Post by Onuralp Demirer

For the past six months, I’ve been serving as the Next Generation Lead for the Global Turks Foundation’s New York Chapter. When we started this journey, our goal was straightforward: ensure that tomorrow’s Turkish leaders; “the next generation”, have consistent channels to learn from and connect with the leaders of today. Last night at the Turkish Consulate General in New York was the first of many moments where we saw that seed begin to bear fruit. We brought together pioneers of the Turkish-American community with a next generation talent pool that is as capable and driven as any I’ve seen, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of both the effort and that pool. While so many have contributed to making last night possible, I would like to extend my gratitude to: His Excellency Consul General Muhittin Ahmet Yazal and the extended Embassy officials for hosting us at the Turkevi Center; M. Zeynep Solak and Nar Restaurant NYC who provided us with a spectacular catering experience; our panelists Can Sanay, Ece Kamar and Elif Kınlı for grounding us in how much we share as Global Turks, regardless of the diversity of our paths. On a more personal level, the appreciation extends to the Global Turks New York Chapter leadership team for being the best mentors I could have asked for, ones who trusted me as their equal, gave me room to learn while also leaving space to lead, which is perhaps the most fitting reflection of this Foundation’s mission. Co-Presidents Kaan Dagalti and Asli de Munnink, BS, MS, MBA, Entrepreneurship & Startup Ecosystem Lead Cigdem Toraman , and Community & Engagement Lead Beril Afsar: I am grateful for each one of you and look forward to everything this group will accomplish together. Last but not least, the Founder & President Ayşegül Dicle Aydın, Vice President Bahadır Kaleağası, Chapters Leader & Board Member Özge BULUT MARASLI , and Director Özge Karagöz for travelling from Europe to witness the fruition of our collective efforts over the past 6 months, and Irem Erbengi & Mert Yaziksiz for their contributions in ensuring the night was a success on such short notice.