This month, TCA opened applications for the Fourth Annual Turkish American Turkish American Youth Leadership Congress. The Congress will take place October 26-29, 2017 in Washington, D.C., and will provide selected individuals the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. and connect with their peers and heritage while learning about civic engagement, political activism, leadership, and the U.S.-Turkey relationship. TCA will select up to 25 young Turkish Americans to participate in this exclusive, all-expenses-paid forum. Applications for the 2017 Turkish American Youth Leadership Congress are due Monday, September 11, 2016.

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL/2nd), member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, with a Turkish American women's delegation.

Turkish American Women Participate in Congressional Black Caucus New York Retreat

As part of TCA's Turkish American Women's Leadership Initiative, last weekend a delegation of five Turkish American women joined members of Congress and industry representatives at the Congressional Black Caucus PAC's (CBC) Annual Retreat in New York City from July 21-23, 2017. Nineteen Congressional Black Caucus members took part in the retreat as well as special guests House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD/5th) and Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY/10th), Filemon Vela (D-TX/34th), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX/15th). Representatives from 75 companies and organizations also participated.

At the retreat, the women’s delegation attended a reception with CBC members at the New York Stock Exchange; listened to policy panels and political discussions; attended a Broadway show; and took part in a brunch at the home of CBC PAC Chairman Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY/5th). News media representatives speaking on the policy panels included Joe Madison of Sirius XM Radio and Yamiche Alcindor of the New York Times. The delegation also had the opportunity to speak about the Turkish American community and the importance of getting involved politically with Minority Whip Hoyer, Rep. Nadler, and CBC members Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD/4th), Lacy Clay (D-MO/1st), Val Demings (D-FL/10th), Alcee Hastings (D-FL/20th), Robin Kelly (D-IL/2nd), Gregory Meeks, and Terri Sewell (D-AL/7th).

On June 9th, members of the Turkish American community met with Congressional Turkey Caucus member Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD/2nd) at TCA’s offices where they spoke with him about U.S.-Turkey relations and issues in the region. TCA summer interns also had to opportunity to speak with Rep. Ruppersberger about their careers and the importance of getting involved politically.

Turkish American Judge Jay Karahan Meets with TCA Summer Interns

Turkish American Judge Jay (Ceyhun) Karahan visited TCA headquarters in Washington, DC to speak with TCA Washington summer interns about public service, his career as a judge and attorney, and his experiences running for elected office. TCA summer interns also had the opportunity to ask questions and get advice about their own careers and future political ambitions. Judge Karahan serves as the judge for Harris Country Criminal Court Number 8 in Houston, TX, a position he has held since 2003. Judge Karahan is the highest elected Turkish American official and is currently the only Turkish American currently serving in elected office.

TCA attended events on Capitol Hill, at the Embassy of Turkey in Washington, and at various think tanks to mark the anniversary of the July 15, 2017 failed coup. TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy also has the opportunity to speak with Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI/1st) and other members of Congress about the anniversary of the failed coup attempt.

TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy had discussions with Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI/1st), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD/5th) and Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH/15th), Greg Meeks (D-NY/5th), Alcee Hastings (D-FL/20th), Alex Mooney (R-WV/2nd), Anthony Brown (D-MD/4th), and Roger Marshall (R-KS/1st) about U.S.-Turkey relations and Turkish Americans.

TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy met with Dr. Charles King to discuss his book, “Midnight at the Pera Palas: The Birth of Modern Istanbul”. The book was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and was awarded the French “Prix de Voyage Urbain”. Dr. King is Professor of International Affairs and Government and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University.

TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy, TCA staff, and Washington Correspondent for Hurriyet Cansu Camlibel had the opportunity to take a tour of the newly restored U.S. Capitol Dome. Restoration of the Dome took place from early 2013 through November 2016 and consisted of repairing over 1,000 cracks to make the Dome watertight. The tour was generously arranged by the office of Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN/6th).