen Rania returned to Jordan and pursued a career in banking, followed by a brief career in the field of Information Technology. His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein (then Prince) married Queen Rania on June 10, 1993. As First Lady, Queen Rania's activities encompass issues of national concern, such as the environment, youth, human rights, tourism, and culture, among others. She also has a special interest in several core issues: the development of income-generating projects and the advancement of best practices in the field of microfinance, the promotion of family safety and the protection of children from violence, the promotion of Early Childhood Development, and the incorporation of Information Technology into the educational system; and the promotion of tourism and the preservation of Jordan’s heritage.
Jehan Sadat Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Since childhood, Jehan Sadat has had a desire to participate in the destiny of her people. Over the years she has fulfilled this wish by devoting herself to public service and to improving the status of women in Egypt. Born in Upper Egypt in 1933, she married Anwar Sadat at the age of 16. During the course of their thirty-two year marriage, she earned a Bachelor's in Arabic Language and a Master's in Literature from Cairo University. One of Sadat's many accomplishments is the establishment of a women's emancipation, education, and training society. Now known as the Talla Society, this group trains women in various handicrafts, and pay the tuition of nearly one thousand secondary school and university students.
Ozge Saritosun Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Ozge Saritosun is currently doing  her MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and received her BA in Economics from Harvard University with cum laude honors. As an IBM Business Consulting Services, she has worked on Strategic Analysis - Assessed market opportunity for promotions delivered on wireless phones. Evaluated industry attractiveness, forecasted top line growth to build business case for alliances across various technology platforms. -  Developed new product launch strategy for a $500B global consumer product goods consortium. Client set aside $2.2M funding based on recommendations. Quantitative Analysis -  Performed analyses to quantify economic impact of 9/11 attacks on media sector in NYC. Recommendations presented to U.S. Congress. 80% of recommendations implemented prompting $2.7B+ in reinvestment to NYC. -  Identified global expansion and acquisition strategy for $4.7B global information services provider. Recommendations focused on Asian media sectors. Project resulted in three acquisitions valued at $138M. Client Relationship & Project Management -  Managed a team of four analysts to generate strategic and tactical plan to build a 170-country fiber optic network. Finished project two weeks ahead of schedule. -  Led a team of client representatives and suppliers to create the first New York New Media Industry Climate Study. Results were presented at industry conference and published in NY Times and WSJ. -  Worked cross functionally with sales, product management, and pricing teams to review business operations. Simplification suggestions generated $10M annual savings representing 15% of expense budget. Additional Information -  Past President of Rotaract Club (United Nations-NY) - Women of Distinction Award Daughters of Atatürk Society for    leadership in community service initiatives -  Languages: Turkish (native) and French (fluent)
Aysan Sev'er Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Aysan Sev'er is a first-generation Turkish-Canadian. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on gender relations and sociology of family at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on problematic issues in women's lives, such as separation and divorce, sexual harassment, and violence by male partners. She is interested in extreme forms of violence against women in some of the developing countries, and how the local and the international communities can combine forces towards the elimination of such violence. For more information on Aysan Sev’er visit www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~socsci/sever
Emel Singer Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Emel Singer, President/CEO of Banner Personnel Service, Inc. in Chicago, IL arrived from Turkey in the summer of 1960 as a high school exchange student in a small farming community in Central Illinois, met her husband Jim in her second year of college and got married upon graduation from Bradley University in Peoria, IL.    As an Alumnus, Emel has served on the Bradley Council as well as the Parents’ Board and is currently serving a second term as a member of the Board of Trustees.  As Fundraising Co-Chair for The Amuq Valley Archaeological Project of The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, Emel has raised funds for archaeological digs that Professor Aslihan Yener (another Daughter of Ataturk) is excavating in the Hatay region of Southwestern Turkey.  Emel was also instrumental in establishing the Kanuni Suleyman Professorship of Ottoman and Modern Turkish History of the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Dept. at the University of Chicago.  She is a frequent guest speaker for students at the University of Illinois in Chicago, School of Entrepreneurial Studies where she was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 1993.  Emel was recently recognized in the 9/8/2003 issue of Crain's Chicago Business’  “Chicago's Largest Women-Owned Firms” and has consistently been included in Crain’s top 25 listing of “Chicago’s Largest Staffing Firms”.   She is currently a member of the Turkish Culture Group of the International Women Associates (IWA) of Chicago and also of the Turkish American Cultural Alliance (TACA). Emel’s biography is included in the 2000-‘01 and 1995-‘96 issues of “Who’s Who of American Women”;  1995 and 2000 issues of “Who’s Who in America” and 1998-‘99 as well as 1994-‘95 issues of “Who’s Who in the Midwest” of the Marquis Who’s Who Publications, New Providence, NJ.  Recognized in 1997 as one of “100 Women Making a Difference” in Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine ,  Emel was a Finalist in the Turn Around category of the 1996 Entrepreneur of the Year Award as well as the 1993 Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by INC Magazine, Merrill Lynch and Ernst & Young.  In May 1993, Emel received the Certificate of Recognition from the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners as one of “Chicago’s Top 25 Women Business Owners”.  That same year she also received recognition as the “Second Alumni Master” at Bradley University. Emel lives in Chicago and has two adult children.   Her son, Justin M. Singer is a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade (also a graduate of Bradley University) and her daughter, Jodi M. Singer is a Physical Therapist in Steamboat Springs, CO.
Gunay Smith Winner of the2003 Women of Distinction Award Gunay Cizmeci-Smith was born in Erzurum,Turkey. in 1948. She is the daughter of late Mustafa Sidki Uyar (an officer who served in Turkish army long years) and his surviving spouse Sevim Sidki Uyar. She was raised in a family who believed in the Ataturk Reforms and cherished the things which these reforms made possible for Turkish women throughout her life. She received her undergraduate and graduate education in Robert College and Bogazici University in Chemical Engineering in Istanbul,Turkey and PhD degree in Biochemistry in Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical School . Gunay Cizmeci-Smith worked as scientist in TUBITAK between 1979-1982. She won Eczacibasi Medicine Award in 1982 with the project supported by Thrombosis and Hemostasis Unit of TUBITAK. She received Associate Prof title from YOK in 1986. Between 1987-1989 she worked at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA as postdoctoral fellow , between 1989-1997, at Geisinger Medical Center Cardiovascular Research Center in Danville, Pennsylvania ,USA as associate scientist and between 1997-1998 she worked as Assistant Professor in Pennsylvania State University, USA. Between 1998-2000 Gunay Cizmeci-Smith joined to Bilkent University Molecular Biology and Genetics Department as Associate professor. Currently she is a faculty member in Southside Virginia Community College Arts and Sciences Department., Virginia, USA. Dr. Gunay Cizmeci-Smith published several articles in life sciences research, mainly in vascular molecular biology, thrombosis and atherosclerosis. She has presented her work in International scientific meetings in Turkey, in Europe and in the USA. She has served in several organizational committees of scientific meetings in Turkey. Gunay Cizmeci -Smith recently is involved in the rural area education in the community college settings which involves distant education ,on-line education, independent projects and tutoring to meet the needs of mostly adult women students. These women have to work full time at different shifts and they have children but most of the time they do not have any male support at home for several reasons . Even under these circumstances they try to get a degree or certificate to make a difference in their life. As a sponsoring faculty of Math and Science Club in the College, Dr.Smith is encouraging these women to have education in science , engineering and .medicine fields where women generally are underrepresented. Gunay Cizmeci -Smith likes Turkish folk dances and folk music. She is an active member of North Carolina ATA ’ s Classical Turkish Music Chorus. She was one of the organizers of Women’s Day in Durham as an ATA-NC activity .on March 8 2002. (http//atanc.org/activities) She has supported Alzheimer Walk, Relay for Life Walk and American Heart Walks in the past years. Recently she has been invited to be a member of fund raising committee in local YMCA.She is married with Dr David Smith, a scientist and educator. She has two children .Daglar Cizmeci(26)and Pinar Smith(14).
Eser Turan Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Eser Turan is known by most Turkish-Americans as the director and editor-in-chief of Turkuaz magazine (www.turkuaz.us, although she is actually an architect and designer by profession. A philanthropist at heart, Eser's love of Turkey combined with her passion to support the Turkish-American community and enthusiasm to present Turkish culture to Americans rose to new heights in 2002, leading her to launch a unique communication tool for Turkish-Americans under the name of Turkuaz. Turkuaz is a 48 page quarterly color publication, written, edited, prepared and distributed by volunteering Turks and their fellow Americans. Eser organizes this grassroots effort, while directing the editorial content, graphic layout and overall quality. With thousands of readers and about 700 official subscribers within its first year of publication, Turkuaz magazine has quickly become a nationwide cultural guide covering community news from coast to coast for the Turkish-American population in the US.  It offers reviews and recommendations on contemporary Turkish culture and features inspiring interviews of Turkish-American profiles of success. Furthermore Turkuaz magazine has managed to sustain an equal readership of Turks, Americans and Turkish-Americans. A graduate of Uskudar American Academy in Istanbul, Eser studied her undergraduate in architecture at Istanbul Technical University, where she was the class representative, event organizer and co-founder of the school paper, Beyaz Duvar. During her studies she attended many international workshops throughout Europe representing Turkey with her design ideas. After a year of professional experience in architecture and interiors at A&A Mimarlik in Istanbul, she continued her studies in the US at University of California at Berkeley, where she also taught design studios during her masters program. Eser has over six years of professional experience at various renowned architecture firms in San Francisco, including HOK, Inc., one of the top architectural corporations in the world.
Engin Turkalp Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Engin was a graduate from law school with 13 years of practice in Istanbul.  Engin couldn’t speak English and was unable to practice law in the U.S.  Engin created new occupations for herself.  She joined English classes and extended her activities.  With her effort TAFAH (Turkish-American Friendship Association of Hawaii) was established in 1975, and she was elected as its President.  Thanks to other Turkish people on the island, many social and cultural activities, including highly successful nights at the Blaisdale Center, Mc Coy Pavilion and Pacific Regent Hotel, have been established now and Turks made an impression and have a voice in Hawaii.  Later TAFAH joined ATAA, mother of all the Turkish societies in U.S.A. Engin, true to the Turkish meaning of her name (boundless or open sea) became a household name in Hawaii’s society.  Those who couldn’t pronounce her name in Turkish, called her “Engine” in English. That was OK because she worked like a steam engine. As the years passed she became a Lioness.  Soon she took all the Lionesses in Hawaii under her domain and became the President of Lioness Club of Hawaii.  I remember seeing her in Waikiki in July 1989, where she was greeting the Lion and Lioness club members of Turkey in the world convention held in Honolulu.  The following year she was invited as a guest speaker at the Rotary Club and Lioness Club in Istanbul.
Zeynep Ucbasaran Winner of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award Pianist Zeynep Ucbasaran was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She entered the Istanbul Conservatory at age four - one of the youngest ever to be admitted. In 1987 Ucbasaran started her studies in the Liszt Academy of Music in  Budapest, where she worked with Prof. Zempleni Kornel, Prof. Katalin Nemes (pupil of Bela Bartok), Balazs Kecskes, and Prof. Istvan Lantos. After obtaining her Teacher and Concert Artist Diploma in 1994, she continued her studies in Hochschule für Musik, Freiburg, Germany and obtained her Diploma in Aufbaustudium I. Her graduate degrees in Piano Performance are from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Zeynep Ucbasaran was an award winner in both 1996 and 2000 International Los Angeles Liszt Competitions. Her awards include American Liszt Society Award, the Rozsnyai Memorial Award, Ina Broida Award, University of Southern California Associates Music Merit Scholarship, and MAA 2001 Aspen Summer Music Festival Scholarship. She has given solo recitals and concerts in Turkey, Egypt, Sweden, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia, and the United States. Her recordings of the music of Franz Liszt "Santa Barbara Liszt Album", and Franz Schubert"Virtuoso Schubert" for Eroica Classical Recordings, won high critical  praise. Her most recent work for Eroica is "Liszt/Sonata in B Minor". Since 1996 she has been livingin Santa Barbara, California. Further information on the artist is available on the internet at http://www.zupiano.com
Organizations of Distinction Award
Friends of Merzifon Friends of Merzifon of Pleasant Hill, California, is a sister city to Merzifon, Amasya, Turkey.  It was incorporated in 2000 as a private, non-profit, public benefit, 501(c)(3) corporation under the guidelines of Sister Cities International.  President Eisenhower established the Sister Cities organization in the 1950s as a means of  fostering peace, friendship, and cooperation at the grassroots level between the peoples of many countries. Friends of Merzifon's activities and projects have included official visits between our two cities, teacher and student exchanges, the delivery and distribution of 280 wheelchairs in Merzifon and the surrounding villages, and the contribution of electronic equipment and books to the schools and the public library.   Please refer to www.FriendsOfMerzifon.org for photos and articles.