I have been a proud volunteer to BTF since 2010. BTF has reached so many students and touched a lot of peoples’ lives in different ways. While the monetary value of each assistance was not big, but it meant a lot for those students and their families to feel supported. I am especially energized with our programs that contribute to empowering the female students to continue with their education. Grateful to BTF for helping us reach and uplift those who need it most.
Volunteering for the Bridge to Türkiye Foundation's Youth English Empowerment Program was an amazing experience! This program not only gave me the chance to make a tangible impact in the lives of youth by teaching English but also provided an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with my culture in Türkiye. The experience was a perfect blend of learning, personal growth, and cultural immersion. The BTF team was so welcoming, organized, and passionate about their mission. They supported us every step of the way, ensuring we had the resources and tools to succeed as volunteers. Their commitment to empowering youth through education was evident in every aspect of the program.
I am truly impressed with the true professionalism and the unwavering commitment of BTF to grow and nurture Turkish youth. Not only they are great in fund-raising, but also they make the effort very personal. I wish you success and all the best in your endeavours.
As one of BTF's Impact Scholars, they literally changed my whole life. Thanks to their generous support, I was able to fulfill my dream of transferring to Stanford from my college in Turkiye. Everyone at BTF is working super hard to help others in need, they are warm and welcoming, and incredibly responsive when you need help the most. I'm also honored to be working with them on a Research Fund to help undergraduate students cover their research related expenses in the US. Even the motivation behind this fund is amazing and one of its kind. Thank you BTF for supporting me and other students
A Heartfelt Appreciation for Bridge to Turkey Fund
As an educator and someone from Hatay, I am deeply moved and inspired by the incredible work of Bridge to Turkey Fund (BTF). Their unwavering dedication to supporting disadvantaged children in Türkiye, particularly those affected by the devastating earthquake, is truly commendable.
Through BTF, I had the privilege of participating in several impactful initiatives that not only raised awareness but also made a tangible difference in children's lives. Our exhibition during 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic Bsll was a beautiful celebration of our heritage, and thanks to BTF, the proceeds from the event were directed to Koruncuk Vakfı to support disadvantaged children.
BTF's Cinema for a Cause events, in collaboration with Feyza's Kitchen, have been another meaningful initiative, where we came together to support the education of earthquake-affected girls from the Hatay region. The recent documentary screening about two young survivors of the earthquake was yet another testament to BTF’s relentless efforts in providing educational opportunities to those in need. The funds raised from this event will help rebuild the futures of children from my hometown—an effort that is incredibly close to my heart.
Beyond education, BTF has also been a key partner in long-term recovery and sustainability projects for Hatay. We are working together on building a school that will provide quality education and a sense of stability for children who have lost so much. Additionally, BTF has played a vital role in an exciting environmental and economic initiative—bringing mastic trees from Çeşme to Hatay. This project not only contributes to ecological restoration but also will provide economic opportunities for the local community.
It was also through BTF that I got to know PAYDA, another organization dedicated to supporting children’s education. The connections and opportunities BTF has fostered are truly invaluable, and I am honored to now be part of the Dallas Circle of BTF, working alongside such passionate individuals.
BTF’s work is more than just charity—it is a bridge of hope, resilience, and opportunity for the future of Turkish children. I am incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to support their mission.
Thank you, BTF, for all that you do!
I met with BTF in the summer of 2024, and during that time, every team member radiated determination and passion as they worked to serve as a "bridge" to Türkiye. Their limitless commitment extends not only to earthquake victims but also to students of all ages—from elementary school through to undergraduate levels.
I am deeply honored to have met you all. Thank you for your boundless efforts. Love you!
BTF's Impact Scholar Fund bridges the financial gap for students with academic potential but limited resources. Their exceptional support allows talented individuals to pursue valuable opportunities like internships and research positions they would otherwise have to decline. The dedicated team at BTF deserves tremendous praise for their commitment to educational equity, as they transform lives and inspire recipients to continue the cycle of giving back to their communities.
I had the privilege of connecting with the Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF) in the summer of 2024. At that time, I had been accepted for an internship at Stanford University, but coming from a low-income background, I was unable to take the offer due to financial constraints. Fortunately, I met one of the dedicated volunteers at BTF, who encouraged me to apply for their newly launched Impact Scholar Fund. This initiative supports students who have secured academic internship positions but are unable to participate due to financial limitations. Thanks to their generosity, I was able to pursue this incredible opportunity. I am deeply grateful for BTF's support, and their kindness has inspired me to give back. I hope to continue volunteering and contribute to their mission of empowering students like me.
BTF is full of great people driven by altruism! Their passion and hard work benefit many going through hardship! Very grateful for all their selfless efforts in improving their community!
This is Fatih, I recently finished my PhD. I got to know BTF two years ago as they were supporting earthquake victims. I have firsthand observed how selfless everyone at BTF works. Thank you all for your support to our community
As both a philanthropist and an educator deeply committed to supporting education, I have had the privilege of working closely with Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) and have witnessed firsthand the profound impact they are making in the lives of children and young people. BTF is a truly remarkable nonprofit—transparent, highly organized, and driven by a genuine passion to improve access to education for underserved communities. Their dedication to empowering students through educational materials, scholarships, and innovative programs is transformative. It is clear that every initiative they undertake is meticulously planned and executed with the highest level of integrity, ensuring that resources directly benefit the students who need them most. I wholeheartedly recommend BTF for anyone looking to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young learners.
Dilek Livaneli (Teacher)
Payda has been working closely with BTF for eight years, providing Payda's students from various regions in Turkey with continuous and invaluable financial support, allowing them to stay in education and earn their university degrees. BTF has been brilliant in helping Payda to meet its students' growing needs, especially in the aftermath of the earthquake in Hatay, SE Turkey where the number of students receiving financial support from BTF increased 5 fold. Under the amazing, hands-on leadership of Şule Kıvanç and her team, our collaboration has gone from strength to strength. Having the BTF team join us in April 2024 for our Malatya Spring meeting was an added bonus. We extend huge and heartfelt gratitude to BTF for their support which makes such a critical difference to so many of our students.
We would like to thank BTF, with whom we have realized many important projects since the establishment of Ahbap. They reached us quickly during the earthquake period and supported the construction of 5 schools and provided scholarships to earthquake victims. Our processes progressed very easily due to their warm communication and understanding attitude in very difficult times. Thank you for all your support.
I have been part of Bridge to Türkiye professional team since 2020. Over these years, I have witnessed firsthand how our organization excels in swiftly and efficiently delivering resources to those who need them most, especially in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye early last year. Our organization has grown significantly in both size and effectiveness. Our impact has only deepened as we expand our reach and programming. Through admirable collaboration with trusted partners in Türkiye, Bridge to Türkiye Fund is making a profound difference in the lives of children and young people throughout Türkiye. It's been a rewarding journey, and I'm grateful to be a part of this impact.
There are many more years ahead to better the lives of those who need it most, and I look forward to continuing to write this story!
Bridge to Turkiye helped me to get closer and closer to my dreams. I have been studying at Berklee College of Music which was my dream school since I was 10. After I got my acceptance letter, I had a big problem because the room and board fee was too much for my family to support me. Then I found Bridge to Turkiye and tell them about my situation. They were all so kind and supportive then accepted to financially support me for my room and board. Which was the last step for me to start studying at my dream school.
It's been 2 years since then and thanks to Bridge to Turkiye, I am a successful student at Berklee College and hopefully I will be a successful artist someday. Without Bridge to Turkiye's help I couldn't afford my living expenses but now, I can comfortably focus on my career and my music.
Here's a photo of me during a Alicia Keys Tribute Concert at Berklee College.
Right after 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake, as the Turkish Student Association at Stanford we were looking for a way to help our people. That’s when I got in contact with BTF for the first time. I was surprised to see how quick, responsive, and helpful they were. Via BTF, we were able to send the donations to an organization in Türkiye which we have a trust in. I will always be grateful for that.
I am Tutku Atahan, a BTF scholar. While pursuing my undergraduate studies in Computer Engineering at Çukurova University in Turkey, I received a scholarship with the support of BTF, which significantly contributed to my educational journey. After completing my undergraduate studies, I earned the right to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics at the University of Bradford. I would like to express my gratitude, on behalf of myself and all students, to the BTF volunteers who believed in and supported me from miles away without knowing me personally.
Since the first day we encountered with BTF, we have aimed to reach children and women who have been affected by the disaster with our invaluable projects. With their deep understanding of the local needs, BTF team has always enabled the resources to be used in the most efficient ways. Another essential goal of these projects was to create models that prioritized the health of humans and nature which BTF has supported us with their utmost generosity. Thank you and long live BTF family.
Yuva Project
I have been affiliated with this organization and a donor to it since 2007. It has done an exceptional job of getting resources to those in need quickly and efficiently, most particularly in the months following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria early last year. It has grown significantly in size and effectiveness over the years, but as it has expanded its reach and programming it's become even more impactful. Collaborating admirably with trusted in-country partners, the Bridge to Türkiye Fund is helping children and young people throughout the country.
I've been deeply impressed by the humility that permeates this entire organization and community. Despite its profound impact over the past 21 years, everyone at BTF remains grounded and focused on their mission. This is a community genuinely dedicated to enriching the lives of Türkiye's future generations. If you're seeking a truly meaningful way to contribute, look no further than BTF!
In the last ten years, I have volunteered for BTF at various capacities, currently serving as a Board Member and VP. BTF is an amazing non-profit dedicated to bringing together people who want to invest their time and goodwill in a brighter Türkiye and helping them realize their philanthropic dreams. What sets BTF apart from others is the focus on transparency and ensuring all contributions are utilized in the most effective manner in compliance with donors’ desires. Groups of volunteers and dedicated staff work very hard not only to identify and cooperate with the most effective and trusted field partners but also to develop and implement in-house philanthropic projects when needed. While in the past our focus had been on education and wellbeing of the younger generations, over the years we have also proved ourselves as a strong NGO providing much needed relief in times of disaster. Going forward, our focus will also include preserving the earth and natural life. Please do not hesitate to reach out to BTF to learn more about our current programs and discuss your ideas for future projects.
Having worked as an intern at BTF, I can say that BTF is an organization made up of kind, caring, and professional individuals who are deeply driven to improve the lives of children in difficult circumstances in Turkey. Whether it be helping construct a new school in the aftermath of disaster, helping children with disabilities, or even financially supporting a child who wouldn't otherwise be able to receive an education, BTF goes above and beyond to give hope and happiness to the children and youth who need it the most.
Please consider donating to this incredible organization!
I cannot express enough how impressed I am with Bridge to Turkiye. Their commitment to education, health is truly inspiring. The dedication and passion of their team are evident in every project they undertake.
BTF goes above and beyond to make a tangible difference. Their programs are well-organized, impactful, and efficiently run. Volunteering with them has been a rewarding experience, and I’ve been deeply touched by their professionalism and genuine care for the community.
BTF is also commendable for its transparency and accountability. They ensure every donation is used wisely and keep supporters well-informed on progress.
I wholeheartedly recommend supporting BTF. They’re a shining example of effective efforts in education, disaster management, and health. Thank you, BTF, for all the amazing work you do!
BTF is a great organization, that is by run by volunteers donating their time, knowledge, and 5 for great causes. They help people in need when the need raises. They help and support children all year around!
BTF is a great nonprofit organization During the earthquake in Turkey, extraordinary assistance was provided to children and women. Child education centers were established, and amputee children were given a helping hand.
Since its establishment, BTF has provided support to education and has touched the lives of many children. Its contribution to girls' education and, in turn, gender equality is significant. I am proud to be a BTF volunteer.
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BTF is a grassroots organization that supports students especially girls to pursue their potentials and helps on a better future for the youth of Turkey. BTF family supports education, eliminates inequalities and delivers happiness. In addition Btf has consultative status with United Nations. I am so proud to have crossed paths with Btf.
I joined Brigto to Türkiye Fund 9 years ago,
I wached the poverty that I heard from my father about his students years ago, at a documentary screening of Bridge to Turkey in New York 9 years ago. There is nothing more painful than nothing having changed. There, I instantly decided to act as a volunteer.
Fun and met a lot of wonderful people, everyone there is for a specific cause, amazing team. We are a big family.
I am truly impressed with the incredible work that this NGO does in providing education to underprivileged children. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of these young individuals is both heartwarming and inspiring. Through their dedicated efforts, they have created a safe and nurturing environment for these children to learn, grow, and dream. It's evident that this NGO is making a meaningful, lasting change. Education is a fundamental right, and this organization is ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to realize their full potential.
Bridge to Turkey is a reliable partner for making sure that your donations reach to people in need. They make a difference. Highly recommended.
A highly esteemed NGO dedicated to supporting underprivileged students in their pursuit of education. They ensure our contributions are transparently delivered.
We have been working with Bridge to Turkiye over 10+ years. Organization has the highest work ethics, is well managed, makes sure money donated reaches to the correct hands. It is one of the easiest way of donating to various causes in Turkey with no overhead, and with non-profit tax and company match advantages. Their initial focus was educating girls and it expanded through out the years. They did an awesome job in sending aid to earthquake victims this year.
The best American NGO ever! Their effort to set equal opportunities for disadvantaged students is adorable. Thanks for everything you've done!
BTF has a great team of volunteers who relentlessly work to spot those that need support in their education and life journey. Their network grow every year and their work is impressive.
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I am a proud contributor for this special cause and wonderful organization. All of the volunteers are wholeheartedly working for helping underprivileged kids get equal education as their peers. Especially giving girls the opportunity will change the future not only for each one of them but for the whole community they are in. #futureisgirl
I wholeheartedly support BTF’s efforts in education. I believe the future will be brighter when/if girls are given more opportunities. I have been volunteering and supporting BTF since 2015 and I urge anyone who wants a better future for underserved kids in Turkey to donate and/or volunteer as well.
I have been volunteering for BTF since 2015. I strongly agree with its mission, especially its special focus on elementary education and empowerment of young women. Being a retired faculty member, I believe that these areas are two of the most important building blocks in a society’s welfare and advancement.
In addition to its great mission, the NGO structure built by BTF is very efficient, dependable and transparent, which makes it popular among donors.
The volunteers work for BTF diligently, to realize its mission; and the accomplishments achieved since 2003 are a testament to BTF’s success. It has been a great experience of fulfillment for me to volunteer for this organization.
I have been volunteering for BTF since 2014 and fundraising for girls education. In 2022-2023 academic year BTF provides more than 1000 educational scholarships to college students via local, secular NGOs in Turkey. A grassroot organization welcomes all and be a bridge to support children in need in Turkey. It is wonderful to find and volunteer along with like hearted and like minded people.
We're grateful about your support for the education of university students in İstanbul .
Tesfire Güneş
I am a volunteer in Istanbul ODTU Alumni Association. Since 2020, I have been in contact with Bridge to Turkey Fund about different subjects. From scholarship to the participation to Istanbul marathon, we had very efficient, constructive and successful partnership together. Beyond the large amounts of donations made; BTF's wide range of work, flexible and solution-oriented approaches, always result-oriented systems, as well as being a solution partner, also bring their institutional structures to be consulted on every subject. I believe that with the increase of institutions with this structure, many problems in the world would be solved. Many thanks to all segments of BTF for their great support and partnership.
I had met BTF as a volunteer of ODTUMİST which is a university alumni association. BTF plays a significant role for our foreign donations, which has become very easy with BTF. We are able to raise funds for a serious number of scholars now. Thanks Merve & the team for their always positive and solution oriented attitude. Without their tremendous support we might not have been able to achieve such amount of success. Hope that we will extend our collaboration with BiDestekol Social Entrepreneurship.
I had chance to meet these nice people who supports NGO's in Türkiye. We are very glad to cooperate with BTF. They make a real bridge from abroad to Türkiye for good. Thanks
Dilek Ergeçen
I had a chance to meet with Chicago BTF leaders and BTF president, and saw how wonderful and dedicated people they are to BTF. Their whole purpose is supporting the kids in need of Turkey for their education and also touching their lives, making them smile…
Excellent and impactful nonfor profit …streamlined experience…all in all gives me an opportunity to support a cause that matters to me
Great organization! A perfect way to help people that are in need in Turkey. Happy to contribute to this organization’s causes. Keep up the good work!
Great partnerships and effort to take care of the ones really need a hand in life. Their aim for good education and happy students is remarkable. Conguratulations on all previous and future organizastions ahead.
Bridge to Turkey Fund , I am so thrilled to fund , support, their projects.They are so very well organised, trying to reach out to every project which could make an impact on children, education.
Bridge to Turkey Fund is a great establishment , nonprofit, filled with wonderful vounteers and sincere projects.
From the bottom of my heart,I salute their commitment, support their projects and value their hard-work.
My number one nonprofit organisation is Bridge to Turkey Fund❤
This is a helpful and trustable nonprofit.
You can always be sure that your help, donations go to the right places, and it will make someone’s life happier.
Its mission hidden in its name Bridge to Turkiye helps bright minds from underpriviliged families get better education .
Most reliable non profit organization that I can trust to help those children in Turkey who are in need help for their education ! I am honored to be part of this wonderful community !
It is such a rewarding experience to volunteer with Bridge To Turkiye foundation. The work they do for socio-economically disadvantaged segments of Turkish society can't be matched. I was a donor before and joined to volunteer group after seeing amazing job they do that goes above and beyond expectations. Volunteering at this non-profit brings me absolute joy. Keep up the good work BTF!
BTF is an educational charity, makes learning possible for students of all ages, from pre-school to graduate school especially for girls. I truly appreciate this organization’s effort as a mother of 3 girls who is a consistent donor and a passionate volunteer of BTF. I definitely have piece of mind where our money goes to and see the results of making difference in these girls life.
If you want to support a non profit where 100% of the donations go to the constituents, if you want to support education for underprivileged girls and young women, if you want to see results of your donations in tangible outcomes, look no further than Bridge to Turkiye Fund. As a donor and supporter of this non profit for over a decade, I am impressed by their accountability, volunteer spirit and commitment to education.
BTF is my hand that reaches to the precious places that I alone can not reach. Those precious places are the lives and hearts of bright young girls who are specifically vulnerable and in need. This mission is so important the future if the country depends on it. The need to elevate the role of the women in Turkey by empowering them and encouraging them is so imminent it is an emergency. I am on board and fully committed to supporting this cause. Congrats to BTF. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Bridge to Turkiye is an excellent organization to serve girls in need in underserved areas. The organization fundraises a significant amount and ensures all children have access to educational materials.
This is a awesome us based charity that fund raises money for children and youth in need. Donating money to this charity is a great way to support the educational needs of children and youth at all ages i.e. From elementary to university. I am a donor of this charity and have piece of mind in terms of where the moneh I donate goes to.
I have nothing but highest praise and appreciation for this great organisation and its volunteers whose relentless efforts impressed me to become one of them. Working as a volunteer in Btf gave me strength to create fundraising events, so we can reach out to students who live in underserved areas and give them an opportunity to enlighten their education path. I must have also inspired my children who first started their fundraising in elementary school. Ever since then they have taken part in several other projects. I can’t think of a much better way than involving in BTF’s fundraising events to make a change in lives of so many others and create a camaraderie which we all need to bring the peace we need and deserve now.
BTF is an excellent non-profit that help disadvantaged children and youth in Turkey. As a Turkish-American I am a proud supporter and volunteer for more than 7 years.
I had opportunity to involve different projects and worked with great people for this organization. My children are also happy to help BTF Youth projects. It is a bridge to Turkey, Turkish culture and language. It is giving back to our roots.
BTF is a wonderful non-profit that focuses on providing funds and opportunities to students living in rural Turkey, with a special emphasis on girls education. Over the last 15 years in US, across many cities and giving circles, BTF volunteers have provided awareness on critical social issues like child marriages and moved many young paths and changed their lives for a better future. I highly recommend BTF and encourage all American and Turkish friends to attend the events and support it’s purpose.
This is a great cause. The kids especially girls in the rural areas in Turkey are so much in need of supplies for their education. These are bright kids with lots of potential. They have dreams but they do not know how to accomplish them. They are not as lucky as the kids in the other parts of the country. Bridge to Turkiye (BTF) provides these kids with lots of love and supplies in order for them to flourish. BTF gives them a future.
There are so many reasons why I choose BTF. Most important one is BTF deliver happiness to little hearts.
BTF is provide educational support to girls in Turkey who needs financial assistance, scholarship for their educations. All volunteers are working very hard to make difference in childrens life.
Happiness of helping someone who need is priceless. I'm really happy to part of BTF and also very proud working as a volunteer for BTF.
Bridge To Turkiye won my heart with its mission in Turkey. This foundation gives scholarships to underprivileged and smart girls during their education. What a wonderful mission!
Acalya Heeren
BTF is an amazing organization that supports underserved students in Turkey. 100% of the proceeds go directly to support these students and everyone behind the operations at BTF is a volunteer. There are numerous programs to support - from donating to scholarships to helping provide laptops for students who are in the midst of remote learning. This is truly a labor of love and every penny goes to those who need it.
Bridge to Turkiye Fund (BTF) is an incredible, 100% volunteer-run, non-profit making a huge impact in the lives of children and youth, especially disadvantaged girls and young women in Turkey. I'm a proud BTF supporter of nearly a decade and currently serve on the Board of Directors. Our programs and scholarships enable and empower disadvantaged youth in Turkey to achieve their educational goals. As a Turkish-American living in the USA, I'm grateful that BTF gives me the opportunity to give back to my Turkish community in a meaningful way.
This is one of my favorite charities. The group is all volunteer, so every dime goes to educating girls in Turkey who would otherwise not have the opportunity of a university education. The small grassroots organization has grown from a supporting a handful of girls in the beginning to supporting hundreds of girls every year. Many of the young women who have graduated through the program also benefit from the mentorship programs that have been established with members of the business and science community in Turkey. I suspect many of them will become the young leaders of tomorrow for the country.
Trust is hard to earn. But I have worked with them on many projects for the last 3 years. I have always been their supporters and will continue.
BTF is established and run by smart, kind-hearted, and action-oriented people. These people create amazing projects to help impoverished children in Turkey in terms of reading, science, art, and providing educational supplies. As a volunteer and project leader, I was able to support existing projects and create my own. It inspires me and enable me to make an impact for five years.
I think that many people who help a charity organisation want to change the world... at least slightly... at least making someone's life slightly better.
I believe in the power of good education, that develops your skills and creates interest in the subjects you are studying. Bridge To Turkiye is helping schools by providing them with new books and other materials for classes. The organisation also gives scholarships for gifted but poor students.
What makes this organisation special? When you are not rich and cannot give huge sums of money, it is always important to see that even a small donation matters and to see the direct result of your donation. Bridge To Turkiye has a Map4Good. On this map, you can see the schools and their needs (books, science sets, shoes & boots for kids, etc.), choose which school and which project you want to help, and donate.
I chose the project Books4Kids (Elementary) and a small school with 50 students at the Southern part of Turkiye. I read about the school and watched the photos. I was giving to this school little by little till they got the required sum. Some time after, I got the letter with the photos of happy children and (even happier) teachers, who got the books. It was one of the most rewarding moments in my life.
Now I chose another school and I hope that very soon they will have the full of money and I will get a new letter :)
If you want to make the world a slightly better place and the full clarity of your donation is crucial to you, feel free to donate to one of the projects of Bridge To Turkiye.
I became involved with this group because of my heritage- being Turkish- American, and because I wanted to be able to give back to those in Turkey- in a meaningful way. My Dad came to the United States when he was 18, to go to school, and to create the best life he could following his university experience. He did just that, while maintaining his cultural identity, that he passed down to his family. We were and are exceedingly proud to be Turkish, and this nonprofit allows me (and my family) the opportunity to not only be connected to our heritage, but to help others empower themselves through education. This latter part is very meaningful to me, as I am an educator as well, and my family also stressed the importance of education as a means of elevating and improving one's life. With the various events that I've been involved in- whether they are the Cinema-4-a-Cause events in downtown Chicago, the Bridging Cultures: A Turkish Celebration we recently held at Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, or a family picnic that we host at the start of summer, the Chicago Circle of Bridge to Türkiye Fund has always had the focus on education support- but with a cultural twist. So, these events and happenings have been so meaningful for me- particularly after the loss of my father, the patriarch and holder of the Turkish traditions in my family. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to be connected to both my culture and such impactful and inspiring ways in which to support those that can benefit from that support, even if it's miles away.