Operating under the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)
We are a youth-led council connecting young Turkish Americans ages 14–24 across Northern California through leadership development, cultural connection, mentorship, civic engagement, and community service.
Who We Are
As the Turkish American community grows across Northern California, young people need more than one-off events. They need a structured, youth-centered platform for sustained participation, mentorship, and leadership development. The ATAA NorCal Turkish American Youth Council is that platform.
Youth-led in its programming and leadership, and guided by adult advisors and ATAA oversight, the Council creates a consistent pathway for high school students, college students, graduate students, and young adults to lead, serve, and stay connected to their heritage.
Purpose
To support and expand youth participation by fostering leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. The Council is dedicated to empowering young people to grow as confident individuals, effective team members, and capable leaders by creating opportunities that strengthen cultural identity, encourage civic responsibility, and build a vibrant and sustainable youth community.
To cultivate a generation of youth leaders who are deeply connected to their cultural heritage, empowered through educational opportunities, and prepared to contribute confidently on a global stage. We envision an active, engaged, and committed youth network that creates meaningful impact within the Turkish American community locally and nationwide while carrying forward the mission and values of the organization for generations to come.
What We Do
Youth leadership forums and hands-on training that build public speaking, teamwork, and project management skills.
College-readiness, graduate school, and career panels connecting students with real pathways and role models.
Mentorship connecting youth with professionals, educators, and community leaders, plus alumni who stay involved.
Programs celebrating Turkish and Turkic history, language awareness, arts, and community identity.
Service projects and civic awareness initiatives that create visible impact throughout Northern California.
Founding Officers
President
Bartu Milci is a tenth grader at The Harker School in San Jose, California. He is passionate about biology, math, and journalism. During the summer of 2025, he attended a three-week CTY camp at Johns Hopkins University where he learned about anatomy and physiology. Bart also attended an internship at a genetics laboratory in the summer of 2026. At school, he takes part in the research, neuroscience, psychology, and bioinformatics clubs and is an officer on medical club. 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 four 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.
Vice President · President-Elect
Deniz Ertem is a ninth-grade student at The Harker School in San Jose, California. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Turkish, and has been studying Spanish for over three years. At school, Deniz participates in DECA and plays varsity girls soccer. She is particularly interested in psychology and neuroscience and enjoys learning more about how the brain and human behavior work. Outside of school, Deniz is actively involved in her community through volunteering at climate change awareness events and carnivals for children. She also enjoys participating in community service activities and babysitting. In her free time, Deniz enjoys walking, traveling to new places, and learning about different cultures. Through her academic interests, extracurricular activities, and community involvement, she strives to make a positive impact on those around her.
Treasurer
Destan is an eighth-grade student in San Jose, California. He is bilingual, speaking both English and Turkish, and is currently studying Spanish. Outside of school, Destan participates in boxing and plays the saxophone. He is also involved in community service and charitable activities. By engaging in his studies, extracurricular activities, and community service, he aims to become a better student while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Secretary
Zeynep keeps the Council organized and transparent by maintaining meeting minutes, decision records, membership summaries, and transition documentation for the Executive Board.
Advisor
Dr. Milci mentors and coaches the Council's officers, supporting the team in planning and leading initiatives with adult guidance aligned with ATAA policies and safe youth programming practices.
How We Operate
The Council is a regional youth initiative of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), not a separate legal entity. We follow ATAA policies, ethical standards, branding guidelines, financial procedures, and Board approvals in everything we do.
Programming and leadership development are youth-led, with guidance from a designated adult advisor and an ATAA Board Liaison. Programs involving minors follow appropriate safety practices, parental permissions, and supervision expectations.
Standing committees keep our work moving: Programs & Events, Social Media, and Community Outreach & Partnerships, each reporting to the Executive Board.
Members, officers, advisors, and volunteers act with respect, honesty, responsibility, inclusiveness, and professionalism. We welcome eligible members without discrimination, consistent with applicable law and ATAA values.
Membership
Membership is open to youth ages 14–24 who support the mission and values of the Council and have a meaningful connection to Northern California or ATAA-affiliated youth programs. Join early to follow us on this journey.
Aged out of youth membership? Stay involved as an alum, mentor, volunteer, or committee advisor.