TOA Awards 2026
Jury evaluation system & scoring framework
Each nominee is evaluated according to 5 universal criteria, complemented by category-specific considerations.
Scoring criteria
| Criteria | Description | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ImpactDemonstrated influence on community, industry, or society at large | Demonstrated influence on community, industry, or society at large | 1–10 |
| 2. Leadership & InfluenceAbility to lead, inspire others, drive positive change | Ability to lead, inspire others, drive positive change | 1–10 |
| 3. Achievement & GrowthCareer success, measurable progress, and milestones | Career success, measurable progress, and milestones | 1–10 |
| 4. Innovation & OriginalityCreative ideas, new technologies, pioneering approaches | Creative ideas, new technologies, pioneering approaches | 1–10 |
| 5. Social Responsibility & Community ContributionPhilanthropy, mentorship, cultural engagement and service | Philanthropy, mentorship, cultural engagement and service | 1–10 |
Maximum score50
Final ranking is based on the average score of all jury members.
Category-specific considerations
These are evaluation focus points that complement the main scoring rubric.
A. Business & Entrepreneurship Excellence
Evaluators may consider:
- Job creation and organizational growth
- Capital raised, expansion into new markets
- Strategic innovation and business model transformation
- Contribution to U.S.–Türkiye economic relations
Evidence: Financial metrics, investment records, press coverage, patents, revenue growth, industry awards
B. Professional Excellence
Evaluators may consider:
- Leadership role and influence within the organization
- Reputation and sector-wide recognition
- Contributions to major initiatives or key projects
Evidence: Promotions, peer recognition, certifications, client/industry impact
C. Science, Research & Academia
Evaluators may consider:
- Peer-reviewed publications and citation impact (H-index, etc.)
- Scientific discoveries, patents, major grants/funding
- Contribution to scientific collaboration between U.S. and Türkiye
Evidence: Research output, awards, teaching impact, presentations
D. Arts, Culture & Media
Evaluators may consider:
- Cultural influence and national/international visibility
- Positive representation of Turkish identity and heritage
- Audience reach, engagement and creative innovation
Evidence: Film/TV credits, exhibitions, distribution/viewership, media metrics, critical reviews
E. Community Leadership & Public Service
Evaluators may consider:
- Community empowerment and advocacy initiatives
- Public diplomacy, civic leadership and diaspora engagement
- Youth mentorship and volunteering outcomes
Evidence: Program impact, fundraising achievements, stakeholder testimonials
F. Sports & Athletic Achievement
Evaluators may consider:
- Professional achievements in national/international sports
- Representation of Turkish-American presence in athletics
- Youth mentorship and sports community development
Evidence: Statistics, championship history, coaching impact
G. Technology & Future Industries
Evaluators may consider:
- Disruptive innovation in fields such as AI, SpaceTech, CleanTech, HealthTech, Cybersecurity
- Patents, commercial launches and product adoption
- Funding success and global influence
Evidence: IP portfolio, R&D deliverables, user adoption, strategic partnerships
H. Women of Impact
Evaluators may consider:
- Breaking gender barriers and increasing representation
- Impact on women’s empowerment in their field
- Advocacy for gender equality and social inclusion
Evidence: Programs, leadership roles, community influence
I. Special Distinction Awards
Award-specific factors apply:
- Lifetime Achievement: 20+ years of sustained excellence & legacy
- Outstanding Immigrant Story: inspirational personal journey
- Cross-Cultural Impact: strengthening U.S.–Türkiye relations
- NextGen Leadership (Under 30): high future-impact potential
- Global Impact Award: international-scale success
- Legacy Builder / Mentor Award: long-term investment in developing others
- Partnership & Bilateral Relations Builder: collaborations fostering economic/cultural bridges
Jury scoring sheet
Official template
Turk of America Awards: Jury Evaluation Sheet
- Nominee name:
- Award category:
| Evaluation criteria | Score (1–10) |
|---|---|
| 1. Impact | |
| 2. Leadership & Influence | |
| 3. Achievement & Growth | |
| 4. Innovation & Originality | |
| 5. Social Responsibility & Community Contribution |
Total score: ______ / 50
- Jury member:
- Signature / Date: