THO Team
Turkish Heritage Organization (THO) , a non-profit organization working to promote discussion and dialogue around issues of importance in the U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship as well as Turkey’s role in the international community.

President, Turkish Heritage Organization and Senior Diplomatic Journalist
Executive Director, Turkish Heritage Organization
Research and Policy Analysis
Hollace is an undergraduate student in International Relations, French, and Economics at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Hollace is president of her university’s Model United Nations club and has a deep interest in foreign policy, languages, and international diplomacy. Additionally, through her travels in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, Hollace has gained an appreciation for the importance of international relations and cultural diversity.
Hollace is passionate about issues relating to international security, economic relations, and foreign affairs. Hollace is currently a participant of The Washington Center’s Spring Internship Program, where she hopes to acquire practical skills and understanding to aid in her professional development and future work in foreign relations. As an intern for the Turkish Heritage Organization, Hollace looks forward to gaining knowledge regarding the bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey and its importance in today’s world.
Research and Publications
Crystal Staebell is a recent M.A. graduate of Bogazici University and a graduate of American University studying International Relations in the Middle East. A first-generation Turkish-American, she has focused much of her research on Turkish democratization and aims to learn more about modern political thought. During her time in DC, Crystal has interned at a variety of institutions, including the Cato Institute and the Turkish Coalition of America. She is concurrently working as an Administrative Coordinator for the International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS) and is living in Brussels.
Publications and Events
Lauren Ghantous is a senior at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, a Broward College alum, and a born and raised Floridian. Lauren is currently studying International Relations with a focus in the Middle East and Muslim World Studies at FIU. At her university, she is a part of their UNICEF and IGNITE clubs and is studying Arabic as well. Lauren is interested in policy-making, conflict and peace building, women’s issues, and international affairs. She hopes to gain a deeper understanding to foreign policy and affairs during her time at the Turkish Heritage Organization before going on to earn her master’s degree in International Relations.
Research and Logistics
Chris Garcia is currently in his last semester as an undergraduate at the University of New Hampshire. Chris is working on completing his B.S. in Homeland Security with a double minor in Global Studies and Terrorism Studies. He is passionate about international development, humanitarian aid, and global security, and is delighted by the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a larger conversation about US-Turkish relations. Through his time with the Turkish Heritage Organization, Chris hopes to take a strong first step into the field of international relations and development.
Research and Policy Analysis
Anyssa's fascination with nuclear energy and her passion for defense/security studies has led her to pursue a career in the federal service as a nuclear material and regional security specialist. In preparation for this role, she engaged in post-nuclear recovery research in Hiroshima, Japan as a 2018 Benjamin A. Gilman scholar. In 2019 and 2020, she was selected as a Critical Language Scholarship recipient for Turkish. Through C.L.S., she has earned proficiency in Turkish and Azerbaijani. She is currently an undergraduate and Jack Kent Cooke scholar at Swarthmore College. When Anyssa is not busy exploring new topics, she likes to draw cartoons and share discussions on all topics, ranging from Minecraft to philosophy. Anyssa loves fencing and is an avid Renaissance-fair goer.
Publications
A senior at Montclair State University, Danielle McDonald is an international student who was born and raised in The Bahamas. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a double minor in French and Global Security & Diplomacy. She is also a candidate for the Master’s in Law & Governance program at her university. On campus, Danielle is the Vice President of the International Student Organization and is genuinely passionate about languages, cultural diversity and engagement. In 2019, Danielle engaged in social justice research in Paris, France which was a significant component for her French-language proficiency. Her interests lie with issues relating to international development, human rights, and humanitarian emergencies. Danielle is ecstatic about her internship at the Turkish Heritage Organization as she advances in her professional development and aims to gain a deeper understanding of US-Turkey relations and the scope of foreign affairs.