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TOA Awards
Honorees gathered on stage at a TOA Awards ceremony

TOA Awards 2026

The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans

9 major award groups, 60 awards and an independent Jury recognizing Turkish-Americans who shape their fields and communities.

Nominations closed on March 31, 2026.

Announcing the 2026 edition of The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans

Dear Friends of the Turkish-American Community,

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. We are pleased to announce that the 2026 edition of The 100 Most Influential Turkish-Americans is now being organized.

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.

We look forward to your participation in celebrating the individuals shaping the future of the Turkish-American community.

Warm regards,
TURKOFAMERICA Magazine

Application timeline

Nominations closed on March 31, 2026.

  1. Applications open

  2. Application deadline

  3. Announcement of award recipients

How to apply

Nominations are submitted through the official nomination form. Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.

The nomination form is closed for the 2026 edition.

Selection process

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.

Maximum score: 50 points. Final ranking is based on the average score of all jury members.

How honorees are selected

  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

Award categories

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.

The Jury

Meet 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

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