Our Story
Our Mission
TURANT's mission is to preserve Turkish culture, support our community, and build bridges between cultures.
The Turkish American Association of North Texas provides cultural events, educational programs, and community support. We are a 100% volunteer-run, culturally-focused nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
No community should be without cultural connection. TURANT is preserving Turkish heritage in North Texas.
Our latest events
For 50 years, TURANT has served as the cultural heart of the Turkish-American community in North Texas.
TURANT is dedicated to preserving Turkish heritage, supporting our community members, and building bridges between Turkish and American cultures.
Cultural preservation is vital to community identity. Our programs connect generations and keep traditions alive. Most families in our community deeply value this connection to their heritage.
Our goal is to ensure Turkish culture thrives for generations to come.
Our Community
Over 2,000 families served through cultural programs and community support.
Membership in TURANT directly supports our mission to preserve Turkish culture and strengthen our community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
We need your help to continue bringing cultural events, educational programs, and community support to Turkish-American families in the region.
What we've done
50 years of serving our community
TURANT has been involved in cultural outreach throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region. We host annual cultural events, educational programs, and community gatherings.
We have established scholarship programs, youth initiatives, and partnerships with local institutions. We provide ongoing support to Turkish-American families and serve as a cultural bridge between communities.
As a member, you can consider participating in our cultural events, volunteering your time, and supporting our mission. Get to know our community and join us in preserving Turkish heritage for future generations.
A Case for Support
See where we've been
Our History
Our Beginning
TURANT was established as a nonprofit organization to preserve Turkish culture and support Turkish-American families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The founders initiated the organization during their residency in the region.
Growing Community
The organization expanded its reach with regular cultural events, language classes, and community gatherings. This period marked the establishment of annual traditions that continue today.
Cultural Programs
TURANT launched comprehensive cultural programs including folk dance groups, Turkish language schools, and youth engagement initiatives to connect younger generations with their heritage.
Community Center
The organization grew significantly with increased membership and expanded programming. New partnerships with local institutions helped amplify our cultural mission.
Scholarship Program
TURANT established formal scholarship programs to support Turkish-American students in higher education, investing in the future of our community.
50th Anniversary
Celebrating five decades of cultural preservation, community building, and bridging Turkish and American cultures in North Texas.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Our dedicated Board of Directors works tirelessly to serve the Turkish-American community in North Texas.
Dr. Hatice Gonca Usta
Dr. Hatice Gonca Usta
Dr. Hatice Gonca Usta is an Associate Professor with deep expertise in statistics, measurement, and data analysis. She earned her undergraduate degree in Primary Mathematics Education from Baskent University and her master's and doctoral degrees in Measurement and Evaluation from Ankara University. She later transitioned into industry and worked as a Data Engineer in the United States, applying advanced statistical knowledge to large-scale data pipelines and analytics systems.
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Associate Professor with expertise in statistics, measurement, and data analysis.
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Huricihan Taskonak
Huricihan Taskonak
Huricihan Taskonak is an accomplished finance expert currently working as a Costing Analyst at PepsiCo. She has an academic background in mathematics and earned her MBA from Yildiz Technical University. During her time in Turkey, she held managerial positions at UIP (Universal & Paramount Pictures) and ECE Turkey.
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Costing Analyst at PepsiCo with academic background in mathematics.
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Nimet Kara
Nimet Kara
A 1990 graduate of Istanbul Technical University, Nimet Kara worked for 23 years in engineering and management on construction projects in Istanbul for major companies such as Sabanci Holding, Suzer, and Eczacibasi Holding.
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1990 graduate of Istanbul Technical University with 23 years in engineering.
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Ipek Imren Rudd
Ipek Imren Rudd
Ipek Imren Rudd was born in Ankara, Turkey and raised in Dallas, Texas. She is a graduate of L.V. Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas and attended Texas A&M University – College Station. In 2023 Ipek completed her Master of Science in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and currently works as a Tax Specialist at CAPTRUST Financial Advisors.
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Tax Specialist at CAPTRUST Financial Advisors with extensive volunteer experience.
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Aylin Gomez
Aylin Gomez
Aylin Gomez is a commercial photographer and business professional with a strong passion for community building and cultural engagement. She works as a freelance photographer specializing in events, weddings, portrait, and newborn photography.
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Commercial photographer with a strong passion for community building.
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Alev Wieland
Board Trustee
Naci Kavrar
Board Trustee
Erdal Sipahi
Board Trustee
Ready to get involved?
Ready to make a difference? Join our community of dedicated volunteers and help us preserve Turkish culture for future generations.