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TOA Awards
Honorees on stage at the Turk of America Awards

TOA Awards 2026

The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans

Recognizing extraordinary achievement, leadership and impact across business, science, technology, culture, public service and the Turkish-American community.

Explore the 2026 AwardsMeet the Jury

Presented by TURKOFAMERICA Magazine

New York, 2026

About the Awards

Celebrating excellence. Building legacy.

Since 2002, TURKOFAMERICA, the first Turkish magazine published in the United States, has been dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership, and inspiring stories of Turkish-Americans across the country.

Since 2015, Turk of America Awards have honored the most influential Turkish-Americans through curated lists and prestigious award ceremonies, attended by distinguished leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With the support of an independent Jury and Selection Committee, the program aims to promote excellence, inspire future generations, and strengthen bridges between Türkiye and the United States.

About the Awards

The 2026 edition

This year, we are expanding our recognition program with a broad set of award categories covering business, sports, arts, academia, professional life, public service, innovation, and community leadership. Our aim is to highlight individuals who make meaningful contributions in their fields and serve as strong role models for the next generation.

Nominations closed on March 31, 2026.

Explore the 2026 Awards
names on The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans list
100
major award groups
9
awards within those groups
60
jurors, supported by a 14-member Selection Committee
24

Award categories

9 major award groups and 60 awards, from business and science to the arts, sport and public service.

View all categories

  • Category A: Business & Entrepreneurship Excellence

    Honoring visionary founders and business executives driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

  • Category B: Professional Excellence

    Celebrating top-tier professionals who demonstrate remarkable leadership and influence in their fields — finance, law, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, and public administration — shaping high-impact organizations.

  • Category C: Science, Research & Academia

    Recognizing distinguished scholars and researchers whose scientific discoveries, academic leadership, and intellectual contributions advance knowledge and strengthen global innovation.

  • Category D: Arts, Culture & Media

    Highlighting artists, creators, and cultural leaders who elevate Turkish-American presence through visual and performing arts, literature, journalism, film, and digital media.

  • Category E: Community Leadership & Public Service

    Awarded to individuals and organizations committed to empowering communities, advancing social justice, and serving the public good through advocacy, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

  • Category F: Sports & Athletic Achievement

    Honoring elite athletes, coaches, and sports leaders whose excellence and dedication enhance international representation and inspire future generations.

  • Category G: Technology & Future Industries

    Celebrating innovators shaping tomorrow — from AI and cybersecurity to SpaceTech, CleanTech, BioTech and advanced digital transformation — redefining the future of technology and humanity.

  • Category H: Women of Impact

    Recognizing exceptional women who break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive progress in business, science, public service, and the arts while advancing gender equality.

  • Category I: Special Distinction Awards

    Honoring extraordinary individuals whose impact transcends traditional categories — lifetime legacy builders, global changemakers, immigrant role models, and exceptional emerging leaders reshaping the future.

How honorees are selected

Award recipients will be determined through a rigorous evaluation process overseen by:

  • A distinguished Jury Committee consisting of well-known figures from the Turkish-American community.
  • A dedicated Selection Committee responsible for reviewing submissions, verifying nominee information, and supporting the jury in the final selection.

50

points maximum for each nominee

Final ranking is based on the average score of all jury members.

View evaluation framework

  1. Impact

    Demonstrated influence on community, industry, or society at large

    Score 1–10

  2. Leadership & Influence

    Ability to lead, inspire others, drive positive change

    Score 1–10

  3. Achievement & Growth

    Career success, measurable progress, and milestones

    Score 1–10

  4. Innovation & Originality

    Creative ideas, new technologies, pioneering approaches

    Score 1–10

  5. Social Responsibility & Community Contribution

    Philanthropy, mentorship, cultural engagement and service

    Score 1–10

The Jury

A distinguished Jury of 24 well-known figures from the Turkish-American community, supported by a 14-member Selection Committee.

View all jurors
  • Portrait of Dr. Ata Erim

    Dr. Ata Erim

    Former President of Federation of Turkish American Associations

    New Jersey

  • Portrait of Bonnie Joy Kaslan

    Bonnie Joy Kaslan

    Former Honorary Consul General of Republic of Türkiye, San Francisco Bay Area

    San Francisco, CA

  • Portrait of Ergun Kirlikovali

    Ergun Kirlikovali

    Former President of Assembly of Turkish American Associations / President, Integrated Polymer Industries, Inc.

    Irvine, California

  • Portrait of G. Lincoln McCurdy

    G. Lincoln McCurdy

    International Affairs Professional, Former President of Turkish Coalition of America (TCA)

    Washington, DC

  • Portrait of Dr. Hakan Karalok

    Dr. Hakan Karalok

    Researcher Associate at Yale University School of Medicine

    New York, NY

A legacy of recognition

Since 2015, TOA Awards ceremonies in New York and Washington, DC have honored leaders, innovators and friends of the Turkish-American community.

Explore past awards

  1. 2015

    The 50 Most Influential Turkish-Americans

    Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York

  2. 2016

    The 30 Most Influential Turkish-American Women

    Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York

  3. 2017

    The 40 Under 40 Influential Turkish-Americans

    Marriott Marquis Times Square, Broadway Ballroom, New York

  4. 2018

    Friends of Türkiye

    Harvard Club of New York, New York

  5. 2019

    Outstanding Achievement Awards

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC

  6. 2026

    The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans

    New York

Moments from the ceremonies

View gallery
  • Honorees with their awards at the 2015 ceremony
  • Hosts on stage at a TOA Awards ceremony
  • An award presentation at the 2016 ceremony
  • Guests at a TOA Awards gala
Honorees gathered on stage at a TOA Awards ceremony

Partner with TOA Awards

Align your brand with leaders across business, science, technology, public service and the Turkish-American community, from the gala stage to national and Türkiye media coverage.

Explore Sponsorship OpportunitiesContact Us

Past sponsors & partners

Organizations that have supported the Turk of America Awards.

  • Turkish Philanthropy Funds
  • Turkish American Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • TAIK (Turkey-U.S. Business Council)
  • DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye)
  • American Turkish Council
  • Turkish Coalition of America
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Sierra Nevada Corporation
  • Turkish Airlines
  • VakıfBank New York
  • Comodo
  • Sarar
  • Herrick Feinstein LLP
  • First Republic Bank
  • ADP
  • Alcoa
  • Doğan Holding
  • United Medical
  • Natural Source Group
  • Just English
  • Troy Granite
  • Amerikan Estetik
  • Vintage Food
  • Natural Food Group
  • Flower Box
  • Este World
  • Vocelli Pizza
  • Sasha Bag
  • SolidElectron
  • SOM

Recognize those shaping the future.

Nominations for the 2026 edition closed on March 31, 2026. For questions about the program, contact the TOA Awards team.

Contact the Team