Entertainment - turkofamerica.com

Dr. Nalan R. Oncul: Pioneering Optometry and Empowering Communities

Totowa, NJ - Dr. Nalan Oncul opened her clinic, 20/20 Eyecare, in Totowa, New Jersey, in 2019 as a young doctor starting out on her journey. Over the course of five years, 20/20 Eyecare has seen a significant increase in clientele and has become more widely recognized in the surrounding area. During this time, the clinic has achieved a remarkable feat of receiving five-star ratings from all patients who left Google reviews. Patients not only from local New Jersey residences but also from neighboring cities and states have visited the clinic for treatment.

January 21, 2025
Published in Professionals
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From Diplomacy to Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Duden Freeman

As a first-generation immigrant and naturalized American, Duden Freeman had an early life marked by moving countries and attending international schools. This environment, surrounded by children of diplomats and multinational executives, instilled in Freeman the idea that traveling, living, and working overseas was normal. In hindsight, this experience was a privilege that deeply influenced a diverse career, which spanned various roles and continents, ultimately leading to the U.S. diplomatic corps. The entrepreneurial spirit required to navigate different countries also fostered a desire to become an entrepreneur. This culminated in founding Idelire Consulting after a tenure with the Department of State, allowing Freeman to bridge cultures and serve others while fulfilling entrepreneurial aspirations.

January 21, 2025
Published in Professionals
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Honoring Dr. Banu Onaral: A Lifelong Champion of Knowledge and Progress

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Banu Onaral came from a lineage deeply rooted in innovation. Her mother, Şükûfe Demirağ, was the daughter of Nuri Demirağ, a pioneer in Turkish aviation and industry, while her father, Mehmet Kum, was one of Turkey’s first aircraft engineers and pilots. This environment nurtured her passion for learning and exploration from an early age. Dr. Onaral attended Notre Dame de Sion French Girls’ High School in Istanbul and pursued higher education at Boğaziçi University, earning a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering. She completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. Joining Drexel University in 1981, she became the H. H. Sun Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, and later, the Founding Director of Drexel’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems.

January 21, 2025
Published in Academicians
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Empowering Women Through Technology: Lara Ozkan’s Vision for Inclusive Health Solutions

Lara Özkan's journey into the realms of Computer Science and Molecular Biology is a testament to her passion for solving complex biological problems through innovative research. Her academic path began as a wet-lab researcher at the Izmir Institute of Technology, where she worked on a project aimed at targeting breast cancer with nanocarriers for combinational drug delivery. This experience opened her eyes to the potential of integrating deep biological understanding with computational science skills. Unlike many who specialize in either biology or computer science, Özkan found a deep interest in the intersection of both fields. The high-dimensional and complex data emerging from biological samples intrigued her, driving her to use computer science tools to decode these intricate puzzles. This led her to delve into data science for biology and conduct computational biology research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. These experiences have paved the way for her current academic career at MIT, where she is pursuing dual majors in Computer Science and Molecular Biology and engaging in computational biology research at the MIT Media Lab and MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).

January 21, 2025
Published in Academicians
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How Serhan Aydemir Built a Niche Platform for the Community

Serhan Aydemir's journey from Türkiye to the United States is a testament to his passion for technology and determination to build a new life. Growing up with an interest in technology and computers, Aydemir’s career began to take shape with the rise of the internet in Turkey during the mid-90s. With a background in graphic and web design, his move to the U.S. in 2010 represented a significant step toward pursuing his dreams.
The decision to relocate was driven by his longstanding desire to live abroad, a dream initially inspired by his uncle and cousin living in the U.S. However, upon arrival, Aydemir found himself facing the challenge of starting anew in a country where his relatives were no longer present. Leaving behind his family, career, and belongings to start from scratch was no easy feat. Despite these hurdles, Aydemir’s resolve was bolstered by his dreams and the excitement of a new beginning.

January 21, 2025
Published in Entertainment
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How an Ice Cream Truck Became Her American Dream

In June 1999, Tülay Unutmaz arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa with her three children, unaware of the tough journey ahead. Following an unfortunate marriage that ended after 18 years, she chose to stay in America rather than return to Turkey, determined to provide a better future for her children. Her estranged husband tried to force her out of the home through a restraining order. However, after learning of the domestic abuse she had suffered, the local sheriff intervened and instead issued the order against her husband, allowing her and her children to remain in their home for three additional months. After that, she began the search for a rental.

January 21, 2025
Published in Businessman
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Turkish Stories Shine in the Heart of Hollywood

Supported by Turkey's Ministry of Tourism and Culture and sponsored by OGM Pictures, the event brought together industry leaders, film enthusiasts, and Turkish stars for an unforgettable two-day celebration of storytelling and creativity. The opening night featured the premiere of Zeki Demirkubuz's "Life" (Hayat), Turkey’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. On the second day, the event began with the screening of "We Need to Talk About Dilan", a short film produced by Dilan Çiçek Deniz, and continued with premieres of two highly anticipated Turkish series from OGM Pictures, **"Scheherazade" (Şehrazat) and "The Forgotten Ones" (Sahipsizler). The event not only showcased Turkish storytelling to an audience of industry professionals, including Academy and Golden Globe members, but also provided a platform for cultural exchange within the Turkish-American community.

January 21, 2025
Published in Culture & Art
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$5.5 billion Visa Mastercard settlement: Who is eligible for a one-time payment?

Mastercard and Visa settled a class action lawsuit months ago that accused the global payment giants of violating antitrust laws to exploit merchants. Millions of businesses were forced to charge high fees to accept customers paying with Visa or Mastercard. Some are entitled to a payout to compensate for the negative effects these actions had on their livelihoods.

December 7, 2024
Published in Businessman
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Englewood Jewelry Shop Owner Goes Missing After Allegedly Collecting $7 Million in Goods

Yusuf Simsekyilmaz, who owns Diamond of Sofia in the town of Englewood, New Jersey, has allegedly disappeared along with jewelry, watches, and valuable accessories worth an estimated $6-7 million. The shop, which opened in March 2024, was reportedly closed by Simsekyilmaz on Saturday, September 28, after he collected jewelry from the market, promising an extensive sale. He vanished after closing the shop that day, along with his girlfriend.

October 3, 2024
Published in Businessman
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Barbaros Karaahmet of Herrick Feinstein Announced as Office Managing Partner of the Year Finalist by Law.com

America's leading media platform in the field of law, law.com, announced the finalists of the Office Managing Partner of the Year award among law firms in America. Barbaros Karaahmet, the managing partner of Herrick Feinstein, one of the well-known law firms in New York, was also included in the list where 10 firms made it to the finals. The evaluation, where the winners will be announced on September 5, includes partners from leading law firms in America such as Sidley Austin, Manning Kass, Tully Rinckey, Holland & Knight, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, along with Herrick Feinstein.

August 29, 2024
Published in Businessman
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New York Life and Beyond Magazine Latest Issue Has Been Released

"New York Life and Beyond" magazine's latest issue focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and features prominent Turkish and Greek restaurant owners in New York and New Jersey. The magazine also includes news and research on owners of restaurants in two states and lists nearly 300 dining places. The magazine also devoted space to the earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6 and relief efforts conducted in the United States.

August 1, 2023
Published in Businessman
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Youngest Professional Basketball Player in Turkiye, Yağız Yıldız, Joins Worcester Academy

Worcester, MA – In a significant development for both basketball enthusiasts and educational institutions, Yagiz Yildiz, the youngest professional basketball player in Turkey, has joined Worcester Academy for his 11th and 12th-grade studies. Yildiz's presence at Worcester Academy is expected to elevate the school’s prestigious academic and athletic programs, inspire fellow students and athletes, and provide Yildiz with unparalleled opportunities for academic and athletic growth. His journey from Istanbul to the USA marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

June 28, 2024
Published in Success Stories
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ColdX: Leading the Way in Cold and Frozen Storage Solutions

Cold storage plays a pivotal role in preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods, ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. In this dynamic industry, one company stands out for its comprehensive solutions and commitment to excellence: ColdX. Founded by Eyup Ulu, also the owner of one of New Jersey's largest truck fleets, PortX, ColdX has recently completed construction of its state-of-the-art facility in Wayne, NJ, setting new standards in cold storage services. ColdX offers a wide range of specialized storage solutions tailored to various industries. From frozen foods to pharmaceuticals, the company ensures precise temperature control to maintain optimal conditions throughout the storage period. With its advanced refrigeration systems and climate-controlled environments, ColdX guarantees the integrity of stored products.

April 30, 2024
Published in Businessman
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The Young Star of the Gastronomy World Is The New Owner of Samdan

Meet Emre Yeşil, a dynamic and innovative young chef whose gastronomic journey began at the Incirlik Air Base in Adana, Turkey, and now continues in Cresskill, New Jersey. At 28, Emre Yeşil is a visionary chef who continues his profession with passion. With approximately 14 years of culinary experience, he has participated in renowned food festivals in Turkey, won numerous awards, and trained as a chef at the Istanbul restaurant of the Master Chef of Turkey, Mehmet Yalçınkaya. In 2018, he embarked on a new culinary journey in the United States, working in prestigious restaurants in New York and New Jersey. Emre's biggest dream was to one day open his own restaurant with a unique concept and create cooking videos. He fulfilled this dream by taking over the Samdan Restaurant. Acquiring Samdan, one of the oldest Turkish restaurants in New Jersey, from Yusuf Şimşekyılmaz, Chef Yeşil reached a new customer base and impressed them with various delicious flavors.

April 24, 2024
Published in Restaurants
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