Our Community Star in June is Gülay Aydemir, President of the Federation of Turkish American Associations (TADF). A passionate leader and dedicated advocate, she has played a vital role in uniting and uplifting the Turkish-American community. From her roots in Karadeniz Ereğli to her distinguished service at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and now her leadership in the US, her journey reflects strength and service. We chose Ms. Aydemir for her outstanding contributions—most recently, leading the successful 42nd Turkish Day Parade in New York, a celebration of culture, inclusion, and community spirit.

By Oya Bain

Our Community Star, Gülay Aydemir opens up about her early life, professional career, move to the US, and her role as a community leader, including the meaningful work behind organizing the annual Turkish Day Parade and Festival. Her story is one of service, strength, and unwavering dedication to the Turkish-American community.

Can you tell us about your early beginnings—your childhood, family, and where you were born?
I was born in Karadeniz Ereğli, a picturesque coastal town on the Black Sea. I am the fifth daughter in a large, loving family of eight siblings—three brothers and five sisters. Our parents were small business owners, hardworking and community-oriented, and they raised us with strong values of integrity, loyalty, and togetherness.
Growing up in such a vibrant and full household had its challenges, but it also brought endless warmth and resilience. At the age of 26, I married a naval officer, and our marriage lasted 18 years. From that union, I was blessed with a daughter—my greatest joy and the most meaningful companion I have had in life.

How did your career path begin, and what led you to your professional roles?
My professional life took shape in a rather disciplined environment. I served as the executive assistant to the operations manager—holding the rank of Colonel—at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. This role gave me invaluable insight into leadership, operations, and military protocol. One of the most unforgettable experiences from that time was attending the launch ceremony of a newly constructed naval ship.
Every document related to that ship had passed through my hands. Witnessing the final unveiling of what had once been a pile of paperwork was a powerful and emotional experience. It gave me a glimpse into the pride felt by those on the frontlines of creation and craftsmanship. That memory still lives vividly within me, reminding me of the meaningful roles we all play behind the scenes.

How did your journey to the United States unfold?
After retiring from my position at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, I decided to move to the United States with my daughter. Initially, our plan was straightforward—she would continue her education here. But things did not quite go as expected. We realized that the local school system did not fully align with her needs. I made the difficult decision to send her back to Türkiye for a while so she could continue her studies there.
Later, she returned to the US for high school. After graduating, she enrolled at Hunter College in New York but later decided to pursue her university studies in the United Kingdom. She earned her law degree there and is currently preparing for the New York Bar exam. Watching her navigate the world so capably has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What inspired you to settle in the US, and what challenges or special memories stand out?
The inspiration came unexpectedly during a family vacation. When my daughter was five years old, we took a one-month road trip across the East Coast—starting in New York and driving all the way to Orlando. Along the way, something shifted in our hearts. On our flight back to Türkiye, we looked at each other and agreed: we would return, not as tourists, but as residents.
In 2010, I formally submitted my retirement, and we began our American chapter. Of course, there were challenges—cultural adjustments, rebuilding life from scratch, navigating unfamiliar systems—but there were also countless moments of discovery and renewal that made it worthwhile.

How did your involvement with the Federation of Turkish American Associations (TADF) begin, and how did you become its president?
It all began quite unexpectedly—like a scene from a classic Turkish film. A friend invited me to a meeting at the Federation about a women’s initiative. Out of curiosity, I went. At the time, Mr. Atilla, the Federation’s president, was reading aloud a draft of an upcoming speech he was preparing for TRT.
As I listened, my instinctive editor mode kicked in. I gently commented that the tone was not quite befitting a federation president—too emotional, not balanced enough. Mr. Atilla paused, turned to me, and asked, “Can you revise it?” I did, right there and then.
That moment sparked a new path. Shortly afterward, I was offered the position of executive director. At the next board meeting, I was unanimously elected to the position. That serendipitous day became the foundation of a meaningful chapter in community leadership.

Tell us about the iconic NYC Turkish Day Parade and your role in organizing it.
The Turkish Day Parade and Festival is the crown jewel of our Federation’s calendar. It is an honor—but also a formidable task—to organize an event of this scale in a city as dynamic as New York. Planning starts several months in advance and involves permit negotiations, safety planning, artist coordination, logistics, and community outreach.
The parade begins on Madison Avenue and 38th Street, culminating in a vibrant festival where artists from Türkiye perform and vendors showcase Turkish culture through food, crafts, and music. Volunteers and sponsors are vital to our success.
In 2025, the 42nd annual parade carried the theme “Individuals with Disabilities.” Our slogan, “We Are All Like a Grain of Wheat,” was designed to spark conversations about inclusion and awareness. It was deeply moving to see the community come together in support of this cause.

Do you plan to include other Turkic communities and diaspora organizations?
Absolutely. This has been a vision of ours for some time. Turkish culture is not confined to Türkiye’s borders. It stretches from the Balkans to Central Asia, from the Caucasus to the Middle East. The Parade is an opportunity to honor this vast, beautiful heritage.
We are actively working to include more ethnic Turkish and Turkic communities—Azerbaijanis, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Gagauz, and more—in our future events. Our dream is to hear Ottoman marches echoing alongside Central Asian drums and to see all brotherly nations represented under a united banner.

How many local organizations are part of TADF’s network?
TADF was established in 1956 and today serves as the umbrella organization for 62 member associations, primarily based in the northeastern US. These groups range from cultural to technical to ethnic organizations, including Azerbaijani and Uzbek communities. The list of member organizations and their work can be found on our website, providing transparency and a valuable connection point.

Do you work on advocacy or political education with the Turkish-American community?
Yes, this is one of our emerging focus areas. We want to encourage Turkish-Americans to be more engaged in US politics and civil society. Our programs include seminars on voting rights, local government structures, and how to get involved in advocacy efforts.
By partnering with other Turkish-American organizations, we aim to amplify our impact and create a politically informed and active community.

What are your current priorities and plans for the future?
These days, I focus entirely on my responsibilities at the Federation. My personal dreams and plans have taken a backseat. They are tucked away for now. When this duty concludes, maybe I will revisit them. For now, everything I do is for the betterment of this community.

Can you tell us about your current family life?
I live in the US with my daughter and our beloved dog, Brooklyn. We have been renting the same home for over a decade from a kind Italian family. The trust and mutual respect between us have kept us there happily.
My daughter’s father, now retired as a Colonel, has remarried and has a young son. So Brooklyn now has a little brother too!
Sadly, I have lost both my parents, my eldest brother, and two of my sisters. But the bond with my remaining siblings is still strong, no matter the distance or time apart.

What are your favorite hobbies or ways to unwind?
My happiest moments are simple: driving with my daughter, music playing, sharing quiet laughter. I also find deep peace in the company of animals. Their unconditional love is healing.
What is your daily inspiration or favorite quote?
Love is not just about words. It is about seeing all beings—silent, flying, rooted—with the same compassion.

What is your proudest moment in life?
Two defining moments come to mind. First, standing at Anıtkabir twice as a female leader, laying a wreath and writing to Atatürk. And second, raising my daughter—an intelligent, compassionate, and principled young woman. She is my greatest personal achievement.

Is there something readers may be surprised to learn about you?
Yes. While I always strive to be kind and fair, I do not hesitate to stand firm and speak up when needed. Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. If someone acts unjustly, I believe in responding in a way they can clearly understand.
Your message to the Turkish-American community?
I offer four key suggestions:
◗ Solidarity across cities and fields
◗ Promote Turkish culture beyond our circle
◗ Engage civically and politically
◗ Empower women—they are our backbone
And finally, a message to TurkNetwork readers: This magazine is a mirror of our community. Support it, share it, contribute to it. Because when it grows, so do we.
It has been a great honor to share my journey with TurkNetwork. Thank you for giving me this platform. ■