Meet the 2026 Board Candidates
Koray Kukrer - VP and Board of Director Candidate
Is a seasoned leader within the Turkish-American community, currently serving his third term on the ATA-DC Board of Directors. As the sitting Vice President, Koray strives to ensure the organization’s mission is met with consistency and integrity. His service on the board provides him with the institutional memory and hands-on experience necessary to lead ATA-DC into its next chapter.
A Distributed Systems Architect and IT Manager, Koray brings over 30 years of experience in high-level architectural design and strategic planning. His career specializing in Cloud technologies and leading architectural committees has equipped him with a unique ability to streamline complex processes. He applies this "architect’s mindset" to board governance, focusing on modernization, organizational efficiency, and transparent communication.
A graduate of the Turkish Naval Academy (Deniz Harp Okulu) and a former Naval Officer, Koray’s approach to leadership is grounded in discipline, duty, and community service. He maintains strong ties to his fellow naval academy alumni, upholding the values of camaraderie and cultural pride that are central to the ATA-DC’s mission.
A resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, Koray is a proud single father of two sons. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with his professional and community commitments has deepened his commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive network for Turkish-American families. He is particularly focused on ensuring that ATA-DC serves as a bridge for the next generation, providing them with a strong sense of heritage and a robust community to lean on.
Koray will continue to use his executive experience and management expertise to foster a robust, inclusive, and forward-thinking organization that supports all members of our community, from students to professionals and families.
Patsy Jones – Treasurer and Board of Director Candidate
Patsy Jones is a native Washingtonian who has degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and is currently working in high performance computing at the National Institutes of Health.
She has been an ATA-DC Board member since 2001 and has served as both Treasurer and Secretary. Patsy has been actively involved in many of ATA-DC’s functions including Teacher’s Workshops, Turkish Festivals, 23 Nisan Celebrations, Turkish Heritage Month activities, the Ataturk School and Bayram Lunches.
Patsy is interested in furthering greater dialogue and understanding between the Turkish and American peoples through ATA-DC programming activities. As a board member, she can continue her efforts in promoting Turkish culture in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and beyond.
Aynur Kahveci Ozdemir - Board of Director Candidate
Aynur Kahveci Ozdemir is an experienced culinary professional specializing in Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, with more than 25 years in the food and hospitality industry. She is the co-owner and operator of Sicilian Pizza in Washington, D.C., where she oversees daily operations, menu development, and kitchen management. She also provides catering and private chef services for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, and private gatherings.
A proud member of ATA-DC since 2016, Aynur has been actively involved in supporting the Turkish-American community through volunteerism and cultural events. She has served on the ATA-DC Board of Directors for the past two years and remains committed to promoting Turkish culture, strengthening community ties, and giving back through service and engagement.
ATA-DC holds a special place in Aynur’s heart because it brings the Turkish community together and creates a warm environment where future generations can stay connected to their cultural heritage. She believes that it is especially important for children growing up in the United States to embrace their ancestral roots while building meaningful friendships and a strong sense of community.
Berk Somer - Board of Director Candidate
Berk Somer is a Northern Virginia-based professional with a passion for both technology and community. He holds a Master's degree in Data Science from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from Sabanci University. He currently works as a Data Analyst at Bekaert, with prior experience at GSK/Haleon and has built a career around solving real problems with data and smart systems.
Berk joined the ATADC board in 2025 and hit the ground running. He was in charge of the launch of the new atadc.org website. This included testing and updating the member records and website contents. He still manages the website today, making sure it remains a useful resource for our community. Behind the scenes, he also helps make our events run smoothly, contributing to the IT Committee's decisions on technology and equipment, and showing up in person to support everything from Atatürk School registrations and YCAP seminars to the Turkish Festival and soccer watch parties.
Berk believes technology should bring people together, and he's already working on new projects aimed at deepening cultural engagement across the Turkish American community. He brings dedication, a hands-on work ethic, and a genuine love for this community to everything he does.
Erin Ozlem Akkaya - Board of Director Candidate
Erin Özlem Akkaya is an experienced educator and community leader with an international background, having lived in the United States for over 19 years and previously spending many years in England.
Dedicated to education and cultural connection, she serves as a teacher and is actively involved in the Turkish community as a board member of ATADC and as a teacher at a Turkish school.
Known for her commitment to students, strong communication skills, and passion for community engagement, Erin brings warmth, leadership, and multicultural experience to every role she undertakes. Alongside her professional and community achievements, she is also a proud mother of three beautiful daughters.
Eva Nihal Civan (Listed on the ballot as Nihal Civan) - Board of Director Candidate
I am proud to be part of the Turkish-American community and have called the DMV area home for more than 30 years. I came to the United States as a graduate student and have built both my career and family here. Today, I am a proud mother of three, and my experiences as a parent have strengthened my appreciation for community and connection. Throughout my journey as an educator, counselor, volunteer, and now a real estate professional, I have enjoyed helping people, building relationships, and bringing communities together.
Since my early twenties, I have been actively involved in cultural and community organizations throughout the DMV. One of the most meaningful experiences was being part of the Kardelen Folk Dance Group for nearly 10 years, where I helped celebrate Turkish culture while building lifelong friendships.
For the past three years, I have organized and hosted the Turkish Breakfast Club, a gathering that brings people together to connect, share experiences, and build friendships. My connection to ATA-DC also goes back years, including serving as a Turkish Language Instructor at the ATA-DC Community School, where I taught children and adults.
If elected to the ATA-DC Board of Directors, I would be honored to support ATA-DC’s mission, strengthen community engagement, and help create opportunities for members to connect and participate.
Feriha Istar - Board of Director Candidate
Feriha has been a dedicated ATA-DC Board Member since 1996. She has contributed to numerous community projects with both ATA-DC and ASIRT and serves as an Advisory Board Member at the Turkish Coffee Lady Foundation. Her passion is to promote the cultural richness of Türkiye, preserve our heritage, build meaningful connections within the community, and inspire future generations to cherish and carry these values forward.
As a BM, Feriha has chaired numerous committees, including Republic Day Balls, Teacher’s Workshops and Fundraising Dinner Parties and the most recent event Yadigar Exhibition, which was prepared at The ATA DC House in collaboration with LA Atatürk Culture Center. She has received several awards for her service, including the ATAA Distinguished Service Award (1991), the Daughter’s of Atatürk Award (2001) ATAA President’s Award (2002). ASIRT Community Leadership in Road Safety Award (2006), ATA-DC Turkish Heritage Award (2016). She is graduate of Izmir Türk Koleji and Buca Eğitim Academy, retired from Turkish Embassy Culture and Tourism Office. Feriha has 2 kids (Selman and Melis Quiggins) and two grandchildren (Landon and Layla). The Istar family lives in Gaithersburg, MD
Gamze Cakmak – Board of Director Candidate
As a long-standing member of ATA-DC, my journey with the organization has been one of both personal and professional fulfillments. From volunteering at events to serving on the Board of Directors, ATA-DC has become an integral part of my life and identity.
My dedication to promoting Turkish culture and fostering positive community engagement has only grown stronger over the years. As a native of Turkey, I am deeply passionate about showcasing the richness and diversity of our heritage, and I see my role within ATA-DC as an opportunity to continue advancing these objectives.
It would be an honor to continue my service and contribute to the continued growth and success of ATA-DC as much as I can. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members and community members alike to ensure ATA-DC remains a beacon of cultural celebration and community empowerment.
Guc Ozenci - Board of Director Candidate
Guc is a technology entrepreneur, advisor and investor with a proven track record of integrating business strategy with technological innovation.
In 2013, Guc founded a successful SaaS startup, leveraging his expertise in operations, sales, and strategic planning. Under his leadership, the company secured venture capital funding, scaled, and was successfully acquired in 2020.
Before his entrepreneurial journey, Guc spent 15 years at big tech – Cisco, HP, and Vodafone, where he acted as a key bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, shaping corporate strategies with his insights and expertise.
Currently, Guc is dedicated to nurturing early-stage startups as the Managing Director of Founder Institute Washington DC (fi.co), where he leads efforts to accelerate high-potential technology ventures. As the Managing Partner at ConnectOp Consulting (connectop.co), Guc helps startups expand in the East Coast US by providing access to critical resources, strategic partnerships, and investor networks.
With equity stakes in over 50 startups, Guc is deeply committed to fostering connections, driving growth, and strengthening the startup ecosystem. He manages two accelerator cohorts annually and hosts regular monthly in-person events to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
Ipar Demirtas - Board of Director Candidate
İpar Türe Demirtaş holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Istanbul University and a Master's degree from Eskişehir Osmangazi University. She began her career in the field of education and later spent many years in administrative and organizational roles within the private sector.
In 2021, she moved to Virginia with her husband and daughter. Since 2022, she has been serving as a substitute teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), primarily at the high school level, allowing her to remain actively engaged in the education system. This experience has given her valuable insight into students' academic and personal development while strengthening her commitment to supporting educational opportunities for Turkish-American youth.
Having followed ATA-DC's activities with great interest for many years, İpar's connection to the organization grew stronger when her daughter participated in the YCAP program. Through this experience, she had the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive cultural and community impact ATA-DC has on young people and families, and she has been inspired by the organization's mission and contributions to the community.
İpar is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Turkish culture and values, strengthening community connections, and supporting the growth and development of young people. She hopes to bring her educational background, organizational experience, and spirit of volunteer service to the ATA-DC Board of Directors and contribute to the organization's continued growth, sustainability, and positive impact on the Turkish-American community.
Mert Ermen Arkan - Board of Director Candidate
I am a DMV-born dual citizen of the United States and Türkiye, and work as an attorney in Washington, DC. I grew up in the area, participating in ATA-DC events for much of my childhood, until moving with my family to Europe in 2006. I returned to the United States for my bachelors and post-graduate education, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Duke University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. My legal area of focus is international trade and customs law. Outside of work, I spend much of my free time with my wife and 3-year old son (and soon, our newborn daughter!) -- one of our past times is trying to identify the best restaurants near playgrounds D.C. has to offer. In my remaining free time, I try to play pick-up soccer whenever I can, and to further de-stress (ha!), I follow Fenerbahce and the Turkish national team.
I have been an ATA-DC Board Member for the last two years, and have supported the Board in expanding its sports-related event offerings, participated in the YCAP program as a featured speaker, and have helped oversee the administrative processes related to procuring grants and declarations from the D.C. government. I hope to continue supporting the Board with these and other activities in my second term.
Nazli Goksoy - Board of Director Candidate
My name is Nazli Goksoy, and I am a student leader, community advocate, and active member of the Turkish-American community in the DMV area. Over the past several years, ATA-DC and the Young Cultural Ambassadors Program (YCAP) have played a major role in helping me strengthen my connection to both my culture and my community. I currently serve as the Coordinator of YCAP, where I help organize meetings and initiatives, coordinate communication between students and guest speakers, and encourage greater youth involvement within the organization.
Through ATA-DC and YCAP, I have volunteered at numerous community and cultural events over the years, including the DC Turkish Festival, embassy events, ATA-DC's school, various youth programs, and community outreach initiatives. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was helping organize and support earthquake relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, where I spent many hours volunteering and assisting with donation and community support initiatives. These experiences taught me the importance of community service, cultural connection, and bringing people together during difficult times.
Outside of ATA-DC, I am the Captain of the Oakton High School Debate Team, where I lead and mentor a division of over 80 students while competing at regional and national tournaments. This spring, I will be graduating from high school and beginning my university studies in the fall. I have also interned with the Mayor of Alexandria and within the legal field, experiences that strengthened my interest in civic engagement, leadership, and public service. In addition, I am currently interning and shadowing professionals at Leidos, where I have been learning more about technology, innovation, project collaboration, and professional development in a corporate environment.
As someone who has grown through ATA-DC and YCAP for many years, I would love the opportunity to give back to the organization in a larger leadership role. I hope to help create new initiatives focused on youth engagement, education, mentorship, and cultural outreach. I would also like to expand opportunities for students and young professionals to become more involved in the community through networking events, volunteer projects, educational workshops, and civic engagement programs. My goal is to help ATA-DC continue building a strong sense of community while also making younger generations feel more connected, represented, and inspired to participate in the future of the organization.
Samir Akseer - Board of Director Candidate
I am a Business Administration student and active volunteer with experience in cultural events and community programs in both Türkiye and United States. I worked with Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı as a cultural representative and volunteered with Kızılay in Türkiye.
I speak four languages, which helps me connect easily with Turkish and Central Asian communities. Since I lived and studied in Türkiye, I am very familiar with Turkish culture and history. As an active participant in ATA-DC events, I would like to serve on the board by supporting festivals and events, working together with board members, and helping strengthen community connections.
Selcuk Oflaz - Board of Director Candidate
I am a Virginia resident of Turkish heritage. Born and raised in Istanbul, Türkiye, I attended Kabataş Erkek Lisesi, where I formed lifelong friendships and grew to cherish the stunning Bosphorus views. That deep connection to my hometown inspired me to complete the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim from Asia to Europe in 2015.
I earned my B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul. During my studies, I broadened my global perspective through an exchange program at the University of Portsmouth, UK, and a technical internship in Athens, Greece with IAESTE. I have always been socially active and outgoing, engaging with diverse cultures while proudly representing Turkish culture and heritage.
After graduation, I lived and worked in Doha, Qatar for nearly seven years, where I met my American wife. Since 2017, we have made Virginia our home. I am proud to be raising two daughters, and we share our home with a cheerful beagle and a cat. I currently work as a Project Manager in the DC metro area, where I apply my engineering background and leadership skills daily. As a proud Turkish-American, I strive to balance embracing American culture with preserving Turkish traditions and raising my children's cultural awareness.
I have been an ATA-DC member since 2021 and have served as a board member since 2024. I deeply value the cultural interactions and connections within our community. I have supported ATA-DC through event volunteering, outreach efforts, and by proudly carrying the Turkish flag at community gatherings. I am eager to continue my volunteerism and service in this next chapter by running for re-election to the ATA-DC Board.
Tolga Ozek - Board of Director Candidate
Tolga Ozek is the founder and Principal Attorney of Ozek Law Firm in Washington D.C. where he leads a legal practice serving clients across the full spectrum of U.S. immigration law, business and corporate matters and civil litigation. He earned his degree from Duke University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in good standing before the bars of New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Texas. In addition to his legal work, he is a frequent voice in Turkish-American media on immigration and investor visa.
A dedicated board member of ATA-DC since 2022, Tolga has consistently devoted his time and professional expertise to strengthening the Turkish-American community in the DMV area, and he is eager to continue serving on the ATADC Board to expand outreach, member engagement, and pro bono support for our community.
Umut Burak Geyikci - Board of Director Candidate
I am a dedicated member of the Turkish-American community, an active musician, and a current member of the ATA-DC Board of Directors. My commitment to our community is driven by a passion for preserving our cultural heritage and fostering strong social ties in the Washington D.C. metro area. Professionally, I bring extensive expertise as an Administrative Services Coordinator for Montgomery County, MD, complemented by a Ph.D. in Finance and a background as an Associate Professor.
This blend of community involvement and academic/administrative rigor allows me to contribute both heart and structure to the organizations I serve. I reside in Germantown with my wife and our two daughters, ages 11 and 18.
ATA-DC’s mission to promote Turkish culture and build lasting friendships between the Turkish and American peoples deeply resonates with me. As a current Board Member, I have had the privilege of working closely with our community to turn these goals into reality, and I am eager to continue this journey.
My involvement over the past two years has been hands-on and multifaceted. Most recently, I served as the Stage Manager for the Turkish Festival, where I coordinated the logistics and technical operations essential to bringing our culture to the public stage. I also regularly support Ataturk School activities and participate in various community events, which keeps me closely connected to the needs of our families and students. I believe that strong communities are built on both passion and sound organization.
My professional role as an Administrative Services Coordinator provides me with the strategic and operational tools to help ATA-DC grow sustainably. By re-electing me to the Board, you are choosing a candidate who understands the needs of our festival and school, backed by professional experience to manage our organizations future effectively.