Inspiring Change: Young Minds, Global Goals - Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)

ATAA UN Related Announcement #38

In commemoration of the 87th Anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s passing, and
in support of the World Science Day for Peace and Development (UNESCO 31 C/Resolution 20) (10 November)

Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)

Presents a Webinar on

**Inspiring Change: Young Minds, Global Goals
Sunday, November 16, 2025
**

Language: English

On November 16, 2025, The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), will hold a virtual event titled**“Inspiring Change: Young Minds, Global Goals” in commemoration of the87 th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s passing and in support of World Science Day** , UNESCO 31/C Res. 20 | 10 November. World Science Day for Peace and Development.

Background

Celebrated each year on November 10 , World Science Day for Peace and Development serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role science plays in advancing society and promoting human well-being. It emphasizes the importance of engaging the broader public in meaningful dialogue about emerging scientific challenges and ethical responsibilities, while highlighting the profound relevance of science in our everyday lives.

By fostering a stronger connection between science and society, this day seeks to ensure that citizens remain informed about scientific progress and innovation. It also pays tribute to the indispensable contributions of scientists—those who expand the boundaries of human understanding and help build a more sustainable and equitable world. While science has the potential to uplift and transform lives, it also demands the highest standards of responsibility and integrity to prevent misuse that could harm humanity.

In this program, we honor the remarkable achievements of pioneering medical scientists whose discoveries have safeguarded humanity from deadly diseases and saved countless lives.

For Turkish youth , this day holds even deeper significance. Inspired by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , the visionary founder and first President of the Republic of Türkiye, they uphold his timeless principle: “Peace at home, peace in the world.” Wherever they reside, Turkish youth strive to embody this ideal by contributing to peace, progress, and sustainability in their communities.

This November 10 also marks the 87 th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s passing. On this solemn occasion, Turkish youth remember and honor his enduring legacy—dedicating this program to the young people of the world, whose curiosity, courage, and compassion continue to shape a brighter future for all.

Program

_Opening Remarks and Introduction by
_

**Alev Wieland
**ATAA President

Moderator and Program Comments by _
_

**Dr. Selim Erhan
**ATAA UN Committee Co-Chair &
Board of Trustees Member

Youth Speakers

**Kaan Güleryüz
**Why Ocean Science Belongs in Every High School Classroom:
A Student’s Perspective on Building Sustainable Societies

**Kaya Kuşcu
**A Holistic Approach to Achieving United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

**Bartu Milci
**Plastic Eating Bacteria Helping Develop and Sustain the Earth

**Burak Can Ünlüsoy
**When Politics Divide, Science Unites

Upcoming Program Announcement by

**Yücel Burdurlu
**ATAA Secretary &
UN Committee Co-Chair

_Closing Remarks by
_

**Alev Wieland
**ATAA President

Biographies

**Kaan Güleryüz
**

Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois

Kaan Güleryüz is a freshman student at Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois, USA, combining academic excellence with a passion for sports and the environment. Enrolled in an honors biology course, he explores scientific concepts that deepen his interest in ocean ecosystems and their global impact.

As a tennis player, he builds strategic thinking and endurance, skills he channels into environmental advocacy. In his talk, he shares a student’s perspective on how ocean science can empower youth to build sustainable societies.

Kaya Kuşcu

Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois

Kaya Kuşcu is currently a sophomore at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, USA. He demonstrates a strong academic interest in the fields of engineering, mathematics, and science, as well as in international and geopolitical affairs. His introduction to the United Nations and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals occurred during his enrollment in an Advanced Placement Human Geography course, which sparked a passion for addressing global challenges through scientific and engineering solutions.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Kaya is a dedicated and accomplished athlete. He competes in cross country, track, and swimming, having qualified for state-level competitions. Kaya is multilingual—he is fluent in both English and Turkish and possesses intermediate proficiency in Spanish. Additionally, Kaya has been playing piano for 11 years and has been giving recitals at senior living communities on weekends as a volunteer.

Bartu Milci

Harker School in San Jose, California

Bartu Milci is a ninth grader at The Harker School in San Jose, California. He is passionate about biology and math. During the summer of 2025, he attended a three week CTY camp at Johns Hopkins University where he learned about anatomy and physiology. At school, he takes part in the medical, research, neuroscience, psychology, and bioinformatics clubs. Bartu also acts as a junior coach for Harker Middle School science bowl team while competing in science bowl himself. He enjoys conducting biology based research as well.

Bartu competes in many math competitions, earning 1st place in HMI, a distinguished honor roll in BMT, and honors rolls in many other competitions. Bartu is also bilingual, speaking both English and Turkish and has been studying French for over three years. In his desire to be involved in his community, he has joined the ATAA Youth Committee. Bartu also plays water polo at his school team. In his free time, he enjoys folding origami, playing piano, reading books, and traveling to new countries and learning about their cultures.

Burak Can Ünlüsoy

Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, New Jersey

Burak Can Ünlüsoy is a creative and hands-on high school senior at Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, New Jersey, who is passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and turning ideas into reality. He has earned the Summo Award for academic excellence, and the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy.

Burak has recently completed a summer internship at Dokuz Eylül University in Türkiye, where he combined his love of learning with real-world experience in aerospace engineering. He also enjoys working with his hands, creating custom metal and wood projects. Always eager to explore, innovate, and understand how things work, Burak Can channels his energy into turning concepts into practical solutions.

Project Team

**Alev Wieland
**

ATAA President

Alev Wieland has Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Cincinnati, OH. Worked for Balcan Engineering at Proctor of Gamble as Project Engineer for 7 years. She retired from PepsiCo, Inc-AMEA Capability Director in 2012.

Alev has extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Product Life Cycle Management, Equipment and Processes Development. Project Management, Construction Management, Food Manufacturing, Paper Converting, Cosmetics and Laundry Soap Industries. She has solid understanding of Engineering, Manufacturing and Operations Processes. She is an expert in ISO 9001 and GMP Certifications and Standards. Alev is the CEO of Manufacturing Excellence Technical Services and Alev Cosmetics.

Alev has been serving as the President-Elect of ATAA since May 2024. She served on the ATAA Board of Directors as the Southwest Region Vice President from 2020 to 2024 and as First Vice President from October 2023 to May 2024. Alev also serves as the co-Chair of the ATAA UN Relations Committee and Chair of the ATAA Newsletter Committee.

She is the Secretary General and NGO Relations Director Contemporary Education Foundation (COEDFO) since 2013, has been responsible for organizational communication, meetings management, documentation, website management. As the Trustee and active member of the Turkish American Association of Northern Texas (TURANT), she has been providing organizational operations support to its elected board members and helping with executions of projects since 2000.

Since 2008, Alev takes active role at her local Main Street Organization and International Community, helps with organizations of the major festivals that is proven to become the key events that provides income to the city. She served as President of Cincinnati Turkish American Association (CTAA) from 1994 to 1996.

Since 2023 Alev serves as the Trustee of the Turkish American Visual and Performing Arts (TAVPA).

Since March 2024, Alev is serving Dallas Turkish Businesswomen’s Network as the Advisor.

Association of Northern Texas (TURANT), she has been providing organizational operations support to its elected board members and helping with executions of projects since 2000.

Since 2023 Alev serves as the Trustee of the Turkish American Visual and Performing Arts (TAVPA).

Since March 2024, Alev is serving Dallas Turkish Businesswomen’s Network as the Advisor.

**Dr. Selim Erhan
**

ATAA UN Committee Co-Chair & Board of Trustees Member

Dr. Selim Erhan was born in Istanbul Turkey. After graduating with a chemical engineering degree from the University of Istanbul, he continued his studies at Western Michigan University with a Ph.D. in Polymer-Organic Chemistry. After teaching at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Lake Michigan College, he started a research career first at the USDA’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, IL. He continued his career in the private industry, working on application of bio-based products to industrial applications.

Dr. Erhan started actively working on introducing Turkey and the Turkish Culture in USA while studying at Western Michigan University in 1980. He joined the Turkish American Cultural Alliance in 2000 and became active in educational activities and in 2009. He was the co-founder of the highly successful TACA – Public Outreach Program, aiming at educating middle school, high school and university students on important issues. The Public Outreach Organization brought speakers like Prof. Justin McCarthy, Prof. Turkkaya Ataov, Emre Kongar and Lincoln McCurdy.

In 2013 he joined TACA’s Board of Directors and became the Director of the Ataturk School and the Adult Turkish School. Continued as the TACA Public Outreach Chair preparing seminars and conferences to reach out and enlighten the public in the Midwest region.

Dr. Erhan was elected as ATAA’s Midwest Region VP 2015 to 2019. He has continued working at ATAA, helped to form the UN Committee and was instrumental to form the highly successful Turkish American Presidents Group under ATAA, improving communications with the Component Associations in USA and pulling in similar Turkish organizations from Canada. In 2022, he was elected to ATAA’s Board of Trustees.

**Yücel Burdurlu
**

ATAA Secretary & UN Committee Co-Chair

Yücel Burdurlu was born and raised in Istanbul Türkiye. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hacettepe University Ankara Turkey, she continued her graduate studies at California State University Long Beach.

After graduating, she started a career in private industry working on applied and theoretical research on coatings and coating raw materials. Yucel worked for Imperial Chemical Industries formerly known as ICI Paints North America in their Strongsville Research Center most of her career in the international innovation team where she was involved variety of interesting projects in collaboration with their Slough Laboratory in Slough, England, ICI France in Rouge, France and ICI South America Research Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Next, Yucel worked for BUNGE Oils North America where, she worked with inorganic synthesis of anticorrosive pigments and tested them in collaboration with Batelle Laboratories in Columbus Ohio, University of Southern Mississippi and Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas.

Presently, Yucel is with True Value Manufacturing in Cary Illinois as a Research Chemist. Yucel lives in the suburbs of Chicago. She joined TACA’s Board of Directors in 2013-2015 and she was the Director of the Ataturk School and the Adult Turkish School 2014-2015.

Yucel also has been a member of the Chicago Turkish Festival Planning Committee and a volunteer in the festival since 2013 and has served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Chicago Turkish festivals in 2016 and 2018. Yucel is planning to continue working on bringing Turkish and American groups together using her organization skills, people skills, education skills and her passion for harmony and peace.

For further inquiries, please e-mail uncommittee@ataa.org, president@ataa.org (Alev Wieland, ATAA President) or selim.erhan251@gmail.com (Selim Erhan, ATAA UN Committee Co-Chair)

Websites: www.ataa.org | www.ataa.org/u-n

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