who we are

Established in 2020, TACAWA Social Support Network is a social platform for Turkish Americans with a mission to connect those who seek help with those who are willing to offer help. The platform will be functioning under the umbrella of TACAWA, Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington, a non-profit organization (501c) serving Turkish American Community in Pacific Northwest since 1973. Currently this platform is being managed by a committee of volunteers bringing together over 100 years of combined experience in non-profits and social affairs.

Please meet our respected committee members.

Ersin Ozer

Co-chair

Ersin Ozer has over 10 years of experience working with non-profits and social support platforms. He previously served on the board of directors of several US Non-Profits. Most recently he is actively engaged in connecting the Turkish American Professionals in the US.

 

Ulku Tuna Umay

Member

Ulku has been in the education field for the past 15 years working in different positions. Because of the frequent moves, she has had the opportunity to teach in several different countries. Ulku has been a part of the Turkish Community in Seattle since 2014. She enjoys sharing good food with friends and family.

Bengu Bostanci

member

Bengu Bostanci has been living in the Puget Sound area for 20 years. She is currently the director of the American Turkish Academy of Washington (ATA-WA). Prior to that, worked as an elementary, middle, and high school science teacher in Ankara, Turkey and Lake Washington School District. She is actively involved with education-related nonprofit organizations. She served on her daughters’ school parent association board for 5 years and still volunteers on different projects. She is married and has two daughters.

Ezgi Ucaner-Flor

Financial Coordinator

As a specialist in International Economic Development, Ezgi’s expertise lies in expanding innovative financial solutions to provide financial access to lower income populations and small businesses. She has been involved with diverse aspects of the financial inclusion process with key institutions across numerous countries in Africa, Central Asia, MENA, Latin America.

Serpil Ingec

member

Serpil Ingec has been a teacher in American Turkish Academy of Washington (ATA-WA) for 3 years. She has been playing an active role in community events since she relocated to Seattle 20 years ago. Serpil enjoys oil painting and reading.

Sibel ozcubukcu

Secretary

Sibel is a  software developer running her own website design and development business. She was born and raised in Izmir, Turkey. She has been a member of Turkish community in Seattle for more than 20 years. She enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking and spending time with her three children.

 

Bugra Tari

member

Software Engineer for 15 years, native to Istanbul, Bugra Tari feels very privileged to be welcomed by a distinguished group within the Turkish community in Seattle that will make him shift the focus to pass on existing knowledge and experience new activities to contribute towards a collective positive impact on others.

Pelin Muharremoglu

member

Pelin is a corporate finance professional, who assumed diverse set of responsibilities in Fortune 100 companies, including team leadership and project and process management. She enjoys reading and volunteering for causes related to education and economic empowerment.

Seda Terek

Seda Terek

member

Born and raised in Istanbul, Seda got her master’s degree in civil engineering from Boğaziçi University. She and her husband moved to Seattle area in 1994 and raised their two kids who are college students now. She has volunteered for several nonprofits including public schools and women’s shelters. She is a founding member of ATA-WA and has served in its board for several years. She is a long time knitter and quilter who also enjoys the outdoors; hiking, biking, skiing and running.

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