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
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.
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.
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.
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.