MONTHLY NEWSLETTER    September 2019
Meetings with Members of Congress

Throughout September, TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy and the Washington team have met with Members of the U.S. Congress at various events after the congressional summer recess. The representatives were Don Bacon (R-NE/2nd), Salud Carbajal (D-CA/24th). Steve Chabot (R-OH/1st), Lacy Clay (D-MO/1st), Tom Cole (R-OK/4th), Tom Emmer (R-MN/6th), John Garamendi (D-CA/3rd), Al Green (D-TX/9th), Alcee Hastings (D-FL/20th), Steven Horsford (D-NV/4th), Richard Hudson (R-NC/8th), Bill Johnson (R-OH/6th), Robin Kelly (D-IL/2nd), Ann Kuster (D-NH/2nd), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI/14th), Elaine Luria (D-VA/2nd), Gregory Meeks (D-NY/5th), Richard Neal (D-MA/1st), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN/1st), Donna Shalala (D-FL/27th), Steve Stivers (R-OH/15th), Susan Wild (D-PA/7th), Glenn Thompson (R-PA/15th), and Steve Watkins (R-KS/2nd).
TCA President Attends Congresswoman Ann Kuster’s Autumn Retreat

Between September 27-29, TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy attended the Annual Autumn Retreat of Congresswoman Ann Kuster (D-NH/2nd) in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. As in previous years, Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA/1st), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, was a special guest. McCurdy had the opportunity to discuss the Turkish American community and U.S.-Turkey relations with both members.
TCA’s Women Leadership Initiative Congressional Outreach

On September 16, members of TCA’s Turkish American Women Leadership Initiative met with Congresswoman Elaine Luria of Virginia’s 2nd congressional district at a dinner on Capitol Hill. Discussion centered on the Turkish American community, U.S.-Turkey relationship, and U.S. domestic issues. 
TCA Hosts Young Cultural Ambassadors

On September 9, TCA hosted an orientation and welcome reception for the 2019 American Turkish Association of Washington, D.C. (ATA-DC) Young Cultural Ambassadors Program with a group of high school students from DC-MD-VA metropolitan area. The purpose of the program was for the students to learn more about the Turkish culture, meet with members of the Turkish-American and international community, and enhance their communication and diplomacy skills. During the orientation, TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy and Program Director Nilsu Goren briefed the students and parents on TCA programs and activities.
Applications Close for TCA's 6th Annual Youth Congress

TCA is currently selecting the class for its 6th annual Youth Congress that will be held October 24-27 in Washington, D.C. This year’s applications include a wide range of students from both the East and West Coasts and the Midwest, nine states in total. TCA appreciates the assistance from other Turkish American organizations and individuals who promoted the Youth Congress. 
TCA Welcomes New Team Members

TCA has gained two new team members this month, Arda Cankat and Lawrence Cenk Laws. Both Arda and Cenk are law school graduates. Arda who was born in Istanbul is a recent graduate of Georgetown Law School. Cenk earned his J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, and most recently a L.L.M. in Public International Law from Koc University in Istanbul. Their first responsibility will be overseeing TCA’s 6th Annual Turkish American Youth Congress.
TCA Wishes the Best to Dr. Nilsu Goren in Her Future Endeavors!

TCA says farewell to Program Director Nilsu Goren who begins a new chapter in her career. On October 1, Nilsu begins work at CRDF Global, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes safety, security, and sustainability through science and innovation. While at TCA Nilsu was a dedicated member of the team, and her contributions will always be valued, notably TCA's Turkish American youth programs and its first Turkish American Women Leadership Forum last March. Although we will truly miss her, we wish Nilsu much success in her new position.
In her work with TCA, Nilsu Goren spent a lot of time meeting with congressional representatives on both sides of the aisle. In these two photos, Nilsu is with (left) TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH/1st) and (right) TCA intern Crystal Staebell with Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH/1st).