TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - Community Leadership & Civic Impact
- Written by Admin TOA
- Published in Associations
The **Community Leadership & Civic Impact** category recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have strengthened the Turkish American community through civic engagement, volunteerism, nonprofit leadership, cultural initiatives, and public service. These finalists have demonstrated an enduring commitment to building stronger communities, encouraging civic participation, and fostering meaningful connections between cultures.
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## Ali Rıza Doğan
**Owner, Ali Baba Restaurant**
Ali Rıza Doğan is a respected entrepreneur and longtime community supporter whose contributions extend beyond the hospitality industry. As the owner of Ali Baba Restaurant, he has helped create a welcoming gathering place for Turkish Americans while actively supporting charitable initiatives, cultural events, and community organizations throughout the region. His longstanding commitment has strengthened community relationships and promoted Turkish culture in the United States.
**Profile**
*(https://www.today.com/food/people/nyc-restaurateur-offers-shelter-to-homeless-people-rcna331963)*
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## Hülya Koç
**Co-Founder, ETAC | Community Leader & Angel Investor**
Hülya Koç is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and community leader dedicated to empowering professionals and entrepreneurs within the Turkish American community. As Co-Founder of ETAC, she has helped develop initiatives that encourage leadership, mentorship, networking, and business collaboration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to community development and supporting the next generation of leaders.
**Profile**
*https://etacusa.org/member/hulya-koc/*
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## Hüseyin Bayram
**Owner & President, Toros Restaurants | Former Deputy Mayor of Paterson**
Hüseyin Bayram is a successful restaurateur and former Deputy Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey. Throughout his public service and business career, he has actively supported civic engagement, cultural diversity, and local economic development. His leadership has strengthened relationships between the Turkish American community and local government while encouraging greater community participation.
**Profile**
*https://www.tapinto.net/towns/paterson/sections/food-and-drink/articles/huseyin-bayram-owner-of-toros-gets-key-to-the-city*
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## Murat Akaydın
**Founding Board Chair (2020–2026), Generation Vote Education Fund**
Murat Akaydın is the Founding Board Chair of the Generation Vote Education Fund, where he has championed civic education, youth engagement, and democratic participation. Through educational initiatives and community outreach, he has worked to encourage informed citizenship while helping strengthen leadership opportunities for younger generations within diverse communities.
**Profile**
[https://generationvote.org](https://generationvote.org)
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## Dr. Murat Taş
**Honorary President, ATA San Antonio**
Dr. Murat Taş has devoted many years to serving the Turkish American community through civic leadership, educational initiatives, and nonprofit engagement. As Honorary President of ATA San Antonio, he has supported cultural preservation, community outreach, and programs that strengthen relationships between Turkish Americans and their local communities. His leadership has contributed to the continued growth and visibility of Turkish American organizations in Texas.
**Profile**
*https://www.atlas.edu.tr/uploads/uluslararasi/cv/Prof-Dr-Murat-Tas.pdf*
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## Sema Başol
**Co-Founder, Turkish Women Initiative**
Sema Başol is Co-Founder of the Turkish Women Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting leadership, education, and professional development among Turkish American women. Through mentorship programs, networking events, and community engagement, she has helped empower women while encouraging greater participation in civic and professional life.
**Profile**
*https://www.thetwi.org/personnel/sema-basol/ ---
## Tuğba Öztürk Arslan
**Senior Software Engineer, Microsoft | TALL**
Tuğba Öztürk Arslan combines a distinguished technology career with meaningful community leadership. As a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft and an active leader within TALL (Turkish American Ladies League), she has organized educational, mentoring, and networking initiatives that encourage professional growth and community engagement among Turkish American women and young professionals.
**Profile**
*(https://www.tallglobal.org/tall-leadership/*
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## Vega Sankur
**Founding President, AKM – Turkish Cultural Center**
Vega Sankur is the Founding President of AKM – Turkish Cultural Center, where she has dedicated years to promoting Turkish culture through educational programs, artistic initiatives, and community events. Her leadership has helped preserve Turkish heritage while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and strengthening community ties throughout the United States.
**Profile**
*(https://www.linkedin.com/in/vega-sankur-7a545a1b/)*
